Many people are aware that moving and handling equipment has to be serviced and maintained, and that any lifting equipment must adhere to LOLER regulations, (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) but what about accessories for lifting, such as slings?
LOLER is a set of regulations applying to all lifting equipment and lifting operations in the workplace – regardless of if it is patient lifting equipment or not, and patient lifting slings must also adhere to these regulations, as they play an integral role in the patient lifting process.
There are two important definitions to consider when thinking about LOLER compliance, in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- Lifting equipment – means work equipment for lifting and lowering loads.
- Accessory for lifting – means lifting equipment for attaching loads to machinery for lifting
Able engineer James completing a thorough LOLER test and hoist service
The HSE goes on to state that ‘Accessories for lifting must be thoroughly examined either at least every six months or in accordance with an examination scheme’, and that ‘you must ensure lifting equipment (including lifting accessories) exposed to conditions causing deterioration which could lead to dangerous situations undergoes regular thorough examination by a competent person’.
Our Field Service Engineers regularly inspect patient lifting slings on a six-monthly basis and incorporates these inspections as he services & LOLER tests lifting equipment at your premises. Providing you with LOLER certification for your equipment and lifting slings simultaneously, you can rest assured we are keeping your family members safe and your care equipment legally compliant.
An equally thorough and important test is completed on an accompanying sling
An engineer thoroughly inspects each sling in accordance with the following criteria:
- Full legibility of manufacturers name, washing instructions, safe working load and serial number
- Stitching Breakdown
- Tape Fraying & Wear
- Fabric Thinning
- Fabric Stress
- Fabric Fading
- Soiling
They will then issue you with a full and detailed inspection report for your records, providing each sling has passed inspection.
A clear inspection report is provided for your records.
Although it can be frustrating when slings fail due to damaged tapes or edging seams or worn Velcro pads, the alternative could be much worse. Using damaged and unsafe lifting equipment accessories can have dire consequences. Generally, customers are grateful to learn that a fault in an accessory has been spotted, giving them piece of mind that their equipment is going to function safely and securely.
If you have any questions regarding patient sling inspections or would like us to inspect your slings for you, in addition to any patient lifting equipment you have, please call us today on 01953 885661 or email us at service@helloable.co.uk
For more information about maintaining and testing your care equipment, click here.
