Clinical Criteria for the provision of

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3. Manual Handling Equipment in this section: 3.1 Easi slide 3.2 Transfer board 3.3 Handling belt 3.4 Patient turner 3.5 Stand Aid 3.6 Hoist manual 3.7 Hoist powered 3.8 Slings ‐ 1 – General considerations: 
All prescribers for manual handling equipment must have completed mandatory manual handling training to an appropriate level and attended mandatory updates. Regulation of mandatory updates vary slightly across agencies, prescribers need to comply with their employing agency and professional body. 
All prescribers of manual handling equipment must complete tissue viability training to an appropriate level. 
All prescribers must refer to manufactures guidance and advice regarding the use and maintenance of the equipment. 
Additional advice on manual handling can be obtained from manual handling advisors in your respective agencies. 
Risk assessment and prescriptions forms must be completed as part of your assessment for all manual handling equipment. 
Prescribers should refer to the Tissue Viability pathway and seek further advice from the Tissue Viability services when in doubt 
Weight limits of equipment 
User environments‐ space and hazards to person and carers 
Prescribers must work within legal and organisational frameworks 
Single use due to risk of cross contamination 
Maintenance‐ prescribers/delivers of equipment need to reinforce with users/carers the need for equipment to be regularly checked‐ particularly aids that are at risk of deterioration. If user is unable to take on this responsibility an alternative arrangement needs to be identified. 
Adding equipment to service/maintenance contracts 
Social and dignity issues for users. 
Training and support needs of carers 
Consent and compliance issues for users and carers. 
Additional or second slings should only be prescribed as a result of an identified need and not automatically. ‐ 2 – Related policies and guidance documents: Revised Manual Handling guidance was published in March 2004. The revision brings it up to date with improvements in the knowledge of the risks from manual handling and how to avoid them. 
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended): Guidance on Regulations. L23. HSE Books. ISBN 0 7176 2823 X[4] 
Getting to grips with manual handling: A short guide. INDG143 [368KB] 
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) as amended 2002 
Handling home care HSG 225[1] achieving safe, efficient and positive outcomes for care workers and clients. 
Health and safety in care homes HSG 220[2] this book is targeted at owners and managers of care homes, as well as employees and safety representatives. 
Manual handling in the health services ISBN 0 7176 1248 1[3] provides guidance, which is intended to help everybody who plays a part ensuring that risks from manual handling are minimised. 
Getting to grips with handling problems ISBN 0 7176 0622 8[4] provides practical advice and guidance on manual handling in the Health Services. 
Cornwall Council’s Manual Handling Policy ‐ 3 – 3.1 Equipment: Easi slide Description: sliding sheets are made from very low friction material that slides against its self. They are available to slide in 1‐4 directions, with or without handles. Dimension: 1800 x 1530mm Related policies/Guidance; Example Brand names: Indicators  The person needs additional support to complete a sliding transfer or to reposition them.  Carers need additional support to reposition or transfer the person Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function Prescriber/assessor All alternatives have been  Shearing risks  Risk assess  User environment explored:  Poor balance  Access to both sides of  Manual handling training  Different technique the bed  Person gets confused  Product familiarisation  Referral to other completed  Balance  Carer ability services e.g. Rehab OT  Uneven or poor  Progression of condition transfer surfaces Risk assessment  Where patient using  Must not be used if Carers assessment there are any signs of it alone may slide off Increased car package equipment wear & bed. tear   Weight limits  Sliding sheet must be removed immediately following its use. 
