How often should a hoist be inspected? A guide to equipment checks

When it comes to moving and transferring patients between locations, ensuring the safety of the equipment you use is paramount. Care homes must adhere to strict safety protocols when using hoists and slings, and a crucial part of that is conducting regular inspections of moving equipment. As a leading supplier of medical equipment to care homes and healthcare settings across the southeast of the UK, we understand the critical importance of maintaining these devices to the highest standards.

Here we answer the question ‘how often should a hoist be inspected?’ and provide a guide to the checks required to keep your equipment in the best working order, so your residents maintain safety, comfort and dignity when moving between locations. 

Moving and handling equipment safety is guided by the Health & Safety Executive’s Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). These regulations require six-monthly examinations of all lifting equipment (which includes hoists and slings) by a “competent person”. This person should assess each device’s structural integrity, mechanical function, and safety features, such as brakes, hooks, and straps. Crucially, the regulations stipulate that the person carrying out the inspection must not be the same person responsible for maintaining the equipment on a day-to-day basis.

These checks are not just a legal requirement; they're a vital safeguard for patients and staff. Once the inspection is completed, a certification label must be displayed on the equipment, and the label should also show the due date of the next inspection. 

Separate from LOLER inspections, a full service of hoists and their mechanical components should be done annually. 

Safety doesn't just happen once or twice a year – it’s an everyday commitment. Care staff should perform visual inspections before each use of hoists and slings. These quick checks can prevent accidents and include looking for:

• Tears or fraying in slings
• Damaged hooks or cables on hoists
• Proper functionality of controls

If any defects are found, the equipment should be immediately removed from service and reported. 

Learn more about using hoists safely

In addition to daily checks, weekly inspections provide a more thorough examination. These should be formally recorded and include:

• Detailed examination of slings for wear or discolouration
• Checks on hoist tracks and wheels
• Testing of emergency stop functions
• Checks on the integrity of safety belts and attachments

Remember to make a note of the following:

• Unique identification labels on slings for keeping track of inspections
• The lifespan for reusable slings (unless damaged earlier)
• Single-use slings should be discarded immediately after contamination or damage

As every resident is unique, a tailored moving/handling plan should be in place for each individual, to fit their particular needs. These plans should detail:

• The correct sling type and size for each resident
• Use of additional safety devices (e.g., harnesses)
• Specific loop configurations for safe transfers
• The number of carers required for each transfer

These plans should be regularly reviewed and updated as each resident’s condition changes.

Equipment is only as safe as the people using it, so it’s vital that all staff receive regular and refresher training. This should include:

• Practical training on hoist and sling use
• Annual manual handling refresher courses
• Immediate updates when new equipment is introduced

Maintaining thorough records is both a legal requirement and good practice. You should keep the following documentation for at least two years and have them readily available so you can reference them or provide them if asked:

• LOLER inspection certificates
• Servicing and repair records
• Training logs for staff

Adhering to these inspection, training and record-keeping procedures isn't just about avoiding penalties – it all contributes to a safe culture where residents’ well-being is the top priority and staff feel valued and confident in their work. In other words, these safety measures help you demonstrate a commitment to delivering excellence in care. As your trusted medical equipment supplier, we're committed to supporting your safety efforts – from providing top-quality hoists and slings to offering guidance on maintenance and inspections, we're here to ensure that your care setting remains a safe environment for all. Together, we can ensure that every patient transfer is as safe and comfortable as possible.

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