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Here at Contour, we’ve been lucky enough to supply our anti-ligature radiators and anti-ligature radiator covers to a range of specialist autism schools around the UK.
Part of our role is to understand the customer’s needs, and never has this been more important than in the variety of specialist educational facilities that we provide for.
Through our close consultations, we’re growing in our understanding of the varying challenges that people with additional needs face, leading us to manufacture top-quality products.
Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and how they experience the world around them. Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning that whilst autistic people experience similar difficulties, traits and tendencies, they will be affected in different ways, with different levels of severity.
We’ll aim to explore certain autistic challenges within this blog, and how they closely align with the product features of our anti-ligature radiators.
Sensory Needs=The Need For Protection
Many people on the autistic spectrum experience over or under-active sensory differences. Someone with under-sensitive sensory needs will have a tendency to mouth non-edible items. This is known as pica.
With this in mind, hygiene is of utmost importance and the risk of spreading harmful bacteria should be minimised.
BioCote Protection
That’s where BioCote comes in. Biocote is an additive that provides an effective, safe and long-lasting solution to combatting a wide range of bacteria, including MRSA and E.coli. We’re the only company to incorporate BioCote® anti-microbial protection into our LST and anti-ligature radiators.
Learn more about BioCote here:
Easy Access For Cleaning
Our anti-ligature radiators include Pin Hex and key locks which can be used to ensure fast and simple access for staff, whilst preventing unwanted access to those who are not authorised.
Want to read our step-by-step guide on how to clean behind one of our radiators? Click here.
Self-Abusive Behaviours=The Need For Safety
Those who present as severely autistic will demonstrate signs of self-abusive behaviour. As the name suggests, our DeepClean anti-ligature radiators minimise the risk of anyone tying a cord around any ligature points.
Standard radiators have wide grilles and numerous ligature points, which presents an opportunity for self-harm.
Our DeepClean anti-ligature radiator grille design incorporates 2mm holes and 4mm centres, making it highly unlikely for pupils to inflict harm on themselves.
Prevent interference
The small grilles also prevent pupils from poking their fingers through the holes, and small items being pushed through the covers. This reduces any issues around blocking the radiator fins and causing a hygiene issue, as well as affecting circulation within the cover. Learn more about our pencil-proof grilles here.
Behavioural Disturbances=The Need For Robust Performance
This would be a blanket concern in all SEN settings, but worth noting for the purposes of this blog. Inappropriate behaviours such as throwing objects and damaging furniture is a common disruption that SEN settings face. That being said, you’ll want a solution that is built to last.
Our DeepClean anti-ligature radiators are made from 1.5mm Zintec steel, with an option to increase the thickness of the material to 2mm thick for more demanding environments.
Not only that, but we can also incorporate a strengthening strut to the front of the cover, providing that extra strength to the cover. This may be a consideration for covers that are 1400-2000mm long to help reduce the flex within the front of the cover*.
*Sheet metal is naturally flexible, therefore on the larger guards, it helps to have the added strengthening strut.
Colour Psychology
Colour psychology has a huge impact on design choices in the marketplace, and this is especially true in autism education. Due to their heightened senses, autistic individuals are likely to find certain colours distracting and inhibiting. Therefore, we recommend more toned-down colours.
Conclusion
In understanding the specific needs that children and adults with autism have, we’re able to manufacture products that closely address some of the more common challenges that those individuals face.
If you’d like to learn more about our anti-ligature range, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
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 a partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9% and are combined with Contour’s extensive range of colour-paints to coat products 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, while delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour has redefined the marketplace and is regarded by many as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour’s vision is supported by a quality-first philosophy and a passionate and conscientious customer focused team who possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, taking pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