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Actions Risk assessment Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Teach user appropriate techniques Demo/delivery planned Review date ‐ 4 ‐ Formatted: Bullets and
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Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS Easi slide FI N R M N/A Bar Coded N Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 5 ‐ 3.2 Equipment: Transfer board Description: Transfer boards have a smooth wooden surface, tapered at either end. Dimension: maximum user weight 30stone (190kg). Related policies/Guidance Example Brand names: Boomerang by Smitcare. Some other designs remain in circulation within CELS Indicators  The person needs additional support to transfer between two even surfaces.  A carer needs assistance to transfer the person between two even surfaces. Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function All alternatives have been  Shearing & pressure care  User environment explored:  Stability & balance  Progression of  Alternative technique condition  Uneven &/or unsteady  Referral to other surfaces  Impact upon care agencies package  User confusion  Balance  Weight limits Risk assessment  Dexterity  Carer ability Care assessment  Ability of user to lift own Increased care package body weight 
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Prescriber/assessor Risk assess Manual handling training TV training Product familiarisation completed 
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Actions Risk assessment Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Teach user appropriate techniques Demo/delivery planned Review date ‐ 6 ‐ Formatted: Bullets and
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Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS Transfer board N R Bar Coded M C Y FI Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 7 ‐ 3.3 Equipment: Handling belt Description: Handling belts are made of contoured fleece fabric, (deluxe model has an anti slip section) and quick release buckle, with padded handles at each end. They have a selection of horizontal and vertical handles along the outside surface. Formatted: Font: Calibri, 14
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Dimension: Mini‐ 510‐1140mm (20‐45”). Maxi‐ 610‐1140mm (24‐45”). Maxi plus 915‐1520mm (36‐60”). “ Related policies/Guidance Example Brand names: Smitcare Indicators  The person needs additional support to transfer or reposition.  A carer needs assistance to transfer or reposition the person.  To provide support whilst mobilising Ladder Approach All alternatives have been explored:  Alternative technique  Sliding board  Bed lever  Referral to other agencies Risk assessment Care assessment Increased care package 
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Contraindications Stability & balance Uneven &/or unsteady surfaces User confusion Weight limits Carer ability 
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Safety & function User environment Progression of condition Balance Dexterity Ensure correct size is used Not to be used as a lifting belt 
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Prescriber/assessor Risk assess Manual handling training TV training Product familiarisation completed 
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Actions Risk assessment Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Teach user appropriate techniques Demo/delivery planned Review date ‐ 8 ‐ Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS Handling belt N R Bar Coded M C N FI Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 9 ‐ 3.4 Equipment: Patient turner Description: circular metal disc for patient to stand on with two handled angle stem with integral knee blocks. Dimension: for Etac handle height 890mm to 1260mm. Max user weight 150kg/ 23.5stone. Related policies/Guidance Example Brand names: Etac Patient turner plus a limited stock of Rotastand solo & Homecraft turner at CELS Indicators  Person needs assistance to complete a swivel/pivot transfer.  Carers need assistance to complete swivel/pivot transfers with person.  Reduce the number of carers needed to support a swivel/pivot transfer. (individual risk assessment is required to identify if 1or 2 carers are needed) Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function Prescriber/assessor Actions All alternatives have  Person must always be  User environment –  Risk assessment  Risk assess been explored: supervised in its use space & surfaces  Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance  Manual handling training  Alternative  Instability if person  Appropriate adjustment  Product familiarisation & local MH policy technique pulls up on turner of equipment to user  Prescription goals identified. completed  Turn table height  Weight bearing  Teach user appropriate  Bed lever  Not to be used a s a  Standing balance techniques mobility aid.  Referral to other  Carer ability  Demo/delivery planned agencies e.g.  person has poor  Review date physio/Rehab OT cognitive ability Risk assessment Care assessment Increased care package ‐ 10 ‐ Formatted: Bullets and
