How to Use Portable Mobility Hoists Safely and Correctly

Portable mobility hoists are a critical piece of equipment for people with significant mobility issues when it comes to getting around. Portable hoists make lifting the patient easier and safer for everyone involved. However, safe lifting hinges on correctly setting up the hoist and following the right lifting procedure and safe practices.

At Dolphin Mobility, we specialise in providing top-quality mobility hoists and are committed to delivering effective mobility solutions across the UK, helping caregivers and patients with greater independence, safety, and comfort in daily life.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved in correctly setting up and operating a portable hoist, while sharing our expert tips for ensuring a safe and efficient lifting process.

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

Begin by making sure that the area where you plan to lift the patient is free of any obstacles that might obstruct the hoist’s path, as this could lead to an accident. You should also check the condition of the ground or floor. Uneven or slippery surfaces can cause the hoist to become unbalanced and tip over, risking harm to the person being lifted. If using a mobile hoist, check that there are no rugs that the castors could catch on.

Adequate lighting is also vital for seeing your surroundings, operating the hoist safely and maintaining vigilance of the person being lifted throughout the procedure. Lifting a person with a portable hoist in poorly lit conditions is hazardous, as obstacles may be difficult to see, increasing the risk of accidents.

Step 3: Gather and Check Equipment

Once the area is clear, gather all the necessary equipment to perform the lift. This includes the hoist itself, the hoist sling and any other items you might need, like a charging unit if your portable hoist is electric.

Perform the pre-lift checks:

● Check the Hoist: Inspect the hoist each time before use to ensure that it has sufficient charge and is in good working condition. Set up the hoist and test it out to ensure it is functioning correctly.

● Check the Sling: Look at the sling and all its attachments, including the hooks and straps, ensuring there are no signs of wear.

● Verify the Person's Weight: Check the patient's recent weight against the maximum lifting capacity of the hoist to ensure it is within the limit. This can be found in the operation manual.

Step 4: Position the Hoist

Position the hoist close to the person you will lift and check that the hoist can cover the required distance. Whether you are moving a person from the bed to a chair or from a wheelchair to a vehicle, check the distance between the two places is within the hoist’s safe lifting range. The exact lifting range will be clearly stated in your hoist’s operation manual.

Ensure the base of the mobile hoist is aligned with the person and adjust the width of the hoist legs, if necessary, for stability. The hoist should be set up to move the person without hitting any obstructions.

Step 5: Help the Person Into the Sling

If you are moving someone who is currently seated in a chair, have them lean forward so you can place the sling behind their back. Alternatively, if you are transferring someone from a lying position, help them roll onto one side, lay the sling on the bed and have them roll back onto it.

Check the operation manual to ensure that the sling is in the correct position. Typically, the top of the sling should be in line with the person’s shoulders and the bottom of the sling should be underneath the hips with the leg straps under the thighs.

Step 6: Attach the Sling to the hoist

Before attaching the sling, ensure that the portable hoist has its brakes off. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it allows mobile hoists to find their centre of gravity without tipping. If you are positioning someone into a wheelchair, ensure the brakes are engaged to prevent the chair from moving.

Next, lower the boom into the correct position and place the spreader bar within reach of the sling. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to correctly fasten the shoulder loops and straps to the spreader bar, ensuring that all attachments are securely fastened.

Step 7: Lift the Patient

When everything is prepared, inform the person you are about to begin the lift. To start the lift, hoist the person high enough to clear the chair or bed they are sitting on. Avoid going higher than necessary as this may cause the patient to feel anxious.

Take care to ensure the hoist moves slowly and smoothly, avoiding any sudden movements or jerks. Make sure to monitor the patient to ensure they remain comfortable, stable and correctly positioned in the sling. Be prepared to stop the lift if they ask you to. You should also keep an eye on the lifting equipment, ensuring it remains stable throughout the lift.

Step 8: Transfer the Patient

One carer should operate the hoist while another supports the patient and guides them towards the new seated position. We recommend narrating what you are doing during the lift to reassure the patient and put them at ease.

Step 9: Detach the Sling

Once the hoist is in the correct position, lower the person down carefully onto their new seat and unhook the attachments. Make sure they are seated comfortably before helping them remove the sling from underneath them. Take your time to remove the sling to minimise patient discomfort.

Step 10: Store the Hoist

After you have finished using the portable hoist, store it in a safe place. If it’s electric, remember to put it on charge so that it is ready for future use. We also recommend giving the mobility hoist a quick check, looking for any signs of wear and tear that might indicate maintenance is required. Keeping the hoist in good condition ensures that it is always ready for use.

Portable Hoists and Ceiling Hoists from Dolphin Mobility

At Dolphin Mobility, we understand the challenges of getting around the home for individuals with limited mobility. Our mobility hoists are designed to provide safety, efficiency, and comfort, supporting both patients and carers by eliminating the physical strain associated with manual lifting. By reducing the risks of falls, our mobility hoists offer peace of mind for both the individual and the carer.

Whether you need assistance with transferring from a bed to a chair, or from a wheelchair to a car seat, our portable hoists offer a convenient, versatile solution. These compact and lightweight hoists are perfect for everyday use, ensuring patients can easily move from one location to another without compromising their safety or comfort.

For those looking for a more permanent solution, ceiling hoists, also known as ceiling track hoists, can be installed in your home, providing smooth, easy transfers with minimal effort. Our expert team is happy to visit your home to assess your specific needs and recommend whether a ceiling hoist or portable hoist would be the most suitable for your individual circumstances.