Anti-ligature wireless speaker developed for lockdown alerts in care settings

Luminite launches anti-ligature Alertex wireless speaker

Luminite has announced that its Alertex wireless speaker is now available in an anti-ligature enclosure.

The company said the development follows interest from several children’s care homes.

Alertex is a range of wireless speakers, call points and sounder/beacons designed to issue a clear and unambiguous alert in the event of a lockdown.

According to Luminite, the anti-ligature version ensures the Alertex system can be installed safely in environments where residents may have complex emotional or behavioural needs.

The company added that the product’s wireless design makes it suitable for multiple alert types, including lockdown, evacuation and invacuation procedures.

New law drives demand for clear alerts

Luminite said the launch aligns with the passing of Martyn’s Law in Parliament.

The legislation will require all public venues with a capacity of 200 or more people to demonstrate clear and unambiguous alerts for lockdown, evacuation and invacuation in the event of a terrorist attack.

According to the company, this will apply to around 280,000 venues by 2027.

These include schools, hospitals, hotels, leisure centres and museums, as well as children’s homes.

Understanding anti-ligature safety

The company explained that ‘ligature’ refers to a method of self-harm involving the use of cords, ropes or clothing tied around the body.

Anti-ligature measures are designed to remove or minimise points where such attachments could occur.

Luminite stated that children’s homes and certain schools require all installed equipment, such as door handles and fixtures, to meet anti-ligature standards.

The anti-ligature enclosure now allows these sites to adopt Alertex for lockdown alerts without compromising safety requirements.

Multi-use audio and message options

According to Luminite, the Alertex system can broadcast up to 15MB of pre-recorded messages using its IP Bridge interface.

This capacity allows for approximately ten 20-second messages that can include instructions, calming music or safety announcements in multiple languages.

The company said this flexibility supports broader communication needs beyond lockdown events.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The availability of an anti-ligature version of Luminite’s Alertex wireless speaker introduces a compliant alerting option for facilities where standard fittings pose safety risks.

For safety officers, facility managers and system specifiers working in schools, healthcare institutions and residential care environments, the product provides a practical means of meeting Martyn’s Law requirements while maintaining anti-ligature standards.

Procurement teams responsible for specifying lockdown and evacuation systems in regulated environments can now consider Alertex within their compliance strategies.

This development also demonstrates how wireless technologies can be adapted for both physical safety and mental health considerations in protected settings.