Client feedback prompted engineers at Intastop Ltd, the leading supplier of door and wall protection to the healthcare market, to design a revolutionary new product that has already proved invaluable to the anti-ligature market.
The unique Intastop Door Top Alarm has been developed to prevent attempted suicide from the tops of doors in mental health establishments. Its discrete design is such that the issues faced by estate managers previously, such as the reduction in door sizes, using a sloped door top which in turn presents other issues such as privacy and health and safety, are now eradicated.
The latest report by The University of Manchester showed how specific work over the last 20-30 years has reduced inpatient hangings from window handles and curtain rails to near zero, hence the newer emphasis on less obvious sites like door tops.
Sarah Barsby, Marketing Director for Intastop Ltd said: “It is our policy to engage with our customers, not just provide product. We listen to their issues when it comes to building design or refurbishment and use our technical expertise to provide a solution.
“The Door Top Alarm is one of those products. It has already been installed at a few establishments and has proved invaluable.”
The tamper proof system works by a sensory pad being installed at the top of a standard door and should a weight be applied it will alert staff via a preferred method such as; an audible alarm, visible light, staff indicator panel or via a pager or main computer. The devise connects via the main power and is also compatible with most staff attack systems.
If the top of the door is pressed the alarm will alert at the chosen programme delay setting which can be set from 5 to 30 seconds. The system is housed in an electronic box which can be placed in ceilings/lofts and connects to the mains power. It also incorporates a hidden to patient LED lighting system that shows the devise is working without the need to set off the alarm which assists during risk assessment period checks.
The features of the Intastop Door Top Alarm are; inbuilt false alarm prevention, FD30 Fire Rated, is suitable for retrofit and new build, is suitable for use with both Intastop’s anti-ligature Single and Double Swing Hinges and it boasts an anti-ligature design with secure fixings and hidden wiring.
Sarah continued: “The Door Top Alarm is a system that helps to provide the safety requirements needed in mental health wards or establishments, it is easily fitted and would prove itself time and time again.”