Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Ceiling Systems
What ceiling systems are allowable as a replacement for a solid ceiling?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
An allowable alternative to a solid ceiling such as dry wall is a concealed grid system. This is a system of interlocking panels. Typically, the ceiling panels lock into one another and the grid with the use of small strips of metal called 'splines', this prevents removal of the panels by patients attempting to gain access above the ceiling.
There are various manufacturers of concealed grid ceiling systems, when selecting a system, or confirming an existing installation, ensure that the it meets the following requirements:
Additional Resource
Suicide Prevention Portal
An allowable alternative to a solid ceiling such as dry wall is a concealed grid system. This is a system of interlocking panels. Typically, the ceiling panels lock into one another and the grid with the use of small strips of metal called 'splines', this prevents removal of the panels by patients attempting to gain access above the ceiling.
There are various manufacturers of concealed grid ceiling systems, when selecting a system, or confirming an existing installation, ensure that the it meets the following requirements:
- There are no exposed components of the ceiling system that can be used as a ligature attachment point (i.e. exposed rails, tee connectors, couplers, or main rails)
- Panels can in no way be removed by the patient.
- No impact will dislodge the panel(s)
Additional Resource
Suicide Prevention Portal
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: February 01, 2022
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: July 11, 2019
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on February 01, 2022
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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