How to Use a Hoist: Step-by-Step Instructions (Ste-by-Step Guide)
Hoists are vital tools in healthcare and home care settings, enabling safe and dignified transfers for patients with limited mobility. Whether in a hospital, care home, or private residence, using a hoist correctly ensures the safety of both the patient and the carer.
This guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions for using a hoist, alongside answers to common questions about hoist use, including guidelines, risk management, and specific transfer scenarios.
For training, check our moving and handling training and train the trainer manual handling.
Understanding Hoists and Their Importance
A hoist is a mechanical device designed to lift and transfer individuals who cannot move independently, such as those with disabilities, injuries, or age-related mobility issues. Common hoist types include mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, and stand-aid hoists, each suited for specific needs.
Proper hoist use not only prevents injuries but also promotes patient comfort and dignity during transfers, such as moving from a bed to a chair, toilet, or commode.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Using a Hoist
Step 1: Preparation and Risk Assessment
Before starting, ensure you’re trained to use the hoist and conduct a risk assessment:
- Clear the area: Remove obstacles like furniture, cables, or rugs to ensure a safe transfer path.
- Inspect the hoist: Check for damage to the hoist, sling, or attachments. For electric hoists, ensure the battery is charged.
- Choose the right sling: Select a sling that matches the patient’s size and needs (e.g., full-body sling for complete support).
Communicate with the patient: Explain the process to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain their cooperation, if possible
Step 2: Positioning the Sling
The sling supports the patient during the transfer, so correct placement is crucial:
- Select the sling type: Use a full-body sling for patients needing full support or a sit-to-stand sling for those who can bear some weight.
- Place the sling:
- If the patient is in bed, gently roll them onto their side to slide the sling underneath, then roll them back to centre it.
- Ensure the sling is flat, with no creases that could cause discomfort.
- Align the sling to support the patient’s back, shoulders, and legs as needed.
- Attach the sling: Secure the sling loops or clips to the hoist’s spreader bar, ensuring even attachment to prevent tilting.
Step 3: Positioning the Hoist
- Move the hoist into place: For mobile hoists, wheel it so the spreader bar is directly above the patient. For ceiling hoists, adjust the track accordingly.
- Stabilise the hoist: Widen the legs of a mobile hoist for stability and lock the wheels if brakes are available.
- Ensure clearance: Confirm there’s enough space to move the hoist to the destination (e.g., chair, toilet, or commode).
Step 4: Lifting the Patient
- Begin lifting: Use the hoist’s controls to raise the spreader bar slowly, keeping an eye on the patient for comfort and security.
- Lift gradually: Raise the patient just enough to clear the surface they’re on, avoiding sudden movements.
- Check the sling: Ensure the sling remains properly positioned and the patient is balanced. Lower and adjust if necessary.
Do manual handling rules apply to all types of jobs, or do they change by workplace?
Manual handling rules—like checking for risks, lifting safely, and moving things the right way—are used in all types of jobs. But how they are used depends on the workplace. For example, building sites may need strong equipment and training for heavy lifting, while offices deal with lighter tasks like moving boxes or files. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires each workplace to follow manual handling rules that align with their own risks and tasks. One set of rules doesn’t work for every job.
Step 5: Transferring the Patient
- Move carefully: Guide the hoist to the destination, keeping the patient low to the ground for safety.
- Align properly: Position the patient directly over the target surface, aligning their hips with the seat for a smooth landing.
- Reassure the patient: Continue communicating to keep them calm and comfortable during the transfer.
Step 6: Lowering the Patient
- Lower slowly: Use the controls to gently lower the patient onto the new surface, ensuring proper alignment.
- Check comfort: Confirm the patient is comfortably seated or lying down, adjusting their position if needed.
- Remove the sling: Detach the sling from the hoist and carefully slide it out, rolling the patient slightly if necessary.
Step 7: Post-Transfer Checks
- Inspect equipment: Check the hoist and sling for wear or damage, cleaning and storing them as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Ensure patient comfort: Verify the patient is secure and comfortable in their new position.
- Document the transfer: In professional settings, record the transfer in the patient’s care plan, noting any issues.
Addressing Common Questions About Hoist Use
HSE Hoisting Guidelines
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK provides guidelines under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
These regulations require employers to:
- Conduct a risk assessment to determine the need for hoists and the number of trained operators.
- Ensure all staff using hoists are properly trained.
- Regularly inspect and maintain hoists to prevent malfunctions. Following HSE guidelines ensures compliance and prioritises safety for both patients and carers.
Hoist Risk Assessment Example
A hoist risk assessment identifies potential hazards and mitigation steps.
For example:
- Hazard: Patient discomfort due to incorrect sling size.
- Mitigation: Assess the patient’s size and mobility needs to select the appropriate sling.
- Hazard: Hoist tipping during transfer.
- Mitigation: Widen the hoist base and ensure the floor is clear of obstacles.
