7 Guidelines for Anti-Ligature LCD Enclosures

At mental healthcare institutions, prisons and hospitals, the safety of patients and prisoners is a top priority. Many healthcare facilities require companies to supply them with products that are rated “anti-ligature” (or ligature resistant) to protect patients and prisoners from harming themselves and/or others. It is particularly popular for lounges and activity rooms to have LCD enclosures installed, so that individuals can watch TV and relax. However, facilities must take into consideration the area that the LCD will be used and choose the safest possible solution to avoid injury.

Many patients co-existing in a mental healthcare facility are at risk for harming themselves and other patients. Minimizing these risks is the key to maintaining patient health.

Choosing the correct anti-ligature LCD enclosure can be difficult, but following the 7 guidelines below will help in the overall selection process.

The enclosure should mount flush against the wall with a mounting pattern (typically the VESA pattern that matches the LCD). This allows the enclosure to mount directly on the wall, and greatly reduces individuals from tampering with the enclosure/LCD and injuring themselves.
The LCD enclosure must feature a sloped top design that completely encloses the electronics.
Electrical cables and cords should not be visible outside of the enclosure and must be skillfully concealed within the enclosure.
A polycarbonate viewing window should be installed on the front of the enclosure to protect against impact and any foreign objects that may be thrown at the LCD. According to doityourself.com, “Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that is exceedingly tough, resistant to ultraviolet rays, and provides an attractive look… Polycarbonate panels are finding use in an increasing number of scenarios. They are virtually unbreakable and can withstand massive force.” Polycarbonate makes for an ideal window!
Sharp or harsh edges that can cut or injure someone are never permitted on an anti-ligature LCD enclosure. All edges must be rounded to, again, protect the patient or prisoner from being harmed.
For the LCD to operate within appropriate temperatures, it is advisable to have ventilated sides and exhaust to maintain an accurate operating temperature.
Recessed security screws and unique key locking latches should be installed to prevent any type of tampering and to deter patients from using their fingers to open the LCD enclosure.

Additional considerations may include sound holes located on the enclosure. The actual location of the sound holes will vary and are based off of the speaker location(s) for the specific LCD the facility is using.

In addition, it may be preferable to use an interior articulating display mount that allows access behind the LCD to service the media player.

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