Hoist safety checks

Hoists are used every day in care homes, hospitals and people’s own homes to facilitate movement and transfer when it’s not possible for the person to move safely unaided. These transfers are close-contact, high-risk moments. They should feel calm, controlled and dignified – but when something is missed, they can quickly become unsafe.

Most incidents are not caused by major equipment failure. They happen when small checks are skipped, the wrong sling is used or the setup is rushed. That’s why consistent safety checks matter. They reduce the risk of falls, injury and distress, and help staff feel confident using the equipment.

Hoists and slings also sit within clear expectations in UK care settings. If something goes wrong, services need to show that the equipment was checked, the correct method was used and concerns were acted on.

This guide is for UK carers, nurses, support workers and managers who use mobile hoists, standing hoists (stand aids) and ceiling track hoists. It focuses on a practical pre-use routine you can repeat on every shift, including when agency staff are on duty.

Hoist safety checks before use

A pre-use hoist check is a short routine that helps catch day-to-day problems before they affect the person. It’s not the same as a planned service, and it’s not the same as a formal LOLER thorough examination. Instead, it’s a practical “we are about to use this now” check that helps prevent avoidable harm.

The safest way to approach pre-use checks is to treat them as three linked questions.

1. Is the planned method still right for this person today? People’s ability changes with fatigue, pain, infection, medication and mood. A handling plan is essential, but it doesn’t guarantee that today will be the same as yesterday.
2. Is the equipment safe and ready? A hoist can look fine, but there may be hidden faults, such as low battery, a damaged handset cable, worn sling stitching or a missing label.
3. Is the setup safe? Most hoist incidents involve the environment, the attachment or the landing rather than a dramatic mechanical failure. A calm setup often prevents the “save it” moment where staff overreach or the person panics.

Here’s a repeatable routine that works across settings:

• Plan and permission – check the moving and handling plan, and also check that you have the person’s consent and that they are comfortable and ready.
• Equipment – inspect the hoist and sling and confirm compatibility, battery status and emergency functions.
• Environment – clear the space, position the bed and chair, set wheelchair brakes and remove trip hazards.
• Transfer – communicate roles, lift smoothly, move slowly and land with control.
• Finish – recheck comfort, check skin and record anything that needs follow-up.

Many services build this into an audit form. However, the real aim is for staff to be able to follow this routine consistently. The role of paperwork is to provide a quick record of good practice, so don’t treat it as a box-ticking exercise.

Types of hoists – mobile vs ceiling

Different hoists create different risks, so your checks should match the type you are using. The core principles stay the same, but you need to monitor for different risks and problems.

Mobile hoists (also called floor hoists) travel on castors. They usually lift using a boom and spreader bar.

They rely on stable flooring, sufficient space to open the base legs and smooth manoeuvring. A mobile hoist can tip if the base is narrow, the floor is uneven or staff drag it over obstacles.

It can also become hard work in tight spaces, which increases staff strain and the likelihood of movements being rushed.

Ceiling track hoists run on an overhead rail. They reduce pushing and pulling for staff and can feel steadier for the person.

Even so, they still rely on correct sling choice, correct attachment and safe landing setup. A ceiling hoist also requires track and motor checks, including whether the unit is charged and whether the route is clear.

Standing hoists (stand aids, sit-to-stand hoists) support a controlled assisted stand using a belt or support sling and a knee pad.

They work well when the person can weight-bear and follow a simple sequence reliably, but they can be risky when staff use them for people who cannot stand safely, who have unpredictable knees or who cannot cooperate with the process.

Here’s a practical decision rule that reduces risk:

• Use a standing hoist only when the plan confirms the person can stand, take weight and follow instructions. You must confirm whether how they are presenting today aligns with that.
• Use a passive lift (mobile or ceiling hoist with a full support sling) when the person cannot reliably stand or when they are unwell, fatigued or confused.
• If you are unsure, pause and escalate. A delay is better than an unsafe transfer.

LOLER and PUWER basics for hoists

In UK care settings, hoists and slings are often discussed under two key regulations. It helps care professionals to understand the basics, because they clarify what your organisation must do and what staff must do day to day.

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) focuses on lifting equipment used at work. It covers planning and supervising lifting operations and ensuring that lifting equipment and accessories remain safe.

In practice, hoists and lifting accessories used to lift people commonly require thorough examination by a competent person at set intervals (often every six months), unless an examination scheme specifies a different interval.

Read more: Thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment, HSE 

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) focuses on ensuring work equipment is suitable, maintained and inspected where needed, and that staff have the information and training to use it safely.

It supports the everyday expectations of competence, safe use and prompt defect reporting. 