- Hazard: Operator strain from manual handling.
- Mitigation: Use a hoist to eliminate manual lifting and ensure at least two operators for complex transfers. Document the assessment and review it regularly to address changing needs.
Hoisting from Bed to Chair/Toilet/Commode
The steps above apply to transfers between a bed and a chair, toilet, or commode, with slight adjustments:
- To a chair: Align the patient’s hips with the chair’s seat, ensuring their back is supported as you lower them.
- To a toilet/commode: Use a sling with an opening for toileting, position the patient over the toilet, and lower carefully, ensuring privacy and dignity. In all cases, ensure the destination surface is stable and the patient is securely positioned before removing the sling.
How to Hoist a Patient
Hoisting a patient involves the steps outlined above, with a focus on patient-specific needs:
- Assess the patient’s mobility and medical conditions (e.g., pressure sores or fractures) to choose the right sling and technique.
- Communicate constantly to keep the patient calm and informed.
- Monitor for signs of distress during the transfer, pausing if necessary to adjust.
Managing the Risks Supporting an Individual to Move in a Hoist
Risk management involves:
- Training: Ensure all operators are trained in hoist use and manual handling.
- Equipment checks: Regularly inspect hoists and slings for wear, ensuring they meet the safe working load (SWL).
- Environment: Keep transfer areas clear and stable.
- Patient assessment: Consider the patient’s weight, size, and medical conditions to tailor the transfer process.
- Teamwork: Use two operators for heavier patients or complex transfers to reduce risk.
Using a Hoist Requires How Many People?
The number of people required depends on the patient and the hoist:
- One operator: Suitable for straightforward transfers with lighter patients using a mobile or ceiling hoist.
- Two operators: Recommended for heavier patients, complex transfers, or situations where additional support is needed to manage the sling or ensure stability. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and the patient’s care plan to determine the appropriate number of operators.
Safety Tips for Hoist Use
- Never exceed the weight limit: Check the hoist and sling’s SWL against the patient’s weight.
- Move slowly: Avoid sudden movements to keep the patient comfortable and secure.
- Maintain equipment: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to ensure the hoist is safe to use.
- Stay trained: Regular refresher moving and handling training keeps operators confident and competent.
👉Free Template: Manual Handling Competency Form – PDF Download
Conclusion
Using a hoist to move patients is a key skill in healthcare and care places, keeping them safe, comfy, and respected.
Follow the easy steps—get ready properly, put the sling and hoist in the right spot, and move with care—to do it safely and well. Sorting out common worries like HSE rules, risk checks, and different moving situations helps you use hoists the best way.
Always focus on training, talking clearly, and looking after the equipment to give the best care possible.
If you or your team require training in moving and handling for any industry ( health, factory, manufacturing, logistic, construction), contact our team by filling the form below.
Patient hoist usage FAQs
A patient hoist is a mechanical device used in healthcare and care settings to safely lift and transfer individuals with limited or no mobility, such as from a bed to a chair or toilet. It reduces the risk of injury to both the patient and carer by providing a secure method of movement, often using a sling for support.
It depends on the patient’s condition and the type of hoist. Sometimes, one carer can use the hoist if the patient is calm and the risk assessment says it is safe. But often, especially if the patient has complex needs or is being lifted from the floor, two carers are better—one to use the hoist and one to help and keep the patient safe.
A hoist is a machine that lifts and moves a patient. A sling is a fabric seat that attaches to the hoist and supports the patient during the lift. The hoist does the lifting, and the sling keeps the patient safe and comfortable. There are different types of slings for different needs, like toileting or full-body support.
There are different types of hoists for different needs. Mobile hoists have wheels and are used for short moves. Ceiling hoists are fixed to tracks on the ceiling and save space. Bath hoists help with getting in and out of the bath. Standing hoists help patients who can stand with support. Bariatric hoists are made for heavier patients. Each type is used in places like homes, care centres, or swimming pools.
A sling may be needed for arm injuries like broken bones (such as the collarbone or upper arm), dislocations, sprains, strains, or after surgery. The sling helps keep the arm still, reduces pain, and supports healing. Always check with a doctor or nurse to be sure.
Do not use a sling if the injury might need surgery, if there is a lot of swelling, or if a doctor says not to use one. Some shoulder injuries need movement to heal. Using a sling in these cases could slow down recovery or make the injury worse.
Before using a hoist, think about the patient’s weight and how much help they need to move. Choose the right hoist for them. Make sure the area is safe, with clear space and firm flooring. Check how many carers are needed based on the hoist and the risk assessment.
It’s not always illegal to use a hoist on your own in the UK, but it can break health and safety rules if the risk assessment says two carers are needed. If something goes wrong, you could be held responsible.
It can be unsafe for one person to use a hoist alone because the patient might fall or not be positioned correctly. The carer may find it hard to control the hoist and support the patient at the same time. This goes against safety rules in difficult cases and can cause injuries to both the patient and carer.
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