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Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS patient turner N R Bar Coded M C Y FI Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 11 ‐ 3.5 Equipment: Stand aids Description: wheeled platform with spreader bar and raise mechanism. Dimension: Length‐ 1170‐1220mm. Height 1138mm. Turning radius 1250mm. Width 610‐1240mm. Related policies/Guidance: Example Brand names: Manual & powered versions available. Oxford 140. Indicators  The person can actively assist with transfers but needs additional support to stand.  Equipment will help to maintain a function.  Equipment will enable user to maintain weight bearing.  As part of a rehab program.  1 or 2 carer use determined by risk assessment. Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function All alternatives have  Transfers over long  Storage been explored: distances or room to  Weight limit  Technique room  Progression of condition
 Weight bearing  Small transfer aids  Confused patients e.g. handling belts,  Reliability of stand turn tables, sliding  User environment boards, patient  Carer ability turners.  Manoeuvrability of stand  Change of routine aid in environment  Change to living  Pain space e.g. moving  Shearing & TV furniture  Extreme behaviour of 
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Prescriber/assessor Risk assess TV training Manual handling training Product familiarisation completed 
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Actions Risk assessment Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Prescription form Demo/delivery planned Teach user appropriate techniques Review date Add to maintenance & service contract ‐ 12 ‐ Formatted: Bullets and
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Risk assessment Carers assessment Increased care package costs 
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person Ability of carer Mental capacity Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS stand aids N R Bar Coded M C Y FI Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Y Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 13 ‐ 3.6 Equipment: Mobile hoist manual Description: A metal base or chassis with legs ‐ wheeled, usually two with brakes with a mast ‐ the vertical support. This incorporates the lifting mechanism which uses a hydraulic pump, operated by a handle. Wheeled legs can be widened to accommodate floor transfers and some equipment. The boom extends from the mast to provide the reach across and has the spreader bar attached. The spreader bar provides the width to span the user’s shoulders and the attachment points for the slings. Dimension: Midi‐ weight limit 25stone/ 170kg Major‐ weight limit 47 stone /190kg Related policies/Guidance: Choosing a mobile hoist fact sheet from DLF Example Brand names: Oxford Mid & Major. Some other designs remain in circulation within CELS e.g. TX, Molift, stowaways Indicator  The person is unable to safely transfer from one position/place to another.  The carers are not able to safely support the person to transfer from one place/ position to another.  Temporary solution during DFG  Temporary solution post surgery  1 or 2 carer use determined by risk assessment.  To prevent Hospital admission. NB if hoist is needed long term, educate user that a ceiling track hoist will be supplied and fitted in the long term (and refer for one) Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function Prescriber/assessor Actions All alternatives have  Risk assess  Transfers over long  Storage  Risk assessment been explored: distances or room to  Weight limit  TV training  Refer to MHRA, HSE  Technique room guidance & local MH policy  Hydraulic hoists  Manual handling training  Small transfer aids  User environment transfers can take  Prescription goals  Product familiarisation e.g. handling belts,  Carer ability longer & be more jerky identified. ‐ 14 ‐ 
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turn tables, sliding boards, patient turners. Change of routine Change to living space e.g. moving furniture Risk assessment Carers assessment Increased care package costs 
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Manoeuvrability of hoist in environment Pain Shearing & TV Extreme behaviour of person Ability of carer Mental capacity 
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completed Progression of condition
Manual mobile hoists are not a long term option Consider implications of long term use on carers. Confused patients 
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Prescription form Demo/delivery planned Teach user appropriate techniques Review date Add to maintenance & service contract Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS mobile manual hoist FI N R M C Bar Coded Y Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Y Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 15 ‐ 3.7 Equipment: Mobile hoist powered Description: A metal base or chassis with legs ‐ wheeled, usually two with brakes with a mast ‐ the vertical support. This incorporates the lifting mechanism which uses a battered powered pump operated by switches on a flexible cable. Wheeled legs can be widened to accommodate floor transfers and some equipment. The boom extends from the mast to provide the reach across and has the spreader bar attached. The spreader bar provides the width to span the user’s shoulders and the attachment points for the slings. The battery can be removed for recharging Dimension: Midi‐ weight limit 25stone/ 170kg Major‐ weight limit 47 stone /190kg Related policies/Guidance: Choosing a mobile hoist fact sheet from DLF Example Brand names: Oxford Mid & Major. Other designs remain in circulation within CELS e.g. TX, Molift, stowaways Indicators  The person is unable to safely transfer from one position/place to another.  