Download Mechanical lift - SAFE Work Manitoba

Safe Work Procedure
Name of Task: Mechanical Lifts – Floor Model
Bed to Chair/Commode/Toilet (reverse the technique for the transfer into bed)
Performed by
Position/Job : RN, LPN, HCA, OT, PT
Department/Unit: Nursing Units, areas providing
patient/resident/client care
Hazards:
Risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) from awkward postures and overexertion. Follow procedure to
reduce risks. Signs and symptoms of a MSI include pain, burning, numbness, tingling, swelling, loss of
movement or strength in a body part.
Equipment (type of lift available are dependent on each unit)
Mediman III
Lifting Capacity:
Mediman IV
Lifting Capacity:
Liko Golvo
Lifting Capacity:
Liko Viking XL
Lifting Capacity:
400 lbs or 180 kg
500 lbs or 227 kg
440 lbs or 200 kg
660 lbs or 330 kg
Liko Viking XL Lift

Only slings specifically manufactured for this lift can be used to transfer with this lift

Few special features:
o Maximum lifting capacity of 660 lbs (300 kgs)
o Base width is adjustable by electric motor with the remote control
o Unlike other floor models where the base spreads into a “V” shape to widen, this model opens and
closes with angle of base remaining perpendicular to each other
o The adjustable base width and leverage of the strap allows this lift to be used to transfer from
various locations/surfaces (i.e. car transfers)
o The Universal Twinbar supports a maximum load of 660 lbs (300 kgs). Equipped with four
suspension hooks – 2 wider hooks are for the shoulder loops & 2 narrower hooks are for the leg
support loops. Load must be applied to all four suspension hooks during lift.
Liko Golvo Lift


Only slings specifically manufactured for this lift can be used to transfer with this lift
Few special features:
o Maximum lifting capacity of 440 lbs (200 kgs)
o Base width is adjustable by electric motor with the remote control
Education and training prerequisites:
e.g. instructions or other SWPs
Safe Patient Handling and Movement Program Operational
Procedures and related SWP’s
Purpose:
1. To ensure safety of patients/residents during transfers with the sit-stand lift to and from a variety
of surfaces including bed, wheelchair, toilet, commode, tub chair, tub stretcher, stretcher, etc.
2. To reduce the potential for injuries to both patients/residents and staff.
Policy:
1. This type of lift is for use with patients/residents who are unable to weight bear reliably or
consistently through upper and lower extremities or if able to bear weight may be uncooperative,
agitated or confused.
2. A minimum two person team is required for any transfers with a mechanical lift. More than 2
staff may be required when the following indicators are present:
a. Patient/resident is obese/rotund in the abdomen or overly tall
b. Low/high muscle tone
c. Behaviour that interferes with care
d. Patient care equipment or devices e.g. casts on extremities, IV poles
e. Recent hip or lower limb surgery to maintain alignment.
Steps to be taken to complete task safely:
(clear description in order of steps to follow to safely perform the task. If required add attach an additional form to list all steps)
Include do’s and don’ts
1
2
3
4
Staff agree on the planned actions required by assessing the current position of the
patient/resident and the desired end position of the patient/resident.
Ensure the mechanical lift is in proper working order, the battery is sufficiently charged and all
attachments are available.
Ensure that there is adequate space to maneuver the patient/resident in the area, i.e. remove
family members, check for cords on floor, move chairs/bed tables, etc.
Communicate to the patient/resident and other staff the planned movements in a clear, nonrushed, respectful manner.
5
Choose the appropriate sling according to the logo. Inspect the sling for signs of wear and tear
prior to use.
6
Place the sling under the patient/resident. Follow procedure to roll patient/resident as described
in “slider placement” SWP. Ensure that the horseshoe shaped cut out is at the level of the
coccyx and the spine is centred on the sling with the centre line on the outside of the sling.
Bring the lift toward the patient/resident within a distance to hook the sling loops to the lift.
 Side approach: to and from the bed or to and from a tilt/recline chair, stretcher, etc.
 Front approach: Commode, wheelchair, shower/tub chair
7
8
Hook loops of the sling to the spreader bar ensuring that the loops of the sling are secured
behind the safety clips.
Loops should be the same colour for each side at each of the locations on the loop. Shoulders,
hips and legs can be different colours but both sides have to be the same colour at each
location.
9
Ensure that the brakes on the lift are not locked during the transfer. Widen the base.
10
Stand beside the patient/resident and use the remote control or buttons on the lift to raise the
patient/resident in the sling just above the transfer surface.
11
Turn the patient/resident so the patient/resident faces the mast (center pole) of lift. This means
the patient’s/resident’s lower legs may come in contact with the mast therefore the best position
is for each leg to be on either side of the mast. If this is not possible, both legs can be on the
same side close to the mast.
The patient/resident should never be transported in the lift facing away from the mast or
sideways, as this will increase the potential for tipping the lift.
12
Guide the lift from point A to B. To initiate movement or to go around corners, push lift from the
side. Adjust the base as per manufacturers guidelines. Mechanical lifts should only be used to
transfer patients/residents from one location to another over the shortest possible distance.
13
At destination, widen base and slowly lower the patient/resident onto the transfer surface.
14
To place the patient/resident in the best seated position, one staff may push on the knees from
the front and the second staff may grasp the sling from behind or from the side to ensure the
patient/resident is seated as far back as possible to achieve a correct position.
15
Ensure patient/resident is seated properly prior to unhooking the sling loops. Remove the hook
attachments from the lift and remove the sling from under the patient/resident if indicated in
patient/resident care plan. If removing sling follow procedure to roll client as described in “slider
placement, tuck procedure” SWP
16
Ensure the patient/resident is in a safe, comfortable position before leaving the patient/resident
unattended.
Responsibilities, Completion and Review
Performs all duties in accordance with established health and safety regulations/guidelines, policies and procedures
(e.g. utilizing personal protective equipment and devices as per safe work procedures). Notifies their Manager or their
designates (i.e. supervisors) of all occurrences, injuries illnesses or safety and health concerns which are likely to
harm themselves, their co-workers, or any others who enter the premises.
Completed / Approved By:
S. Physiotherapist
SWP Last Reviewed /Revised by and date:
H. Educator, March 2009
Date Completed: December 2008
Note: This task will be monitored periodically to
ensure compliance and effectiveness.