Step Exhibitions
Ryno Safewaste – Pineapple Contracts
Nominee Information
The disposal of waste can present a number of safety risks in mental health environments. Parts of waste bins designed for general healthcare environments (including pedals, hinges and openings) and bin bags themselves pose a significant risk to patient safety, as demonstrated in a high-profile case currently being heard at The Old Bailey¹. Furthermore, unsecured waste bins may be moved and climbed on to reach areas which risk injury or give access to unauthorised areas. They may also be picked up and thrown, exposing patients, staff and visitors to potential harm.
Developed with input from contributors from Downshire Hospital (South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust), the Ryno SafeWaste is a reduced-ligature option designed to solve these issues, improving safety and practicality in challenging environments.
The gently tapered shape combined with an absence of components like handles or lids helps to minimise ligature risks, and the angled top surface deters climbing by providing no stable horizontal platform to stand on.
The inside of the opening has been carefully contoured to prevent items from becoming wedged in order to use as a ligature point, and the narrow opening helps to reduce spillages in the event of overturning.
A secure lock allows staff to unlock and empty the SafeWaste quickly and efficiently before re-locking to prevent patients gaining access to waste. Inside, a rigid 25 litre washable bin replaces typical liner bags, eliminating the safety risks associated with them and protecting users from harm.
To prevent the item from being moved, picked up or thrown, the SafeWaste is available with an innovative floor fixing system which is hidden from view and inaccessible to patients, removing the possibility of tampering. If floor fixing is not compatible with the environment, the SafeWaste can be heavily weighted to 51kg to deter misuse.
Unlike metal bins which can be prone to rust, SafeWaste is made from anti-bacterial polyethylene, making it hygienic, totally waterproof and resistant to degrading caused by prolonged exposure to cleaning chemicals.
With polyethylene also being a fully recyclable material, when the products reach the end of their useful life, they can be returned to us, ground down into small granules and used to create new pieces of furniture. This increases the sustainability of the product by reducing waste and avoiding landfill.
The Ryno SafeWaste is also protected by a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing faults.