Person not able to tolerate jerky movements of manual hoist.  The person can operate hoist lift/lower themselves.  1 or 2 carer use determined by risk assessment.  The carers are not able to safely support the person to transfer from one place/ position to another.  Carers are not able to operate a manual hoist.  Powered hoist enables single carer to safely complete transfers.  Temporary solution during DFG  To prevent hospital admission Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function Prescriber/assessor All alternatives have  Transfers over long  Storage  Risk assess 
Actions Risk assessment ‐ 16 ‐ been explored:  Technique  Small transfer aids e.g. handling belts, turn tables, sliding boards, patient turners.  Change of routine  Change to living space e.g. moving furniture  Manual mobile hoist Risk assessment Carers assessment Increased care package costs 
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distances or room to room User environment Carer ability Manoeuvrability of hoist in environment Pain Shearing & TV Extreme behaviour of person Mental capacity 
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Weight limit Progression of condition Manual mobile hoists are not a long term option Consider implications of long term use on carers. Confused patients TV training Manual handling training Product familiarisation completed 
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Refer to MHRA, HSE guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Prescription form Demo/delivery planned Teach user appropriate techniques Demonstrate to user battery charging & maintenance needs Review date Add to PAT list Add to maintenance & service contract Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS mobile hoist powered FI N R M C Bar Coded Y Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Legislation LOLER PUWER Comments/ technical instruction Y Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 17 ‐ 3.8 Equipment: Slings Description: Slings are available in a range of fabrics and sizes. Most companies have a range of standard or universal slings as well as specials designed for specific purposes e.g. to be sat on all day, bathing, toileting, paediatrics. Sizes, styles, and weight limits vary. They may be provided in fabric such as polyester, fleece‐lined, mesh and low friction fabrics such as parasilk. Options include head support, extended leg and shoulder sections and chest straps. There are a number of companies who produce made to measure slings. These can take a long time to be provided, as well as being very expensive and there is no guarantee that they will be a solution, so should be a last resort. Assessment of slings should consider users needs, carer’s needs, environment and transfers to be completed. Dimension: seek manufactures guidance Related policies/Guidance Example Brand names: stock slings Access sling‐ small, medium & large Quickfit deluxe‐ small, medium & large Quickfit – small, medium & large Standaid sling‐ standing & transport Indicators  The person needs to be transferred/repositioned using a hoist/stand aid.  Standard or universal slings should be explored and excluded before progressing to more specialist slings.  Second slings maybe required due to continence, bathing, transfer surfaces/locations. Ladder Approach Contraindications Safety & function Prescriber/assessor Risk assessment  Compatibility of sling &  Types of transfers to be  Risk assess Carers assessment hoist undertaken‐ is more  TV training Increased care package 
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Actions Risk assessment Refer to MHRA, HSE ‐ 18 ‐ costs 
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Muscle tone Strength Tissue viability Pain Temperature control Level of understanding & participation of person Level of understanding & participation of carers 
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than 1 sling needed Continence‐ frequency of washing Loops are for correct positioning of person not to alter sling size Slings maybe requested for use in settings with multiply users‐ slings should only be assessed & provided for individual user If slings are to be used in none home settings prescriber needs to confirm who is responsible for maintenance of hoist that it will be used with & check compatibility. 
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Manual handling training Product familiarisation completed 
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guidance & local MH policy Prescription goals identified. Prescription form Demo/delivery planned Review date Add to maintenance & service contract ‐ 19 ‐ Formatted: Bullets and
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Safety Checking of Community Loan Equipment DESCRIPTION STANDARD EQUIPMENT ITEMS slings N R Bar Coded M C N FI Manufacturer’s Instructions Supplied to User/Carer Single use Items Y Comments/ technical instruction Legislation LOLER PUWER Y Key: FI ‐ Final Inspection, N – New, R – Recycled, M – Manufacturer, C ‐ Community Equipment Loan Store ‐ 20 ‐