News

Plumis launches anti-ligature fire suppression solution for mental health settings

Fire suppression specialist, Plumis, has unveiled a new enhanced version of its award-winning Automist system, designed to meet the complex safety needs of mental health environments and secure facilities.

The innovation – being showcased at the Design in Mental Health event in Manchester from June 3^rd and 4^th – enables safer use of fire suppression in NHS mental health trusts, rehabilitation centres, custodial settings and supported housing, by preventing sprinkler heads from being used as ligature points.

The anti-ligature faceplate, which slots directly over existing Automist spray heads, has been precision-engineered with rounded contours and tamper-resistant features to eliminate attachment points and reduce the risk of self-harm. Developed in response to growing demand from clinicians and facilities managers, it allows healthcare providers to put fire safety measures in place without compromising patient wellbeing.

The launch also marks the debut of EmberTrack AI™, a new software enhancement for Automist that enables configurable early activation based on real-time fire risk. Traditional systems are often designed to protect buildings and may only activate once a fire is developed enough to meet activation temperature thresholds. In contrast, EmberTrack AI™ allows Automist to intervene far earlier – especially in high-risk environments where even slow-growing fires can become life-threatening.

It is the only system that is able to read heat patterns dynamically, detecting not just how hot a space is, but how fast that heat is rising and where it’s spreading. This makes it possible to tailor activation to the unique needs of different environments – from bedrooms and lounges in care homes or psychiatric intensive care units – without increasing the risk of false alarms.

Unlike conventional sprinkler systems, Automist is dry until activated, which removes the risk of stagnant water, legionella build-up or leaks – key considerations in clinical and residential settings. The system connects to a standard domestic water supply and uses wall-mounted nozzles to deliver targeted watermist, offering high performance with minimal water damage. Its compact design and not requiring a tank also makes it easier to retrofit in existing properties, meaning less disruption for residents.

Yusuf Muhammad, Chief Design Officer and Co-founder at Plumis, said: “We’re proud to be breaking new ground in fire protection – not just by using smarter technology, but by designing with the end user’s safety, dignity and health in mind. Mental health and secure care environments present unique challenges, and we’ve worked closely with professionals in the field to create a solution that supports both fire safety and broader safeguarding goals.

“With the combination of our new anti-ligature faceplate and EmberTrack AI™, Automist can now protect more people in more complex spaces, earlier and more intelligently than ever before. It’s a major step forward in moving fire suppression from being reactive to being truly risk-aware.”

Plumis will be exhibiting at Design in Mental Health on 3^rd-4^th June, where attendees can see the new faceplate in action and learn more about how Automist is helping to reimagine fire protection in environments where people come first.

For more information, visit: https://plumis.co.uk/