Page 15 - Guide to PICU

Contraband/Disallowable Items
Please keep in mind that this is a general list for contraband items in the mental health program. This
is not an exhaustive list and differences may exist between areas depending on the level of patient
acuity.

**Decisions allowing time-limited patient use of these items should be made by the health care team and be clearly
documented in the patient record.

Weapons – knives, box cutters, heavy objects, sharp objects, firearms, brass
knuckles, chains, tasers, handcuffs, explosives, mace, umbrellas, steel toed
footwear

Substances – prescription medication, illicit substances, vitamins, alcohol, tobacco,
pipes, vapourizers, drug paraphrenalia, mouthwash containing alcohol,
herbal remedies

Audio Visual – tape recorders, video or recording equipment, cameras, CDs,
DVDs, blu-rays

Electronics – cell phones**, game players, tablets, razors, hair dryers, curling irons,
transistor radios**, laptops**, pagers, ipods**, cassette players, any item with a
cord

Sharps – syringes, knitting, sewing or craft needles, pins, razor blades, scissors**,
tweezers**, glass items, metal items with sharp edges, plastic items that
could be broken to produce sharp edges, picture frames, paper
clips, keys, compact mirrors, make-up brushes, nail files**, clippers**, wire
hangers, spiral notebooks**, pens**

Ligatures – cords, draw strings, rope, belts**, laces**, sashes, straps, ear phones**, head
Phones**, dental floss**, guitar strings, heavy necklaces, nylons, scarves

Flammable – lighters, matches, torches, flints, oil, spray cans, starter fluid, butane

Noxious – incense, perfume/cologne, nail polish and remover*, make-up**, hair spray,
hair colour

Hobby Supplies – sewing needles, knitting needles**, crochet needles**, glue guns, X-acto
knives, paint brushes**

Clothing items – items with studs, sparkles, ribbons, or drawstrings, headbands,
items containing pins or metal hooks, bras that contain unsecured
wires**, high heeled shoes, heavy boots, sunglasses*

Other – pornography, material that could be considered offensive (racist, homophobic,
Anti-Semitic etc

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