Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 31,000 people taking their life annually.  1,500 suicides occur annually in hospitals (1); it is also the leading cause of death while incarcerated (2). Ligature strangulation (hanging) is the primary means used to end one’s life in these environments.

When I posted about Schlage’s anti-ligature knob many of you asked about a lever version, and Schlage has now introduced an anti-ligature lever option for the L9000 mortise lock.  The Schlage SL1 lever, SK1 knob, anti-ligature cylinder ring and thumbturn can be used along with Ives anti-ligature hinges to minimize the risks of self-inflicted injury on doors in health care and detention occupancies.

Things you should know…

  • Anti-ligature trim is designed with minimal seams, angled surfaces, and concealed or recessed fasteners.
  • Schlage anti-ligature trim is available in 630 satin stainless steel or 630AM satin stainless anti-microbial finishes.
  • The SL1 lever has a built-in clutch that allows it to swing down when excessive force is applied and then be reset by returning the lever to the normal position.
  • The lever and thumbturn meet the requirements for the ADA and other accessibility standards.
  • Schlage anti-ligature trim meets the requirements for the Buy American Act (BAA).
  • Templating for the door prep does not change, and conversion kits are available to convert existing Schlage mortise locks to anti-ligature trim.
  • Most functions are available – order by specifying L9000 series locks with either SL1 (levers) or SK1 (knobs) in the handle field, and XL12-482 (levers) or XL11-000 (knobs) in the option field.
  • Available for 1-3/4″ thick doors with sectional trim only (no escutcheon trim).
  • The SL1 anti-ligature levers will begin shipping in May 2011; the SK1 knob and thumbturn/cylinder are available now.

Resources:
Whole Building Design Guide, a program of the National Institute of Building Sciences
Design Guide for the Built Environment of Behavioral Health Facilities: Edition 4.1, by David Sine and James Hunt
Common Mistakes in Designing Psychiatric Facilities, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
The epidemiology and prevention of suicide by hanging: a systematic review, International Journal of Epidemiology

References:  1 – Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 – US Dept of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Mortality in Local Jails 2000-2007.

 

 

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