Read more: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), HSE

On the floor, this means:

• A current LOLER certificate does not replace a pre-use check.
• A pre-use check does not replace LOLER examinations and planned maintenance.
• Competence matters. If staff don’t understand the hoist, they cannot use it safely – even if the equipment is in good condition.
• Documentation matters. When things go wrong, clear records help you learn, improve and evidence safe practice.

If you want a care-focused safety reference, the MHRA alert on patient hoists and slings highlights common causes of incidents.

Daily visual hoist inspection checklist

Daily checks should be quick and easy for staff to repeat consistently.

Before you bring the hoist to the person, take a short moment to look around it. If you spot damage, don’t just try to make it work. Tag it “out of use”, report it and use an alternative hoist if available.

Practical daily visual checklist for mobile and standing hoists

Check area	What to look for
Overall condition	No cracks, bends, missing bolts or loose parts
Boom and mast	No visible damage, unusual movement or loud creaking
Spreader bar or cradle	No sharp edges, deformation or looseness
Attachment points	Hooks, latches or loop points intact and clean
Base and legs	Open and close smoothly, locks work, no obstruction
Castors and wheels	Roll smoothly, no wobble, no seized wheel
Brakes	Engage and hold as designed for your model and policy
Handset and cable	Buttons responsive, cable intact, no exposed wires
Motor and housing	No damage, no fluid leak, no burning smell
Labels	Safe working load readable, hoist ID present for tracking
Battery	Present, seated correctly, no cracks, charge adequate
Emergency stop	Present and functional, and staff know how to reset it
Emergency lowering	Present and staff know how to use it

Daily checklist for ceiling hoists

Check area	What to look for
Track and fixings	No obvious damage, no obstruction along the travel route
Motor unit	Securely attached to track, no looseness, no unusual noise
Charger and docking	Charging points present and functioning
Handset	Responsive controls, intact cable if wired
Safe route	Clear landing zone and clear travel path

Many teams find it helpful to attach a simple laminated prompt to each hoist or use a digital checklist linked to hoist IDs. The key is that staff can do it quickly and consistently, including on night shifts.

Sling checks – wear, labels and expiry

Slings are the most common weak link in hoist safety. Even if a hoist passes a thorough examination, a worn sling loop or damaged stitching can lead to a serious incident.

Before each use, focus on three elements: condition, labels and lifespan control.

Condition checks

Check area	What to look for
Fabric	No tears, holes, thinning, or stiffness that suggests heat damage
Stitching	No frayed seams, loose threads or broken stitching at load points
Loops and straps	No fraying, cuts, stretching or damaged edges
Clips or fittings	No cracks, deformation or corrosion
Shape	No distortion that suggests shrinkage or overheating during laundering
Cleanliness	No dampness, heavy staining or contamination that compromises safety

Label checks

Check area	What to look for
Label details	Label readable, including manufacturer, size and safe working load
Sling type	Sling type clear and matches the plan (for example, full body, toileting, amputee)
Warnings	Any warnings or special instructions remain readable

Lifespan control

Check area	What to look for
Policy compliance	Follow your organisation’s policy on sling inspection and disposal
Traceability	Sling has a date, tracking code or inspection record and remains in date and traceable
Label condition	If the label is missing or unreadable, treat this as a safety stop

A common error is using an unlabelled sling because “it looks fine”. That is exactly how mismatched or unsuitable slings end up in use, especially where laundry returns mixed slings to a shared cupboard.

Choosing the right sling size and type

Choosing a sling isn’t just about weight. You need to select one based on what you need to achieve and the patient’s body shape, posture, tone, skin condition and head control. The right sling can make a transfer calm and predictable. The wrong sling can make the person feel unsafe, increase pressure on fragile skin and raise the chance of slipping.

Size errors are common when staff rely on guesswork – yet the consequences can be significant:

• Too large – the person slumps, slides down or tips sideways.
• Too small – the sling digs in, causing pain. This may alter the lift angle so the person pitches forward.
• Wrong type – the sling does not support what needs supporting, or it allows unsafe movement.

Type selection should follow the person’s care plan and the task. For example:

• Full body slings for passive transfers where full support is needed
• Head support slings where head control is poor or fatigue is likely
• Toileting slings when access is needed, but only when the person can tolerate the posture and has adequate trunk control
• Amputee or specialised slings when standard leg straps can’t be secured safely
• In-situ slings where care plans allow and skin integrity risks have been assessed
• Standing hoist belts or support slings for assisted stands – only when the person can reliably bear weight

To reduce selection errors, handling plans should specify:

• Sling type and key features
• Sling size
• Any loop choices and the intended posture outcome
• Staff numbers required
• Any key cautions such as fragile skin, pain triggers or spasms

Further guidance: Living Made Easy guide to choosing hoists and slings

Checking hoist and sling compatibility

Not every sling works safely with every hoist. Even if it looks like it fits, the attachment points, spreader bar design and weight limits may not match. Using incompatible equipment can lead to slings slipping, detaching or putting uneven pressure on the person during a lift.

