The Safevent Window
Designed for maximum
ventilation and improved
security and safety
applications.
Safevent Security Fencing
An anti-climb fence cloaking
system giving extra privacy
and improved security.
Door Systems
Aluminium, Steel and uPVC
bespoke door systems for
all applications.
Trade and Domestic Supplies
uPVC Windows, Doors and
Building Products for the trade
and domestic customers.
Welsh hospital the latest to specify Safevent featuring SGG BIOCLEAN
The Abertawe BroMorgannwg University Health Board in Wales recently specified Safevent windows from Britplas featuring SGG Bioclean self-cleaning glass for the Angelton Clinic at Glanrhyd Hospital, which was designed by Stride Treglown to revolutionise 21st-century healthcare delivery in the area.
The Trust wanted the designs for the buildings to be open, airy and homely and without the institutional feel these buildings usually have, including the secure accommodation units. They wanted to create an environment that could be perceived as homely and something that, when patients are staying there, loses the constant clinical references. The buildings still allow for the right levels of observation and safety, but in a less obvious way. The designers wanted to put days of mental health buildings with big thick walls and high fences behind them.
To enable residents to open and close windows to get fresh air, but without the risk of contraband being passed in or the fittings being used to attach a ligature to, the designers commissioned the Safevent windows. The design was adapted to enable staff to see quickly from the outside whether windows were open or closed with the inbuilt mesh allowing residents to be safe, whilst still enjoying a feel of the outdoors. From the windows in their rooms and the communal areas the patients now have an unobstructed view over the landscape, of significant therapeutic value to the patients.
The Safevent window is designed for use within mental healthcare facilities, so therefore needs to be anti-ligature. The inline horizontal sliding action, which allows up to 50% of the window area to open without the need for hinges, locking points, levers or handles that may be used as ligature points, also allows frail or elderly patients to operate it unassisted. The inline sliding action also overcomes the 100mm restriction thanks to an inbuilt mesh, which improves living conditions in hot or humid weather while providing an effective screen against insects.
Effective maintenance is a vital part of the Safevent window, which incorporates SGG BIOCLEAN glass as standard to reduce running costs and so as not to compromise the integral screen: water can simply be sprayed through the mesh to keep the glass clean. This is in keeping with the philosophy that Safevent windows have no locks or complex moving parts, keeping cleaning and maintenance to a minimum.
Managing Director of Britplas Kevin Gorman described how SGG Bioclean is a key component of the Safevent: “Saint-Gobain’s SGG BIOCLEAN glass prevents the unsightly build-up of grime that can accumulate. The SGG BIOCLEAN coating is fully integrated into the surface of the glass, which means that it is durable and will last the lifetime of the glass.”
Britplas has installed over 10,000 Safevents on over 150 NHS projects UK wide.