Acute Mental Illness Unit – Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire, England
Retrofit Tamper-resistant Cam Locks on Anti-ligature Radiator Guards

Project: Acute Mental Illness Unit, Hertfordshire

Challenges: A need for a more secure and practical locking solution without replacing full radiator covers.

Solutions: Retrofitting Contour Secure’s tamper-resistant cam locks to existing anti-ligature radiator guards; supply of new guards featuring upgraded lock system.

Outcome: Improved security and ease of access for staff, with upgraded protection that better suits the demands of the setting.

 

Background

Three years after the installation of anti-ligature radiator guards at an acute mental illness unit in Hertfordshire, Contour Secure was called upon to deliver a targeted security upgrade. The unit which serves patients with complex and volatile needs, required a more robust locking system to enhance safety, reduce tampering risks, and improve day-to-day usability for staff.

Originally supplied by Contour Heating, the radiator guards included pin hex locks, which at the time were widely regarded as one of the most tamper-resistant options available. The guards were installed throughout high-risk areas, including corridors, lounges, bedrooms, and wet rooms.

The layout included standard low-level guards as well as small ‘floor to ceiling’ perimeter-style enclosures beneath windowsills. In these cases, venting had been integrated into the sills, and clearance above the guards was extremely limited.

 

The Challenges

Evolving Security Needs
As the environment continued to present unpredictable and challenging behaviours, the unit sought a locking solution that provided greater tamper resistance and improved reliability for daily use.

Retrofitting in Complex Areas
Some guards, particularly those fitted beneath windowsills, featured locks on top edges with minimal space between the top of the casing and the underside of the sill, posing access challenges for standard lock tools.

Operational Disruption
Any lock upgrade needed to minimise disruption and avoid the need to replace full covers, maintaining cost-efficiency and keeping installation time to a minimum.

 

Solution Implemented

Contour Secure provided a retrofit solution to upgrade 56 existing radiator guards with its newly developed tamper-resistant cam lock system. Designed to match the original lock footprint, the upgraded locks allowed for a straightforward replacement process, reducing the risk of damage to the guards and significantly cutting downtime during installation.

Where low clearance posed access limitations, particularly under windowsills, 90° crow-bar style keys were designed and supplied. These enabled staff to operate the locks safely and easily despite tight tolerances, showcasing the flexibility of the system and our ability to adapt to the needs of complex environments.

In addition to retrofitting the upgraded locks, Contour also supplied new radiator guards for other areas of the unit, ensuring consistency in appearance and functionality across both new and existing installations. All new guards were manufactured with the Contour Secure compression lock system integrated as standard.

 

Outcome

The upgraded lock system provided a significant improvement in day-to-day operation for staff, with easier access during cleaning and maintenance and a visibly enhanced resistance to tampering attempts.

By working within the constraints of the existing environment and adapting solutions where needed, Contour Secure helped the mental health unit enhance safety and operational reliability without replacing full infrastructure.

 

Looking to upgrade locking systems on your anti-ligature products?

Contour Secure’s tamper-resistant cam locks provide enhanced protection and practicality for secure healthcare environments. Whether retrofitting existing products or integrating into new specifications, our locking solutions are built to meet the demands of challenging care settings.

📞 Call us: +44 (0)1952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Web: www.contoursecure.co.uk

Or contact us to request a sample or discuss your project requirements.

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