spec writing - anti-ligature fixtures

[Nicole Brooks]

I have a project that has both normal and anti-ligature products for such things as: door hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting, access panels, and restroom accessories. My question is, do I just list acceptable anti-ligature manufacturers and models in the section dedicated to whatever it is that I'm specifying, or do I do a separate spec for anti-ligature products?

 

[walker.t]

or do I do a separate spec for anti-ligature products?

My suggestion would be to have all specifications required for the project in a single project manual. Your drawings will indicate the specific product (normal or anti-ligature) then the contractor looks to a single specifications book to find the acceptable product information (approved manufacturers and models.)

To me, there’s no greater distinction between normal or anti-ligature products than there is between low slope and steep slope roofing: as all types of roofing are in one product manual, so should all normal or anti-ligature products.

 

[MtnArch]

Most hardware companies (eg. Allegion) will prepare full specs and hardware groups for you, and they may be the best source for how you should list them.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I have a project that has both normal and anti-ligature products for such things as: door hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting, access panels, and restroom accessories. My question is, do I just list acceptable anti-ligature manufacturers and models in the section dedicated to whatever it is that I'm specifying, or do I do a separate spec for anti-ligature products?

I quit writing specs and gave up my CSI membership years ago but, as a former spec writer, I'd say this is your call. I think my preference on a project that has both standard and non-ligature fixtures and hardware would be to create a separate spec section for the anti-ligature plumbing fixtures, and to handle hardware and lighting by being sure to include proper hardware and lighting fixture schedules that designate each type of hardware item or lighting fixture with a different fixture type.

In fact, that same approach should work equally well for plumbing fixtures. Following the comment by walker.t above, you should use one designation for an entrance lock and a different designation for a privacy lock and yet another designation for a storage room lock. If you wanted knurled hardware on storeroom locks with nasty stuff inside, that would be yet another hardware set, so why not create one for the anti-ligature lockset (or hinges, or both)?

Ditto for plumbing. If you have two mirror-image accessible toilet rooms with tank-type water closets, one needs the flush handle on the left and one needs the flush handle on the right. Two fixture types. Add another type for the anti-ligature water closet.

 

[RLGA]

I have a project that has both normal and anti-ligature products for such things as: door hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting, access panels, and restroom accessories. My question is, do I just list acceptable anti-ligature manufacturers and models in the section dedicated to whatever it is that I'm specifying, or do I do a separate spec for anti-ligature products?

As a construction specifier myself, I would keep it all in one section. You can create two separate articles, one for each type, and list the two types in the Summary article in Part 1.