7 maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of your patient handling equipment
Equipment such as hoists, baths and beds receive heavy use in care environments, so it’s essential that you look after them properly. To help you get more from your investment, we’ve prepared seven practical maintenance tips that will prolong the lifespan of your patient handling equipment.
In most care environments, patient handling equipment receives a full annual service and a LOLER inspection every six months to ensure it remains safe and fully functional. However, it still needs attention between scheduled planned preventative maintenance (PPM) visits. By caring for it consistently, you ensure your equipment works reliably every time you use it.
By following these tips, you will extend your equipment’s lifespan, reduce downtime and keep it safe and ready for use — even in challenging environments.
You can also download a poster of these maintenance tips to display in your property, helping staff stay aware of best practices throughout their daily routines.
You can download a poster of these maintenance tips to put up in your property to ensure staff are aware of these maintenance tips in their daily use of patient handling equipment.
Tip 1 – Keep your patient handling equipment clean and free from debris
Patient handling equipment gets dirty quickly, especially in busy care environments. Because it frequently comes into contact with germs, bacteria, dirt and debris, buildup can affect performance and hygiene. This is particularly important in harsh environments such as swimming pools and bathing areas, where erosion occurs more easily.
To prevent damage, make sure you clean your equipment regularly using the appropriate products and store it properly, away from potential hazards. You can find cleaning instructions in the manufacturer’s user manual.
Tip 2 – Carry out routine checks for wear and tear
Regular inspections—especially before use—help you spot issues early and prevent unnecessary downtime. Key components age, wear and degrade over time, which eventually affects performance.
If you notice any wear and tear, report it immediately so a technician can carry out repairs quickly. This proactive approach prevents small problems from becoming major faults.
Tip 3 – Keep cables and loose fittings out of the way
Patient handling equipment relies on various cables, wires and connections, and these parts often get damaged first. To avoid this, keep all cables, connections and plugs clean, secure and safely out of the way.
Additionally, limit unnecessary movement or tension by coiling longer cables neatly and securing them with cable ties. Encourage staff to avoid pulling equipment by its cables, and ensure handsets are always stored correctly after use.
Tip 4 – Keep the battery charged
Consistently charged batteries reduce the risk of unexpected downtime. Batteries that remain uncharged for long periods often struggle to retain power, causing them to run flat more quickly over time.
Some batteries can lose capacity permanently if they are allowed to go completely flat. To avoid this, recharge batteries whenever possible and encourage staff to follow best charging practices.
Tip 5 – Avoid overloading the equipment
Patient lifting equipment is designed to support a specific safe working load (SWL). Overloading or using it incorrectly can cause serious damage. Staff must always check the user’s weight—plus any accessories such as slings or scales—to ensure the total load does not exceed the equipment’s clearly marked SWL.
Tip 6 – Ensure staff are properly trained and regularly retrained
Well-trained staff play a major role in prolonging equipment lifespan. Training and retraining staff on correct usage helps them understand—and follow—the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use, cleaning, storage and maintenance.
As a result, equipment is less likely to break down and will operate smoothly whenever it is needed.
Tip 7 – Maintain a clear maintenance and repair schedule
Don’t wait for equipment to fail before taking action. Instead, follow a structured maintenance and service schedule to keep your equipment in top condition and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
A reliable service and maintenance provider ensures repairs happen quickly when issues arise, minimising downtime and keeping your equipment safe for users and carers.
Remember to download the poster of these seven tips to help staff refresh their knowledge and support the long-term care of your patient handling equipment.
Benefits of Taking Care of Your Care Equipment
The equipment in your organisation represents a significant investment and plays a crucial role in your daily operations. When you care for your equipment properly, you gain far more than an extended lifespan. By following these basic maintenance tips, you will:
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Reduce the risk of downtime and keep service users safe
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Improve operational efficiency and reduce call-out and maintenance costs
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Maintain peak performance so equipment remains fully functional
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Keep equipment looking professional, helping you retain current service users and attract new ones
Start implementing these tips as soon as possible to enjoy the long-term benefits.
If you still experience downtime, speak to Medaco to see how we can support your equipment needs.
