Ligature Risk Room Audit

Inspection template for identifying ligature points and environmental hazards in behavioral health patient care areas, including doors, fixtures, furnishings, and room features that may create self-harm risk.

Room Identification and Scope

• Room or area identified
  Record the room number, unit name, and specific area inspected.
• Inspection date and time recorded
  Document when the audit was completed.
• Inspection scope confirmed
  Select the area type inspected.
• Inspector name and role recorded
  Enter the inspector's name and title or role.
• Area was accessible for full inspection
  Confirm the room could be fully inspected without obstruction.

Doors, Hardware, and Egress

• Door hardware presents no obvious ligature point
  Check handles, hinges, closers, locks, and other hardware for protrusions or anchor points.
• Door closers, hinges, and latches are intact and secure
  Verify hardware is not loose, damaged, missing, or easily manipulated.
• Door gaps and strike areas do not create entrapment or ligature risk
  Inspect the top, bottom, and latch-side clearances for unsafe gaps or protrusions.
• Door stop, bumpers, and related accessories are safe and secure
  Confirm accessories are not loose, broken, or shaped in a way that creates a ligature point.
• Egress path is unobstructed
  Verify the path to the exit is clear of furniture, carts, and stored items.
• Door and frame condition is free of damage or tampering
  Look for cracks, missing screws, pry marks, or other signs of damage that could create risk.

Fixtures, Fittings, and Utilities

• Plumbing fixtures are ligature-resistant and intact
  Inspect sinks, faucets, shower heads, pipes, and exposed plumbing for anchor points or damage.
• Electrical outlets, switches, and covers are secure
  Confirm covers are intact, secure, and not broken or loose.
• Ceiling fixtures and vents do not present ligature points
  Inspect grilles, diffusers, sprinklers, and other overhead features for protrusions or accessible anchor points.
• Wall-mounted items are secure and tamper-resistant
  Check shelves, dispensers, hooks, rails, and brackets for looseness or unsafe protrusions.
• Windows, blinds, and cords are safe or absent
  Verify window hardware, blind controls, and any cords do not create ligature risk.
• Any exposed utility access is secured
  Confirm access panels, shutoffs, and service openings are secured and not easily manipulated.

Furniture, Bedding, and Patient-Accessible Items

• Furniture is ligature-resistant and in good condition
  Inspect beds, chairs, tables, and storage units for anchor points, sharp edges, or breakage.
• No removable parts or loose components are accessible to patients
  Check for detachable hardware, loose panels, or components that could be used as a ligature or weapon.
• Mattress, pillow, and bedding conditions are safe
  Verify covers, seams, and attachments are intact and do not create entanglement or ligature hazards.
• Patient-accessible cords, cables, and tubing are controlled or absent
  Inspect call cords, charging cables, medical tubing, and similar items for safe management.
• Furniture placement supports observation and safety
  Confirm the layout does not create blind spots or concealment areas that interfere with observation.
• Any damaged or unsafe furniture has been removed from service
  Document whether unsafe items were taken out of the room or tagged for repair/replacement.

Observation, Documentation, and Corrective Actions

• Deficiencies documented with clear location and description
  Record each deficiency or non-conformance with enough detail for follow-up.
• Photo evidence captured for critical findings
  Confirm photos were taken for any critical item failure or visible hazard.
• Immediate mitigation completed or escalated
  Select the immediate response taken for any unsafe condition.
• Corrective action owner assigned
  Enter the person, department, or vendor responsible for follow-up.
• Inspector signature
  Inspector attestation that the audit is complete and accurate.