The Anti-Vandal Mattress (NCL-AV) is constructed from heavy-duty waterproof PVC with welded and stitched seams and a fully sealed foam core for use in prisons, secure mental health units, and high-risk institutional settings where tamper resistance, hygiene, and durability are essential procurement requirements. Fire retardant to BS7177. Custom sizes available.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-AV |
| Cover | Heavy-duty waterproof PVC |
| Seams | Stitched and welded |
| Foam Core | Fully sealed within cover (typically medium grade) |
| Fire Rating | BS7177 fire retardant |
| Settings | Prisons; secure mental health units; detention centres |
| Sizing | Custom sizes available on request |
BS7177 (Specification for Resistance to Ignition of Mattresses, Divans and Bed Bases) is the British Standard for mattress fire performance in institutional settings; compliance is a standard procurement requirement for mattresses used in regulated prisons, secure units, and NHS facilities. The sealed PVC construction addresses the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 institutional fire safety obligations alongside the BS7177 mattress specification. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) applies to mattresses used in registered care settings; for secure mental health units, the mattress specification also informs the individual safety risk assessment for patients who may be at risk of self-harm through access to mattress materials.
What is BS7177 and why does it matter for institutional mattresses?
BS7177 is the British Standard specifying fire resistance requirements for mattresses used in institutional settings, covering resistance to ignition from both smouldering and flaming ignition sources. Compliance with BS7177 means the mattress has been tested to demonstrate it does not readily ignite or propagate fire from the ignition sources specified in the standard. Institutional procurers including the Ministry of Justice, NHS Trusts, and registered care providers typically specify BS7177 as a minimum fire safety requirement for mattresses in occupied settings, and CQC and prison inspection bodies may verify compliance during inspections.
What environments is the anti-vandal mattress designed for?
The anti-vandal mattress is designed for high-risk institutional settings where residents or detainees may attempt to damage or disassemble standard mattresses: prisons, immigration detention centres, secure mental health units, psychiatric intensive care units, and high-dependency forensic care settings. The tamper-resistant construction addresses the specific risk of mattress damage used to access foam materials, conceal items, or create makeshift implements. Standard care home or hospital mattresses are not appropriate for these environments; institutional procurement officers should confirm the anti-vandal specification against their setting's security risk assessment requirements.