Anti-Ligature Compliance Services

Protecting patients in mental health and acute healthcare environments through rigorous load release testing, maintenance, and certification.

The UK's Anti-Ligature Compliance Specialists Annual load release testing, maintenance, and certification for healthcare environments

Anti-ligature compliance is one of the most critical safety requirements in healthcare. From curtain tracks and blinds to grab rails and fixtures, every load release product in your estate must be correctly installed, properly maintained, and tested regularly to meet HBN 00-10 standards and best practice guidelines.

Protects Plus has been delivering anti-ligature compliance services since our foundation. We work with NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, and mental health units across the UK, helping estates and facilities teams protect patients and demonstrate compliance with confidence.

Why Anti-Ligature Compliance Matters

In mental health settings particularly, ligature risks present a serious safeguarding concern. Anti-ligature products are designed to release or collapse under load, removing potential anchor points and reducing the risk of self-harm.

But installation alone isn't enough. Products can be incorrectly fitted, replaced with non-compliant alternatives, or degrade over time. Regular load release testing – whether for statutory compliance or best practice – is the only way to be certain your products are functioning as intended.

Our Anti-Ligature Services From testing through to remedial works – everything you need to stay compliant

Load Release Testing

Annual load release testing on all anti-ligature fixtures, applying controlled loads to verify each product releases at the correct threshold.

Approved for Yewdale

As the sole approved testing partner for Yewdale's Kestrel anti-ligature range, we bring unrivalled expertise in curtain track systems across mental health and acute settings.

Blinds and Privacy Products

Testing and certification of all load release blind systems, ensuring they meet manufacturer specifications and HBN requirements.

Ligature Point Audits

Comprehensive audits across your estate, identifying potential risks from fixtures, fittings, furniture, and building fabric.

Remedials & Installation

When testing identifies issues, we fix them. Our teams carry out remedial works, replacements, and new installations.

Certification & Documents

Every test and inspection fully documented and accessible through your Protects Plus portal.

Real-Time Compliance Visibility

All your compliance data in one place – the Protects Plus Portal.

Our purpose-built portal gives you instant access to all your compliance information – not just anti-ligature, but electrical, water hygiene, fire safety, and every other service we provide. One login, one dashboard, complete visibility across your entire estate.

  • Live dashboard showing compliance status at a glance
  • All services in one place – anti-ligature, electrical, fire, water hygiene, and more
  • Downloadable reports and certificates
  • Automated notifications for upcoming tests
  • Full audit history for every asset

Sectors We Support

  • Mental Health Units

    Anti-ligature compliance is most critical in mental health settings where patients may be at risk of self-harm. We understand the unique challenges of these environments and work sensitively alongside clinical teams.

  • Acute Hospitals

    Ligature risks aren't confined to mental health. A&E departments, assessment units, and general wards all require appropriate anti-ligature measures – particularly where patients in mental health crisis may be treated.

  • Private Healthcare

    Private hospitals and clinics face the same compliance obligations as NHS facilities. We provide the same rigorous testing and documentation to support your regulatory requirements.

Why Choose Protects Plus for Anti-Ligature Compliance? The expertise, accountability, and visibility you need

  • Approved Testing Partner

    Sole approved testing partner for Yewdale's Kestrel anti-ligature range, the most widely specified system in UK healthcare.

  • End-to-End Accountability

    From initial audit through remedial works to retesting and certification. Nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Specialist Expertise

    Over 20 years' experience in healthcare environments with deep knowledge of HBN standards.

  • Audit-Ready, Always

    Demonstrate your compliance status instantly through our evidence-based portal.

How It Works

1. Initial Consultation

We start with a conversation to understand your estate, your current compliance position, and your requirements. No obligation, no pressure.

2. Site Survey and Testing

Our specialist team conducts a full audit and load release testing of all anti-ligature products, documenting every result in real time.

3. Remedial Works

Where products fail or require maintenance, we carry out repairs, replacements, or new installations.

4. Portal Access & Certification

All results uploaded to your Protects Plus portal with certificates and reports available to download.

5. Ongoing
Management

We schedule your next annual test, send automated reminders, and remain on hand for ad-hoc support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do anti-ligature products need testing?
What happens if a product fails testing?
Do you only test Yewdale products?
Can you test products installed by other contractors?
What documentation do we receive?