Upgrading Radiator Guards in a Mental Health Hospital in the Northwest

Background

A mental health hospital in the northwest undertook a significant upgrade of its radiator guards across three inpatient wards. The project spanned two construction areas and one live ward that housed vulnerable patients requiring sensitive and carefully managed installation.

The radiator guards formed one part of a broader ward refurbishment, with the existing guards having been in place for over a decade and no longer meeting the safety or maintenance standards required. These included painted-over guards, units that had rusted or been damaged over time, and even an improvised MDF boxing solution that posed a safety concern.

The upgrade also marked a product evolution, replacing Contour’s original mesh grille guards and cone-style TRV shrouds with modern DeepClean Extra units and new back-to-wall anti-ligature TRV covers.

The Challenges

Several key factors needed to be addressed for this project:  

1. Complex Ward Layouts and Patient Needs

2. Space Restrictions

3. Adaptability in Shroud Placement

In some cases, the anti-ligature TRV and shroud were positioned on the front of the OES rather than the guard’s side due to limited lateral clearance. This highlighted the DeepClean Extra’s flexibility in adapting to specific room layouts without compromising safety or functionality. 

4. Legacy Guard Issues

During the project, one radiator was found boxed in with MDF due to a missing guard. Another had been painted blue to match the wall, which severely reduced airflow and made cleaning impractical. Several older units also suffered from corrosion or deformation due to daily wear and cleaning chemicals.

5. Missed Opportunity on Non-surveyed Area

In one space where a survey had not been carried out, the client installed boxing instead of specifying an OES. Unfortunately, the boxing overlapped the guard, rendering the drop-down access door inoperable; a reminder of the importance of surveying every location.

Solution Implemented

Contour supplied and installed DeepClean Extra metal radiator guards throughout all three wards. These guards are designed specifically for high-risk environments such as mental health hospitals and feature:

• Anti-ligature TRV shrouds, with the updated and improved back-to-wall design for maximum tamper resistance
• Drop-down hinged doors for full interior cleaning access, requiring no heavy lifting, helping staff understand how to clean behind radiators with ease
• Open ended shoulders to enable seamless installation in tight or unusual spaces
• Durable Zintec steel construction with anti-microbial coating for hygiene
• Flexible grille placement and shroud orientation based on site-specific needs
• Improved safety, airflow and hygiene, especially when compared to the previous legacy units

These modern upgrades will better withstand wear and tampering, while offering safer access for cleaning and maintenance - factors that are particularly crucial in care environments where estates teams aren’t always immediately available.

Outcome

This project shows how thoughtful design, attention to legacy issues, and close cooperation with the client team can result in safer, smarter ward environments. The new guards are not only robust and tamper-resistant, but also accessible for regular cleaning - improving both patient safety and day-to-day usability for staff.

Need to upgrade ageing radiator guards in your mental health facility? 

 Contour’s DeepClean Extra range is designed for challenging care environments, offering durability, anti-ligature protection, and full access for cleaning. Whether you’re replacing outdated units or working within tight room layouts, we’ll help you find a tailored solution that supports safety and day-to-day care. 

Speak to our team today on +44 (0) 1952 290498, or email sales@contourheating.co.uk to discuss your project.