How to Carry-out Mobile Hoist Safety Checks Prior to Each Use

Mobile and ceiling hoists are essential pieces of moving and handling equipment. They support safe transfers for patients and reduce strain and injury risk for carers. To keep everyone safe, it is important to carry out safety checks before each use. The six checks below will help you make sure the hoist and sling are ready for a safe transfer.

1. Check the hoist has been serviced in the last 6 months

Look for the service label and make sure the hoist and accessories are in date. Hoists should be serviced every year and have a LOLER test every six months (Hoists also require a LOLER examination (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) every 6 months.) This includes mobile hoists, ceiling hoist units, slings, and any attachments. If the hoist is out of date, do not use it. Report it to your service provider. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise that your hoist must have routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Check the hoist unit is working correctly

Test the hoist before placing the sling on the service user. Use the handset to move the hoist up and down. Move it forwards and backwards. Check it runs smoothly along the ceiling track if you have one. Make sure wheels or trolleys move freely and nothing is obstructing them. Look at the handset cable to make sure there are no visible signs of wear.

3. Check the sling is correct and in good condition

Inspect the sling before each use. Do not use it if you see tears, fraying, or damaged stitching. Make sure the label is readable and the serial number is clear. Check the sling size and style match the service user’s care plan. Make sure the fixing type (loop or clip) matches the hoist’s spreader bar. Do not mix clip slings with loop bars or vice-versa.

4. Check the safe working load (SWL)

Check the hoist’s safe working load. You must also know the weight of the person being transferred. This information should be in the care plan. Use the lowest safe working load shown on any part of the system. In some ceiling hoists, the track and motor may have different limits.

5. Check the hoist brakes

If you are using a mobile hoist, keep the brakes off during the transfer. The hoist needs to move to find its natural centre of balance. Only put the brakes on when the hoist is being stored. Switch the battery off and charge it when not in use.

6. Check the emergency controls

Know where the emergency stop and emergency lowering functions are located. These may be a red button or a pull cord. Make sure you can access them quickly and that they work correctly.

Are you trained to use the hoist?

Only trained staff should use a hoist. Make sure you have received manual handling training and are confident in using each piece of equipment. If not, request further training before use. We have created a comprehensive list of further hoist safety checks prior to each, including the six above. Download the PDF and keep up near your hoist. Use it to remind yourself of what checks you should do before using a hoist.

Carry out these six checks before every transfer to maintain safety and confidence. If anything seems damaged or unsafe, do not use the hoist. Report the issue so it can be repaired quickly.

Discover the Medaco solution

Medaco provides routine LOLER examinations, annual servicing, and maintenance on a wide range of equipment. We also supply and install mobile and ceiling hoists to a variety of care settings from care homes, SEN schools, Hospitals, and Hospices. Contact us below if you would like more information on any of these services. For more information on safety checks for slings, check out our other videos.