The investigating inspector at HSE, said:
“There should have been regular checks of the sling and it should have been thoroughly examined at least once every six months. Sadly this did not happen.”
(the full news article can be viewed at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-12212215)
So this begs us to ask the question, are nursing and care homes regularly testing their patient slings?
B&M Supplieswww.bmsupplies.co.uk now offer range solutions to ensure your home is protected and regularly tested against HSE guidelines. The regular testing of your patient hoist on a 6 monthly basis should already form a part of your safety guidelines however there is a still a grey area surrounding whether your slings should be periodically inspected.With this is mind B&M Supplies can now offer:
LOLER Testing for Ceiling, Mobile & Patient hoists
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, which came into force in 1998. LOLER replaced various earlier regulations relating to the use of lifting equipment and was brought in to minimise health and safety risks arising from lifting equipment provided for use at work. A loler inspection and service is carried out periodically on any lifting equipment every 6 months.
PUWER Testing for Lifting Accessories and slings
In addition to the requirements of LOLER, lifting equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, known as PUWER. The PUWER regulations require that risks to health and safety from equipment used at work be prevented or controlled and these regulations apply to any kinds of equipment used at work. As an extension of PUWER guidelines B&M supplies now offer full PUWER test for all of your patients slings. Your slings will be professionally tested on site and given a safety certificate ensuring peace of mind and continuous care.
Client Moving and Handling Training
Ensure your staffs know the correct way to use lifting and handling equipment safely by one of our specialists, with over 15 years in the industry and a good working knowledge of current Loler & Puwer guidelines, our trainer can help your staff achieve a entirely new level of care.By choosing one of our great solutions a nursing home or care facility can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your equipment is covered by our own insurance policy and that you can be free to do what you do best………care.
For further information and advice on maintaining your lifting and handling equipment please free to contact us on 01704 553 773.
