One Liners issue 90 - November 2011: Assistive Technologies Special Issue

The perfect match
Not all hoists and slings are interchangeable. Use of incompatible combinations can result in damage to the sling or hoist, possible sling detachment and both may result in the user falling from the sling.

• Ensure that hoist and sling combinations are compatible by checking the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm which slings are compatible for use with their hoists. For reference please see MDA/2007/031 (446Kb).

Taking the pressure off
Leaving a sling insitu for extended periods of time whilst the user is sitting in a wheelchair or chair can compromise their pressure care and could result in the formation of pressure ulcers.

• Ensure that risk assessments are carried out, and where required appropriate slings are selected for this purpose.

• Rigid seat hoists, stand-aids, bath lifts and low-support slings require the user to have good postural control. Always carry out a risk assessment to ensure that the lifting equipment being used is appropriate for the individual being transferred. See MDA/2008/037 (794Kb) for further guidance on posture belts.

No braking required
Mobile hoists can tip whilst performing a lifting task if the brakes are engaged, as they inhibit the hoist’s ability to reposition itself with the sling occupant’s centre of mass within the footprint of the hoist.

• Prior to lifting the occupant, ensure that the braking mechanism is off. Raise the occupant slowly and allow the hoist to adjust its position naturally in relation to the load being lifted.

One and only
Slings designed for single-patient use can be reused by the same user but are not suitable for laundering and subsequent reuse. Laundering of these slings can lead to the deterioration of the sling’s structure and strength.

• Single-patient use slings should not be used for multiple patients or laundered prior to reuse by the same patient.

We have lift off
Failure to check that the sling attachments are correctly connected and secure can result in the sling detaching from the hoist during a lifting manoeuvre causing the occupant to fall.

• Before lifting the occupant ensure that the sling attachments are secure by raising the hoist a short distance so as to put the lifting straps under some tension. Lower the occupant and readjust the attachments if a problem is noticed.