Common Foundation Programme - Moving and Handling

A guide to the Moving and Handling sessions in the Common Foundation Programme (module 2) for both staff and students.

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Aims and intended learning outcomes
Mechanical lifting
Training
Hoists
Principles of good hoist and sling use
Mechanical lifting brakes
Mobile seat hoists
Mobile stretcher hoists
Toileting and standing hoists
Mechanical lifting - mobile sling hoists
Using hoists
    Transferring from bed to chair using a Trixie hoist
    Transferring from floor to chair using a Trixie hoist
An introduction to the LIKO hoist
Transferring patient from bed to chair using the LIKO hoist

Aim

To introduce to the student to the different types of hoists and slings.

Intended learning outcomes

• The student should understand which specific model of hoist require the use of brakes.

• Discuss the different situations where a hoist might be used: review T.I.L.E. within identified scenarios

The equipment available for this session: various hoists including the "Trixie" hoist.

The RCN guidelines on the hoist lift gives useful additional detail.

The format suggested for this session:

• initial showing of overheads, to promote any discussion.

• demonstrate the use of the hoist using each other.

• give groups scenarios to ensure practice.

Training

All staff required thorough training in the use of any equipment.

It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure that all staff have adequate, up to date training.

It is the responsibility of all members of staff to inform their managers if they feel they need more training and practice.

The manager is responsible for ensuring that all the equipment used is maintained regularly.

British Standard 5827: 1979 specification for mobile manually operating patient lifting devices must be maintained every year.

Hoists

Hoists can be divided into three categories:

1. Fixed, floor - mounted hoists are used mainly when bathing. They can be hydraulically, mechanically or electrically operated , and can be useful where space is limited.

2. Overhead hoists are usually electrically operated. They may be fixed permanently overhead or mounted on mobile frames.

3. Mobile hoists are the largest of the three categories, and can be operated hydraulically, electrically or by gear winding mechanisms.

1. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

2. Assess the client before using hoists. Is the client suitable for a hoist lift.

3. Always select the appropriate hoist, sling and attachments for the task in hand.

4. Check that the sling and hoist are in good condition.

5. Explain the manoeuvre to the client and any assisting carer(s)

6. Prepare the handling area. A great deal of room is often needed to safely operate a hoist. Practice the manoeuvre before hoisting the client, to ensure there is sufficient space.

7. Measure the sling against the client to ensure correct size. Place the client in the centre of the sling, ensuring that the sling is correctly applied and free of creases.

8. Attach the sling to the hoist correctly.

9. Explain the procedure to the client smoothly and efficiently. Reassure him/her.

10. Raise and transfer the client smoothly and efficiently. If necessary have another carer available to prevent the sling from swinging or moving unduly.

11. Minimise the amount of time that the client remains suspended in a sling. Once, again, comfort is a consideration.

12. Ensure that the client is correctly positioned in the new location to prevent further manual handling once the sling is removed.

13. Remove the sling carefully to avoid damage to the client’s skin.

14. Do not put brakes on whilst hoist in use. On pivot arm hoists, pivot arm has to overcompensate for weight being carried.

Mechanical lifting brakes

Brakes are fitted on most hoists.

They are not normally applied unless the hoist is being used on a slope.

The hoist will automatically move towards the person when the weight is taken, rather than it moving away.

The brakes should be checked regularly for their ease of use.

Mobile seat hoists

• Aim is to enable a carer to move and transfer the patient from a seat as opposed to positioning a sling.

• However, seats give less support to the patient, and therefore the patient needs to be assessed before using this hoist.

Mobile stretcher hoists

The mobile hoists with a stretcher attached have a longer chassis than seat hoist and this alone makes them more difficult to manoeuvre.

Toileting and standing hoists

With a toilet/standing hoist a carer can transfer a person from sitting to standing.

The band sling that is required, must be placed carefully behind the patients back, and not allowed to slide under the armpit.

Mechanical lifting - mobile sling hoists

The aim of mobile sling hoists is to eliminate the need for manual lifting.

This reduces the physical effort and therefore the strain on the carer.

They should not be used to transport the patient over a long distance.

Using hoists

Transferring from bed to chair using a Trixie hoist

• Approach the patient with care as the sling framework can be frightening.
• The shoulder sling connections are attached first.
• The leg should be positioned carefully and consideration shown to dignity and status of skin.
• The patient is made comfortable as the frame is heightened (mechanically). The framework will allow the patient to be sat up. Care is taken with the feet and legs as the patient is moved.
• Overall one carer controls the movement, the second carer offers patient support by placing the chair appropriately, supporting the shoulders and head into the chair to achieve a position.
• Note the hoist will move backwards when compensating for the loss of patient weight.

1	2	3	4

5	6	7	8

9	10	11	12

13	14	15

Transferring from floor to chair using a Trixie  hoist

1	2	3

4	5

An introduction to the LIKO hoist

1	2	3	4

1.    LIKO GOLVO 7000 hoist.
2.    Hoist "lifting bar" on hook storage.
3.    Hoist "lifting bar".
4.    Colour coded sling size indication.

5	6	7

5.    LIKO hoist - emergency lowering (for battery failure) handle and handset.
6.    Battery and emergency stop. Note: plug in charger, indicator for battery charge and "emergency"
        lower/raise operating controls for handset failure.
7.    Handset showing controls.

8	9

8.    Leg of hoist showing brake and lateral moving leg.
9.    (standing) sling - coloured tab indicates size.

Transferring patient from bed to chair using the LIKO hoist

1	2	3

1.    Measuring sling length - LIKO.
2.    Measuring sling length - LIKO.
3.    Measuring sling (thigh) - LIKO.

4	5	6

4.    Roll client, fold half sling and tuck folded half under client.
5.    Roll client to other side, unroll sling and smooth it.
6.    Client lying centrally on sling.

7	8	8a

7.    Client in sling ready to be hoisted.
8.    Sling attached to hoist (shoulder straps first).
8a.  Crossover leg straps before attaching to hoist.

9	10	11

9.    Client being hoisted. Note: hand position. Head is supported.
10.  Client being hoisted. Initially using "fine" control.
11.  Client supported in hoist, ready for transfer. (Are heels clear??)

12	13	14

12.  Steady client, rotate etc as necessary.
13.  Lower client into chair. Note: chair tilts - this ensures good seating position.
14.  Client seated. Sling goes slack.

15	16	17

15.  Client seated - fine control and potential steadying of client required.
16.  Remove client legstraps first.
17.  Note - client is holding the hoisting bar. It is heavy and could cause damage if left to swing.

18	19	20

18.  Hoist bar is removed and ......................
19.  ..........placed on hook.
20.  Sling is removed. Legs first and then out from the back.

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These pages have been prepared by Colin Baker, Safety Co-ordinator.