Avoid Injury and Risk: The Importance of Rounded Edges in Radiator Guards

In safety-critical environments, the small details can make the biggest difference. One such detail (often overlooked in cheaper radiator guard designs) is the shape and finish of the edges and corners.

Whether you’re specifying for a mental health ward, hospital corridor, school, or supported living setting, choosing a radiator guard with rounded edges and bullnosed corners can significantly reduce injury risk and improve user safety.

Let’s take a closer look at why edge and corner design matters, and how Contour’s approach puts safety at the forefront.

Why Sharp Edges Are a Hidden Hazard

It’s surprisingly common to see LST radiator guards on the market with square or lightly chamfered edges. On paper, these designs may appear functional, but in practice, they create risks.

• Impact injuries: Sharp corners can cause cuts or bruises if someone falls or bumps against the guard. This is especially concerning in paediatric wards, special education settings, or anywhere individuals may be unsteady on their feet.
• Ligature risk: Hard ninety-degree angles create natural anchorage points. In mental health and custodial environments, this poses a serious self-harm risk.
• Compliance concerns: In some settings, such as hospitals or CAMHS units, square-edged guards can compromise the environment’s ability to meet anti-ligature or safety audit guidelines and requirements.

The edge profile may seem like a minor detail, but it’s a major contributor to overall safety.

Contour’s Approach: Radius Edges & Bullnosed Corners as Standard

All Contour radiator guards are designed with rounded, radius edges and bullnosed corners as standard. These features create a smooth, seamless form that’s much safer in the event of contact.

• The radius edge design helps distribute any impact force more evenly, reducing the likelihood of injury.
• Bullnosed corners eliminate sharp points entirely, helping to prevent cuts and providing a softer visual aesthetic.

This design is particularly beneficial in:

• Mental health environments
• Special education classrooms
• Elderly care homes
• High-traffic corridors and entrances
• Hospital wards where patients are at risk of falls or confusion

The rounded form also supports infection prevention by eliminating hard-to-clean crevices that can trap dust, debris, and bacteria.

Supporting Anti-ligature Design

In anti-ligature environments, edge and corner shape is a critical safety consideration. Even the strongest grille or lock can be undermined by a poorly designed corner.

Contour’s DeepClean Extra and DeepClean Extra+ models are engineered to reduce ligature risk in every possible way including at the edges. Our bullnosed corners prevent the formation of tie points that could be exploited in mental health or secure care settings.

This design is one of the many reasons our products are specified in:

• 136 suites
• CAMHS and PICU wards
• Mental health assessment centres
• Forensic inpatient facilities
• Custodial settings

Hygiene Benefits of Rounded Edges

Flat corners and square junctions don’t just pose physical risks; they also collect grime. In clinical settings, this can create cross-contamination risk or make it harder to meet cleaning protocols.

Contour’s curved edges:

• Eliminate dirt traps
• Allow for faster, more efficient cleaning
• Help meet infection prevention standards in hospitals and healthcare settings

Combined with our Biocote® anti-microbial coating, the smooth, continuous finish helps reduce bacteria on the surface and supports a cleaner, safer environment

When Visual Impact Matters

Beyond safety and hygiene, there’s also something to be said for visual impact.

Rounded radiator guards present a more approachable, less institutional look. In environments where people may feel anxious or vulnerable such as hospitals, CAMHS units, or care homes, a softer, safer appearance can contribute to a more calming atmosphere.

In SEN classrooms, this also helps prevent fear or confrontation. It’s one more way that design details can support wellbeing.

Summary

It’s easy to focus on materials, fixings, or grille design when specifying radiator guards—but edges and corners play a vital role in both safety and user experience.

With Contour’s radius edge and bullnosed corner design, you get:

✔️ Reduced risk of injury from impact
✔️ Ligature prevention in mental health settings
✔️ Better hygiene and faster cleaning
✔️ A more welcoming aesthetic
✔️ Compliance with modern safety standards

Want to Specify Radiator Guards with Edge-to-edge Safety Built in?

Talk to Contour Heating about our full range of LST and anti-ligature radiator guards.

We’ll help you choose the right design for your environment - safely, efficiently, and with total peace of mind.

📧 sales@contourheating.co.uk
📞 01952 290 498