ERSO ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

LIGATURE RESITANT RESTRAINT ANCHOR

SUGGESTED USAGE GUIDELINES AND DISCLAIMER

Please note the “SUGGESTED” guidelines below.  This anti-ligature hardware is designed for installation in a variety of environments (e.g., beds, other furniture) including insertion directly into the environment such as floors and walls. Safe installation is the responsibility of the end user.  Many installations will require the alteration of existing environmental features for proper installation.  These guidelines do not obviate an environmental risk assessment by qualified facility personnel.  The number of anchors in different environmental positions will certainly necessitate careful design and safety considerations.  ERSO products are designed to make environments as ligature free as possible.  However, they do not affect the need for contraband screening and diligent, routine environmental safety checks for possible risks.  The end user is responsible for all policies and procedures regarding patient restraint and use of the ERSO Restraint Anchor, as well as its maintenance through routine inspection.

TRAINING: Unique and highly tailored written training policies and procedures should be designed and developed for use by staff personnel regarding the use of the ERSO Restraint Anchors.  Only personnel trained under such policies and procedures should operate the restraint anchors. 

SUGGESTIONS:

·       INSPECTION.  Proper restraint closure should be checked by authorized personnel after a patient restraint period has ended as well as during routine environmental inspections.  Documentation of each and every restraint period, including specific identification of the personnel opening and closing the restraints, is highly suggested. 

·       OPEN RESTRAINTS.  In the event of incomplete closure and/or locking after a restraint attempt in a particular area, patients should be restricted from that area until the facilities team has performed the required safety assessments.  An open restraint presents a ligature point.  Patients should not be left alone with an open restraint.

·       ANTI-TAMPERING.  Environmental orderly rounds are recommended periodically, and at least at shift changes, to ensure untampered anchor placement and operation.

·       MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION. A routine inspection by Facilities personnel should be conducted periodically to ensure the proper functioning of the unit.  An inspection schedule should be established and enforced as part of the overall equipment inspection procedures established at your facility.

This device is designed to enhance environmental safety for unrestrained patients.  It is in no way intended to eliminate or alter any existing staff procedures or guidelines in force during or after a patient restraint.