Many of the products specified by architects in patient rooms of behavioral health facilities are subject to careful scrutiny by design leaders in an effort to determine their impact on resident and staff safety, as well as their functionality and durability.
Nearly every psychiatric hospital and secure health care facility uses televisions as a form of patient treatment. The standard hardware used on these televisions can pose a significant risk due to the unprotected brackets and exposed cables.
Anti-ligature TV enclosures are secure devices that eliminates any opportunity for objects to be attached to it, while at the same time safely housing the TV inside a robust, secure housing.
ACRM – Accessible Architecture and Acoustic Masking for Behavioral Health Part 1: A Guide for Architects discusses factors to consider when specifying Sound masking systems in behavioral health architectural designs.
The Role of Anti-Ligature Equipment in Facility Design
Outdoor components of a psychiatric facility pose a number of environmental health and safety concerns, especially if they are used extensively by patients or as treatment venues. The design of an on-plant recycling program is a key component of environmental protection in the solid waste management system of a psychiatric hospital. The selection of equipment for patient areas is crucial to reducing hazards to patients and others. Such products and materials should be robust and relatively easy to maintain.
Anti-ligature equipment by definition stops ligature by removing any accessible attachment points and also by protecting any devices that are fixed inside the space to prevent them from being tampered with or damaged.
Televisions are often identified as part of our safety studies and are a key aspect to take into account when designing protective enclosures such as TV cabinet and lounges.
Key Design Features of Behavioral Health TV Enclosures
Architect Specification Guide for Ligature-Safe TV Enclosures.
Behavioral health TV systems incorporate several design elements that support safety and reliability.
Common features include:
- Sloped surfaces that prevent attachment points
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Tamper-resistant fasteners
- Impact-resistant viewing windows
- Secure wall mounting systems
- Ventilation openings for electronics
Together, these features allow televisions to remain functional while minimizing environmental risks.
Material and Construction Considerations
Architects specifying anti-ligature equipment often consider both durability and long-term maintenance requirements.
Steel enclosures are often used in our designs due to their structural integrity and ability to withstand impact. In addition, they can be provided with a powder-coated finish, that not only provides a durable and maintenance-free surface, but that also looks clean and tidy and it in line with the aesthetic expectations of a Healthcare environment.
Our viewing panels are made from Impact resistant polycarbonate allowing for a clear viewing experience and protecting the tv screen.
Installation Options
Anti-ligature TV enclosures are generally available in two installation styles:
- Surface mounted enclosures, which attach directly to the wall surface.
- Low Profile Recessed Enclosures are installed partially within the wall cavity.
Both options provide effective safety features when properly designed and installed.
Applications in Behavioral Health Facilities
Protective TV cases are often specified by architects who require a safe environment in a building.
These include:
- Behavioral health hospitals
- Psychiatric patient rooms
- Correctional facilities
- Detention centers
- Rehabilitation units
It is important to recognize the type of housing required in order to assure that televisions will remain safe, secure and fully operational in such locations.
Related Behavioral Health Safety Guides
Complete Guide to Behavioral Health TV Casings
Surface vs Recessed Secure TV Casings
Protective TV Enclosure Installation Guide
Understanding Ligature Risk in Behavioral Health Facilities
Designing Safe Behavioral Health Patient Rooms
Anti-Ligature Equipment for Behavioral Health Facilities
Behavioral Health TV Safety Guide