Hoist slings, also known as lifting slings, are an important asset when moving more dependent residents.  Slings come in many different styles, shapes, and sizes, and because they have close contact with the resident cleanliness and hygiene are important factors in their maintenance and in the prevention of infection.   

When choosing a lifting sling consideration should be given to the manufacturer’s guidelines on laundering and cleaning and whether the facility can comply with these. 

Sling Care Instructions

General

Protect from direct sunlight

Do not puncture with any sharp objects

Repair any tear immediately (subject to assessment by manufacturer as the sling may have to be condemned)

Do not use if there are any defects in the sling

Hygiene

Lifting slings should never be shared between residents

All lifting slings must be machine washable

The washing and drying temperature must not exceed 85°C

Resident’s personal sling should be wiped over after use with disposable cloths or paper towels and a fresh solution of general-purpose detergent and water or detergent-impregnated wipes

Resident’s personal sling should be laundered when soiled

Resident’s personal sling should be laundered on a fortnightly basis even if not soiled 

To maintain a fail-safe hygiene routine in relation to lifting slings, this could mean a resident needs to have 3 slings

1 in use - 1 on standby - 1 sent to the laundry

This may not always be feasible, so if lifting slings are shared between residents, they must be cleaned after they are used on one resident and before they are used on the next.

An alternative is to implement disposable or single-patient-use slings