Hoist procedure

The Use of the Hoists (mobile and tracking)

 

Purpose:

 To allow guests who are unable to weight bear to transfer, without putting staff or themselves at risk.

 

Procedure:

 

• Staff are trained to use the equipment during their induction period.

 

• All hoists must be used with two members of staff

 

• It is important that the guest is assessed initially by the Manual Handling Trainers to ensure correct sling type and size.

 

• The outcome of the assessment is recorded in the manual handling risk assessment on PCS and the care plan is updated.

 

• The hoist is being checked before use to ensure it is in good working order, charged up and the LOLER inspection is up to date.

 

• The hoist slings are selected according to guest suitability for example type and size and are inspected for wear and tear. 

 

• Staff will talk the guest through the procedure prior to starting and throughout. Guests may be asked, if they are able, to carry out simple instructions such as holding their arms crossed over their chest. 

 

• Staff will reassure the guest throughout the maneuver and appreciate that some guests may feel apprehensive, especially when hoisted for the first time.

 

• Ensure the guest’s privacy and dignity at all times. 

 

• If the guest is being moved to another chair or bed, check the brakes of these items are on. 

 

• Insert the sling. If the guest is on the floor or on a bed, assist them to roll over. If they are on a bed, raise it to an acceptable height so you can roll and insert the sling under them. If the guest is on the floor, staff may be required to kneel. 

 

• For insertion of sling, fold the sling in half and place it on the bed along the back of the guest with a 1 inch gap between sling and back. Bottom edge of sling should sit at the coccyx. Take the top leg strap and fold upwards placing the clip under the pillow and through. Roll the other clip over rolling the sling up until against the guests back. Other person can reach under the pillow for clip and gently pull the sling through and down into place ensuring with the guest all feels ok (if guest has bare skin, roll to both sides when inserting sling, do not pull through from under pillow).

 

• Guests with poor head control must have the head supported by the sling.

 

• Secure all attachments to the hoist’s spread bar, starting with the ones nearest to the guest’s head, this prevents the spread bar from rocking. (Unless there is a risk of the guest slipping, then attach the bottom ones first)

 

• Hoist the guest up a small distance, then check the sling attachments are secure before continuing with the full hoisting action.  Do not have the hoist brakes on or prevent the hoist from moving when hoisting. The hoist needs to adjust its own centre of gravity and cannot do so with the brakes on.

 

• Do not hoist guests from an angle. This may cause the hoist to tilt, especially if the guest’s weight is close to the hoist’s SWL (Safe Working Load) limit. 

 

• Stay close to the guest, holding the control in your hand.

 

• Raise the guest for clearance, not to the hoist’s height capacity unless necessary (the guest may find it more fearful if raised to the highest position). 

 

• Observe the guest at all times while hoisting and provide encouragement and reassurance. Some guests may become distressed and staff can ease anxieties by talking to them and keeping close. 

 

• Maneuver the hoist and guest to the desired position having one member of staff either side with one hand on the cradle and the other hand on the hoist handle sharing the work load evenly, then lower. 

 

• Once the guest is in position, unhook or unclip the attachments (bottom ones first) and move the hoist away from the guest. Then remove the leg straps and tuck backwards or remove sling fully if guest requests.

 

• Ensure the guest is comfortable and has the nurse call system close by. 

 

• Remove the hoist to its storage place. 

 

• Ensure the hoist is clean and on charge.

 

• Follow local laundry procedures for hoist slings after use. 

 

• Wash and dry hands according to local policy.

 

• Generally, any full slings can be left underneath a guest. Any decision to do this must be based on assessment and documented.

 

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR CEILING TRACK/OVERHEAD HOISTING SYSTEMS:

The motor should be directly overhead, ensure the lifting tape is vertical to the lift to avoid wear and tear and/or malfunction

Elevate the spreader bar to its highest position when not in use

Ensure the tracking is clear of obstructions

Be familiar with how freely the motor moves on the tracking  Crail bathroom ceiling hoist has a switch on the wall to enable the ceiling disc to turn, do not force this round.

 

Created – Jan 14 MR

Amended – March 25 SL

Next Review – March 2026