What causes compatibility issues

• The sling loops don’t match the size or shape of the hook.
• The sling is designed for a specific cradle system.
• A sling and hoist from different manufacturers are used together without confirmation that they are compatible.
• The hoist has a different spreader bar style than the sling expects.
• The sling has been laundered or handled in a way that changes its shape.

Compatibility checklist

• Confirm the sling and hoist are approved for use together under your policy and manufacturer guidance.
• Confirm the attachment system matches (hooks, clips, cradle).
• Confirm safe working load and that the intended use matches the person’s needs.
• Confirm loops are seated fully, with no twisting.
• Confirm symmetry. If loops are not symmetrical, the plan should explain why.

Where you use more than one type of hoist, keep a simple compatibility guide where staff can find it easily – especially near where slings are stored. If there’s any doubt about whether a sling and hoist go together, stop and check with a senior or the care plan before continuing.

Safe positioning before hoisting

Poor positioning is a common cause of hoist incidents. If the person is not sitting upright, the sling can slip or apply uneven pressure. If the hoist is too far away, staff may pull or twist during the lift. If the chair or bed is not prepared, the transfer can become rushed and unsafe.

Start by preparing the destination before you lift. This single habit prevents a lot of panic and awkward manoeuvring.

Positioning routine

• Explain what will happen, then check you have the person’s consent.
• Create privacy and warmth so the person can cooperate.
• Check footwear if the person will stand, and remove slippery items where appropriate.
• Position bed height for safe sling placement and safe landing.
• Set wheelchair or chair brakes and move footplates out of the way.
• Clear the route of clutter, cords, footstools and rugs.
• Position the hoist base correctly. For mobile hoists, open the legs as recommended to improve stability.
• Bring the hoist close. Avoid dragging the person towards the hoist.

For sling placement:

• Keep the person centred, supported and comfortable.
• Place the sling flat, with no folds that can cause pressure or skin tears.
• Position leg straps correctly, and follow the plan on whether straps cross.
• Check head support placement if present.
• Confirm the person’s arms are in a safe position.
• Confirm there’s no trapped clothing.

Stop and check before lifting

• Loops fully attached and seated.
• Sling not twisted.
• Person calm, comfortable and breathing normally.
• Destination ready, including brakes and space.

If anything feels wrong, lower and reset. Restarting the setup is safer than trying to correct a problem while the person is suspended.

Communication and consent during transfers

Hoisting is a personal care task that often involves close contact and vulnerability. Clear communication and consent are central to safety because they reduce distress and unpredictable movement.

Good communication is short, calm and consistent.

• Tell the person what will happen in terms of simple steps.
• Give one instruction at a time if the person has cognitive impairment or anxiety.
• Check readiness: “Are you ready to lift now?”
• Agree on a “stop signal” if the person can use one.
• Keep talking during the lift so the person feels supported.

Consent should be active, not assumed. Ask permission clearly, and never push on with the task. If the person refuses or resists, pause. Resistance is often a sign of pain, fear, confusion or loss of trust. Adjusting the environment, slowing down or changing the approach often resolves it safely.

Dignity matters, too.

• Cover the person during sling placement.
• Minimise staff numbers to those required for safety.
• Avoid talking over the person as if they are not present.
• Explain delays, especially if you need to fetch equipment.

Further guidance: Moving and handling, Royal College of Nursing 

Common hoist accidents and how to avoid them

Most hoist accidents happen when basic checks are missed, equipment is used incorrectly or the transfer is rushed.

Let’s look at some common scenarios and how to avoid them.

Common incident scenarios

• Slipping in the sling due to wrong size, wrong type or poor positioning
• Loop detachment because the loop was not seated fully, or the wrong attachment method was used
• Tilt or imbalance because loops were uneven without a planned reason
• Hoist tipping or instability due to uneven floors, narrow base or catching on obstacles
• Collisions with door frames or furniture when staff move too quickly
• Staff strain while trying to steady the person or manoeuvre in a tight space
• Leaving a person unattended while suspended, even briefly
• Using a standing hoist when the person cannot reliably bear weight

Avoidance strategies that work in real care settings

• Match the hoisting method to the person’s ability today. If they look unwell, choose the safer option and escalate for review.
• Keep the journey short. Don’t transport someone over a long distance in a hoist unless your policy and equipment guidance support it.
• Move slowly and smoothly. Sudden turns create swing.
• Keep your hands on the equipment, not on the person’s arms or shoulders.
• Follow staff number requirements. If it’s a two-person task, don’t do it alone.
• Follow manufacturer guidance and your local plan. Don’t improvise.

