Fixing Your Controlled Drugs Cabinet Guidance

Fixing and Maintenance Recommendations For Your Controlled Drugs Cabinet

When fixing your controlled drugs cabinet you should select a suitable location for the cabinet to be mounted. The surface selected should be flat and of a solid (brick or block work) construction. The cabinet should not be fitted to a studded or wooden wall. Failure to fit the cabinet correctly will render it to be non-compliant.
Mark the position of the holes by either marking through the holes in the back of the cabinet or recycle the back of the packaging to make a cardboard template of the hole positions and transferring them to the wall. It will be easier to use a cardboard template as the cabinet can be quite heavy and you may need a second person to lift the cabinet safely. Using the back of the cardboard box often helps with this.
Drill the holes as accurately as possible using a 10mm diameter masonry drill to a depth of approximately 75mm. You will need a suitable drill with a hammer action in order for the drill to penetrate the brick or block work wall.
Position the cabinet holes over the holes drilled in the wall and insert the wall bolts (the use of a hammer may be required to ensure the wall bolts and cabinet are fully seated up to the wall).). It is important to have the rear of the cabinet flush up to the wall. This will make it as secure as possible and to prevent access to the rear face of the cabinet to prevent it being levered from its mount by attackers.
Tighten the bolts to secure the cabinet in position.

The cabinets should only be fitted by a competent person.

  • Ensure you are familiar with and competent in the use of the tools required for fitting this unit safely. If you are in doubt it is advisable to employ the services of a tradesman to install the cabinet for you.
  • Fitting to an uneven surface may distort the cabinet and prevent the door from closing properly
  • Do not over tighten the wall bolts
  • Lifting heavy loads can cause serious injury, always follow safe lifting methods and seek assistance with heaver items.

Security level 1 Controlled Drugs Cabinets.

When fixing your controlled drugs cabinet installation should be by means of at least two M10 wall fixing expanding bolts (rag bolts). However, we recommend and supply additional fixings for larger CD cabinets to ensure our units are fully compliant. A cabinet must be fitted securely and correctly to a wall in order to comply with the Misuse of drugs( safe custody) regulations 1989.

Wherever possible, cabinets should be fixed to an internal wall constructed of brick, concrete blocks or reinforced concrete. Installation should by means of four M10 wall fixing expanding bolts (rag bolts). Where possible fit the cabinet up to a corner with the lock side closest to a wall which will make it more difficult to forcibly lever open the door.

NOTE:

Rag bolts include any form of anchored bolt that has a barbed, jagged or indented shank for fixing into masonry with cement or any form of anchored bolt that is as follows:

[A] inserted into a shell having a jagged or indented outer surface fixed into masonry; or…
[B] designed to grip in a drilled hole by means of expansion of a shell on insertion of the bolt.

If installation as described above is not possible, the cupboard should be fixed by bolts passing through the wall. All nuts should be located within the cupboard and the bolts should be continuously welded at their heads to a steel plate of at least 3 mm thickness and of a size not less than that of the back face of the cupboard. If the wall is of the partition type, the cupboard should be positioned so as to include as many internal studs as possible between the bolts.

Wherever possible, the cupboard should be fixed to two adjoining walls and/or, where size or ergonomics permit, to wall(s) and floor.

Where to put your Controlled drugs cabinet.

All categories of cabinet should preferably be sited as follows:

  • [A] in a room without direct access (e.g. door or window) to the exterior of the building;
  • [B] where it is not obvious to prying eyes, e.g. not in front of a window or door;
  • [C] in a room that can be secured when unattended;
  • [D] away from sources of heat (e.g. radiators, hot water pipes, room heaters or direct sunlight) and humidity (e.g. sinks or water heaters);
  • [E] in a position of good illumination;
  • [F] adjacent to storage units of similar appearance.

Cupboards of security level 1 should be sited as follows:

  • [A] where there is continuous surveillance or manning;
  • [B] in a room that is used for medical purposes.

Wall-mounted cupboards should be sited so that the upper surface of the top of the cupboard, or of the topmost shelf if fitted, is not more than 1750mm from the floor.

Care and maintenance of your controlled drugs cabinets

Our cabinets should be cleaned using a damp cloth. The inside of the cabinet will require cleaning periodically to remove any drug or medicine residue which may have leaked from it’s contents.

Do not use abrasive materials or cleaners as the surface finish may be damaged. A general purpose cleaner can be used which will not abrade the surface.

The cabinets should not require any maintenance in normal use, however occasionally a light oil can be applied inside the locking mechanism to assist with the smooth operation.

If you have any concerns as to the unit’s operation please email us today or telephone 01623 559966 for assistance.

fixing your controlled drugs cabinet