How to Use a Hoist and Sling Correctly
Carrying out sling safety checks before every lift is essential for anyone using a hoist to move or transfer a patient. These checks help prevent accidents, protect carers from injury, and ensure the person being moved remains safe and comfortable. Each year, incidents occur because hoists or slings were not inspected or used correctly, so learning the right techniques matters.
Manual Handling at Home
When you use a hoist at home, proper training becomes crucial. Not only do regular sling safety checks reduce risk for the patient, but correct manual-handling techniques also protect carers from back injuries. Back strain is one of the most common injuries among carers, often caused by incorrect lifting methods.
Additionally, many local authorities offer manual handling courses. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to request a direct payment to cover the training cost.
Specific Hoist and Sling Training
We provide demonstrations on safe hoist operation and sling fitting when we deliver or install your equipment. Simply ask at the point of purchase and we’ll arrange a demonstration so you can use your hoist confidently from day one.
Important Points for Sling Safety Checks
Before using any hoist, run through these key sling safety checks:
✓ Always position the hoist on a flat, stable floor
Uneven flooring can cause the hoist to tilt or tip during a transfer.
✓ Use the correct, compatible sling
A mismatched sling may not attach securely, increasing the risk of an unsafe lift.
✓ Choose the correct sling size
A sling that is too small causes discomfort. Yet one that is too large increases the risk of sliding or falling.
For full guidance, we recommend the HSE’s document Getting to grips with hoisting people’.
You can also download our Hoist Safety Checklist to complete your sling safety checks at home.
Alternatives to Hoists and Slings
If hoisting isn’t the right solution, you may prefer other transfer aids. Standing and transfer aids help carers move individuals who still have some strength and mobility. These alternatives can be more suitable in certain situations, depending on the person’s needs.
For more advice, you can read our full guide to Standing Aids.
At Medaco, we work closely with all major manufacturers so we can recommend the safest and most appropriate equipment for your user’s needs. Contact us today to discuss options or to arrange a product demonstration.
Hoist and Sling Alternatives
If you decide that a hoist and sling isn’t quite right for your needs, there are a number of different transfer aids that may be more suitable.
Standing Aids and Transfer aids are manual products that can be used by a carer or relative to help transfer or move a patient or loved one more easily. However, these require a certain level of strength and mobility from the service user being cared for.
If you would like help deciding on which product to choose, read our guide on Standing Aids.
At Medaco, we understand choosing the right equipment for your user’s needs is imperative. That’s why we’re proud to be working in partnership with all commercial manufacturers to bring you the best hoists and slings available. Contact us today to discuss your product needs or book a demo.
