Mechanical Lift

Mechanical lifts: Devices used to assist with transfers and movement of individuals who require support for mobility beyond the manual support provided by caregivers alone

PSW Considerations:

  1. Mechanical lifts are designed for short distance transfers only (e.g. bed to chair).
  2. Two people are required for safe transfers using a mechanical lift for the client.
    • This could include a family member, caregiver, or untrained PSW as the secondary helper.
    • There must be a trained PSW, family member, or caregiver as the primary lift operator.
    • The primary lift operator must provide clear instructions to the secondary helper and lead the transfer.
  3. Do not transfer the client using a mechanical lift if there are any changes to the client’s condition (e.g. the client is agitated, resistant, combative, or their physical/medical condition is worsening).
    • Report any change in the client’s condition to the office at 416-635-2860.
  4. Make sure you recognize and understand the alarms and error messages on the mechanical lift. Always follow through when you hear an alarm.

Required Supplies:

  • Sling
  • Mechanical lift with sufficiently charged battery
  • Prepared receiving surface

Procedure for Mechanical Lift Transfer:

First Safety Check:

  1. Turn the lift “ON.”
  2. Perform a safety check before beginning the transfer:
    • Ensure the mechanical lift is in proper working condition, structurally sound, and the battery is sufficiently charged before use.
    • Ensure there is space for the lift to pivot and move freely to the receiving area.
    • Ensure the lift is able to fit under or around the receiving surface.
    • Test the lift controls before bringing the lift to the client. Make sure the emergency release feature works.
    • Ensure the receiving surface is stable and the brakes are locked.
    • Examine the sling and attachment areas for tears, holes and frayed seams. DO NOT USE a sling with any signs of wear.

Place the Client in the Sling:

  1. Position the sling in the centre of the client’s spine.
  2. Place the leg straps flat under the client and do not let the material fold.
  3. Make sure the sling opening is not large enough to let the client slip out or too small to let the client fall out.
  4. Position the base of the lift and widen the base.
  5. Lower the sling bar down to the client. Do not let the sling bar hit the client.
  6. Attach the sling straps to the sling bar as directed.
    • Use the matching loops from each side to ensure the sling is balanced.
    • Ensure all clips or loops are secure and will stay attached as the client is lifted.
    • Ensure the straps are not twisted.
    • Ensure the client’s head and/or back are supported, as needed.

Second Safety Check:

  1. Before lifting the client, perform safety check again:
    • Examine all hooks and fasteners to ensure they will not unhook during use.
    • Double-check the position and stability of the straps and mechanical lift before lifting the client.
    • Ensure clips, latches and bars are securely fastened.

Raise the Client:

  1. Lift the client two inches off the surface to make sure the client is secure.
  2. Check the following:
    • The sling straps are confined by the guard on the sling bar and will not disengage.
    • Weight is spread evenly between the straps.
    • The client will not slide out of the sling or tip backward or forward.
  3. Check the client’s comfort:
    • Make sure the sling does not pinch or pull the client’s skin.
    • Ask if the client is comfortable.
    • Look for non-verbal signs of discomfort.
  4. Slowly lift the client only as high as necessary to complete the transfer.

Lower the Client:

  1. Slowly move the mechanical lift towards the receiving surface.
  2. Slowly lower the client towards the receiving surface. Move the client’s body into the correct position on the receiving surface before releasing the client’s weight.
  3. Release the client’s weight on the receiving surface.
  4. Do not let the sling bar hit the client.
  5. Detach the sling from the mechanical lift as per the training instructions
  6. Carefully remove the sling from the client’s body.
  7. Be careful not to hurt the client’s skin.
  8. Ensure that seated clients do not fall forwards as the sling is removed.
  9. If the power fails, use the emergency release feature to lower the client manually onto a receiving surface.
  10. Pull the mechanical lift away and close the base.
  11. Turn the mechanical lift “OFF” and plug it in to recharge the battery.