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When specifying air conditioning guards in section 136 suites there are key features you’ll need to consider.
You’ll need to look out for an air conditioning (AC) guard that is strong and robust to offer protection, has anti-ligature features, and offers a bespoke solution.
Read on to discover top tips for specifying air conditioning guards in section 136 suites…
Air Conditioning Guards Offering Protection
Air conditioning guards are made to protect air conditioning units from damage to improve their durability.
This is important because an individual using a 136 suite facility may show signs of unpredictable and often erratic behaviour, which could lead to potentially unsafe situations.
If vandalism occurs, air conditioning units can become weak and therefore, lose the protection it presents for the unit underneath it.
With units being one of the costliest objects in a room, you want to be able to prevent the possibility of damages and vandalism that might commence.
To offer necessary protection, a tip is to search for air conditioning guards that are made to be robust with strong material and opportunities to add strengthening properties if your specific needs require it.
Anti-Ligature Features
Architects and specifiers are constantly seek out ways to lessen the risk of self-harm and suicide in custodial settings, and a 136 suite is no different.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the individuals using 136 suites, it’s key that furniture, fixtures, fittings and appliances are optimised to maintain safety standards and to provide a comfortable, secure, and safe environment.
It’s often believed that suicide risk comes from ligature points that are above head-height. Though, studies have found that suicides can, unfortunately, occur where ligature points have been below the head or even at waist height.
It’s consequently, important to specify an air conditioning guard that is anti-ligature to keep all individuals safe and secure.
A tip to guarantee all ligature risks are minimised, you should search for an air conditioning guard that follows these certain characteristics:
- Small grilles, we recommend IP3X rated grilles
- (If wall secured) No large gaps between product and wall
- Minimal gaps or joints
- No sharp edges
- Bullnose, rounded corners
- Security locks and fixings
Bespoke Air Conditioning Guard
It’s important to consider that some AC guard manufactures can make the guards bespoke to cater to a variety of unique design alternatives in any given section 136 suite.
This ensures that every section 136 suite receives the best possible guard for their individual needs.
Conclusion
With these tips, your air conditioning guard will be strong and durable to offer protection to all service users in a section 136 suite.
At Contour, we work with you to decide the best bespoke guard for your needs, whether this is wall/ floor mounted or a flat panel.
For protection, Contour air conditioning guards are made in Zintec protected steel in various gauges from 1.5mm-2mm to offer a strong guard to shield your units.
If your environment is a section 136 suite where extra strength may be needed, Contour can provide a strengthening strut to provide the front of the cover additional depth.
For anti-ligature features, Contour’s guards are made to be anti-ligature with safe edges and IP3X grilles to reduce injuries.
To ensure peace of mind, all guards are protected with a 12 months warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for 12 months from the purchase date.
Our air conditioning guards can provide you with a robust, hygienic solution to protect your air conditioning units. These units allow for a 23% open area for airflow.
However, to avoid air loss, it’s recommended that plenum is built (by others) once the air conditioning guard has been supplied.
About Us
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities, design consultants and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combines an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regards us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour has a quality-first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
Contact us at:
The Mansions,
43 Broadway,
Shifnal,
Shropshire,
TF11 8BB
+44 (0) 1952 290498
Twitter: @Contour_Heating
LinkedIn: Contour Heating Products Ltd
