As a trusted service engineer operating in the care sector, my role working in care homes goes beyond fixing issues; it involves contributing to the well-being and comfort of residents too.
Having spent many years working in this field, I understand the challenges that come with maintaining and troubleshooting essential lifting equipment.
The seamless operation of hoists, stand aids and slings is crucial for providing optimal care to residents.
In this blog, I delve into the world of moving and handling equipment - the unsung heroes that play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, and share insights and tips on troubleshooting common LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) equipment issues in care homes.
I'll be your guide as together, we navigate the maze of common equipment issues, offering you practical tips and insights to keep things running smoothly and ensuring that your care home remains safe, efficient, and a welcome space for all those who call it their home.
By staying vigilant and following routine maintenance schedules, together we can help ensure that equipment entrusted to your care staff operates seamlessly, allowing residents to live their lives with dignity and security.
Download Your FREE Industry Essential Requirements & Best Practice Servicing Guide here to provide ongoing maintenance and service tips for your care equipment and much more!
1. Understanding the Basics: LOLER Compliance
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it's essential to emphasize the significance of LOLER compliance. Lifting equipment, including hoists and slings, must meet specific safety standards outlined in LOLER regulations.
Regular safety inspections, certifications, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are non-negotiable and required by law, to ensure the safety of both residents and caregivers alike.
2. Rising Above Challenges: Hoist Malfunctions
Hoists are the workhorses of care home moving and handling equipment, and when they falter, it can disrupt daily operations.
Start troubleshooting by checking the basics:
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inspect cables for signs of wear,
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ensure hooks are securely fastened
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examine controls for responsiveness.
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Check the emergency stop button - ensure the emergency stop button is not depressed (on a mobile hoist) or the cord has been pulled (on an overhead hoist). Press the button in and twist out.
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Check hand control is connected – it should be pushed firmly into the socket. If in doubt remove the hand control and plug again, firmly.
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Check hand control for any obvious signs of damage or breaks in the cable. If you have another hoist of the same model, try swapping the hand controls. If this resolves the issue, call us on 01773 713713 to order a new one.
Frequent training for care home staff on correct usage is imperative, especially where overhead track hoists are concerned, and reporting mechanisms to management can aid in early detection and rectification of issues before they get worse.
3. Hanging Tough: Sling Concerns
Sling problems can arise from wear and tear or improper use. Regularly and ideally before each use, inspect slings for
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fraying,
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tears, or
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weakened stitching.
Educate care home staff on the importance of selecting the right sling for each resident and regularly rotating slings to ensure even wear.
When in doubt, it's better to replace a sling than risk compromising resident safety.
You can view our range of patient slings here.
4. Powering Through: Battery and Charging Woes
Many modern lifting devices are powered by rechargeable batteries, and issues with power can be a common headache.
When troubleshooting, assess the following:
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Check battery is charging (for on-board charging) Ensure the charging cable is removed before operating the hoist as there is a safety feature that prevents the hoist operating whilst charging. Check for any obvious signs of damage to the charging cable. If you have another cable on site you can test it to identify if it is an issue with the cable.
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Check battery is charging (for off-board charging) Ensure the battery has a full charge cycle and is not accidentally removed shortly after commencement. Check the battery is actually being charged. The battery must be sited correctly on the charging contacts.
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Check the charger is working (for off-board charging) The charger will show an illuminated light when it is powered. If this light is not lit check the power is turned on at the wall and the charging cable is firmly connected to the charger. You can also check the fuse hasn’t been blown.
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Is The Battery At The End Of Its Life? If your charger is working and the battery is not charging your battery is at the end of its life. This can often be seen when the orange charging light illuminates but switches on shortly after placing on charge. This means the charger has been unable to charge the battery.
Encourage care home staff to follow proper charging protocols, including regular battery checks and replacements as are needed.
A BIG tip is to try and get your care staff into a regime of putting ALL rechargeable batteries on charge overnight once the residents are safely tucked away for their night’s sleep. Doing this will certainly help in getting the most out of your rechargeable batteries with less downtime, resulting in batteries lasting longer between renewals.
5. Smooth Operations: Training and Staff Empowerment
Prevention is key, and empowering your care teams with the knowledge to use lifting equipment correctly is the first line of defence.
Conduct regular training sessions on equipment usage, safety protocols, and reporting procedures.
Well-informed staff are more likely to identify issues early, reducing the risk of equipment failure.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of care homes, LOLER equipment stands as a guardian, ensuring residents receive the care they deserve with dignity and safety.
As a service engineer, it's my responsibility to help you to troubleshoot issues efficiently and empower your care staff to become proactive guardians of resident well-being.
Let's lift each other up in the pursuit of excellence, ensuring that LOLER equipment continues to play a vital role in the compassionate care provided by our dedicated care home teams.
And don’t forget to Download Your FREE Industry Essential Requirements & Best Practice Servicing Guide here to provide ongoing maintenance and service tips for your care equipment and much more! (link to guide)
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of care equipment maintenance why not book a call with my colleague Lee , email at servicing@hcsuk.co.uk or call directly on 01773 532588.