Battery and emergency lowering checks

Battery checks

Battery failure, which often happens because several staff share the same hoist and assume someone else charged it, can lead to near misses. When a battery fails mid-lift, the person can become frightened, and staff may rush to solve the problem.

Follow these best practices:

• Check charge status before each use.
• Dock and charge after use if your local routine requires it.
• Ensure chargers are easily accessible, not hidden in cupboards.
• Report batteries that lose charge quickly, because that may suggest they need replacing.

Emergency function checks

Most staff know where the emergency stop is, yet fewer feel confident using emergency lowering. That confidence makes the difference between a quick, safe landing and keeping the person in a potentially distressing situation.

Before you use a hoist, you should know:

• Where the emergency stop is and how to reset it
• How the emergency lowering works on that specific model
• What your escalation route is if the person remains suspended

Training works best when staff practise emergency lowering with an empty sling or training weight, so they build muscle memory without involving a person.

Two-person hoist transfers – when are they needed?

In certain situations, hoists can be operated by one competent worker. However, “possible” does not always mean “safe”, especially in busy care settings where how a patient is presenting can change quickly.

Two-person transfers add a safety margin. Here are the different roles:

• The lead operator controls the hoist handset and movement.
• The person support controls the hoist handset and movement.

Agree on a clear count-in and a stop word. This prevents staff from moving in different directions and reduces sudden movement.

If staff also support people at home, explain clearly to families why two staff may be needed. This helps manage expectations and avoids pressure to carry out lifts in a way that is not safe. NHS guidance on moving and handling also supports using the right number of people for a task, which can help reinforce this conversation.

When two staff are needed

• The handling plan states there’s a requirement for two staff.
• The person is anxious, unpredictable or likely to grab equipment.
• The person has pain, spasms, contractures or poor head control.
• The environment is tight, and manoeuvring needs guidance.
• You are using a toileting sling or a complex positioning method.
• The person has lines, catheters, oxygen or wounds that need monitoring.
• A staff member is in training and needs supervision.

What to do if the hoist fails mid-transfer

Hoist failure mid-transfer can be unsettling for everyone involved. The priority is to keep the person safe and calm, and bring them down securely using the hoist’s emergency features and your escalation plan.

Step-by-step response

• Stop the movement and stabilise the hoist. Do not force motion.
• Reassure the person. Use short phrases and a calm tone.
• Check likely causes: emergency stop engaged, handset unplugged, battery not seated, base obstruction.
• If normal lowering doesn’t work, use emergency lowering as per your training and manufacturer guidance.
• If you cannot lower safely, summon help immediately through your policy route. Don’t leave the person unattended to get help.
• Monitor breathing, colour, pain and distress while help arrives.
• Once the person is safe, remove the hoist from use and report the fault.

Avoid the common “solve it with strength” response. Don’t try to support the person’s full weight manually. Do not detach the sling while suspended unless your training and situation clearly support it and the person remains safe.

After the incident, record what happened and follow your organisation’s reporting process. If the fault involves a medical device issue that could affect safety, managers should also consider reporting it through the MHRA’s medical device reporting system alongside internal reporting.

Recording hoist checks and defects

By recording checks, teams can show that equipment is safe to use. It enables faults to be picked up early and small issues to be acted on before they become incidents.

Keep records simple and consistent so that staff actually use them. A good record should show:

• Pre-use checks completed, with date and staff identification
• Any defects found, even if they seem minor
• What action was taken, such as taking the hoist out of use, reporting it or replacing a sling
• Any changes to the handling plan on the day, for example, if the person was unwell
• Any incident or near miss, such as sling slippage, distress, skin damage or use of emergency lowering

Be specific when recording faults. Vague notes like “not working properly” are hard to act on. Include:

• Hoist ID or serial number
• Location
• A clear description of the problem, such as “handset cable frayed” or “base leg mechanism sticks”
• Whether the hoist has been taken out of use and labelled
• Who was told and when

Look for patterns in what you record. Repeated notes about low batteries may point to a charging issue. Ongoing problems with sling labels may be linked to laundering or storage. Frequent comments about tight spaces may mean the environment needs adjusting. These patterns are often where the most useful improvements sit.

Final thoughts

Safe hoisting comes down to consistency. The same checks, the same setup, and the same attention to detail every time.

Most risks are predictable. Slings that don’t fit, equipment that hasn’t been checked, or transfers that are rushed – all these things tend to lead to the same types of incidents. When staff follow a clear routine and pause when something doesn’t feel right, those risks are reduced.

If you want to improve practice, focus on what actually happens on the floor. Watch a transfer, check the setup and fix one thing that will make the next transfer safer. Small, consistent improvements build a system that works under pressure.