React Homecare
CC80 – Double Handed Hoists Policy and Procedure
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this policy and procedure is to ensure that:
o The safety, well-being and dignity of the Service User is maximised
o The risk of injury to staff and Service Users is minimised
o Legal requirements are met
o The wishes of the Service User are considered within the principles of person-centred planning
o There is a clear policy framework for when hoisting activities require one or two Care Workers
1.2 This policy and procedure must be read alongside the Moving and Handling Policy and Procedure at React Homecare.
1.3 To meet the legal requirements of the regulated activities that React Homecare is registered to provide:
ï‚· The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
ï‚· The Lifting operations and lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER) 1998
ï‚· Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
ï‚· Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
ï‚· The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
ï‚· RIDDOR
2. Scope
2.1 The following roles may be affected by this policy:
o All staff
2.2 The following service users may be affected by this policy:
o Service Users
2.3 The following stakeholders may be affected by this policy:
o Family
o Advocates
o Representatives
o Commissioners
o External health professionals
o Local Authority
o NHS
3. Objectives
3.1 To ensure that Service Users' personal wishes on mobility assistance are respected, wherever possible, and their independence and autonomy supported, whilst ensuring that they are not put at unreasonable risk. Page 1 of 4
4. Policy
4.1 React Homecare recognises that we have a primary responsibility and a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of our staff which involves managing any risk associated with their duties.
4.2 In compliance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, React Homecare will, so far as is reasonably practicable, avoid the need for staff to undertake any manual handling operations at work that involve a risk of injury.
4.3 Where hazardous manual handling operations cannot be avoided, React Homecare will carry out a risk assessment and reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.
4.4 Any use of hoists must be as specified in the Service User's Moving and Handling Risk Assessment and the Care Plan.
4.5 React Homecare understands that the blanket use of two Care Workers to use a mobile hoist is not a ruling from any specific professional body, nor an instruction from the manufacturers. However, historically, it has been considered good practice.
Our decision, therefore, on the number of Care Workers required to use a mobile hoist, will be dictated by local policy and risk assessments, which consider the multiple factors and the involvement of the Service User.
React Homecare will work with other health professionals, when required, to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and Service Users.
4.6 Any use of a hoist, in particular mobile hoists, by a single Care Worker, must be risk assessed on an individual basis; the assessment must show that the use of only one Care Worker does not increase the risk involved.
5. Procedure
5.1 Moving and Handling Risk Assessment and Care Plan
Any use of hoists must be as specified by the Service User's Moving and Handling Risk Assessment and Care Plan.
5.2 A good plan will include:
o Identification of the Service User's height and weight
o The extent to which the Service User can support his or her own weight and cooperate with transfers
o Relevant factors such as condition, disability, spasm, fatigue, tendency to fall and apprehension (anxiety associated with being handled)
o Comprehension problems and co-operative behaviour
o Recommended methods of movement for sitting, toileting, bathing, transfers and movement in bed as well as details of equipment needed
o The minimum number of staff required
o Other relevant risk factors such as environmental considerations
5.3 The assessment will consider the choice, dignity and needs of the Service User.
5.4 The Registered Manager will ensure that a moving and handling risk assessment is undertaken by a member of staff who is trained and competent for the purpose, as required under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
The risk assessment will be reviewed periodically or when a change in the condition of the Service User occurs.
5.5 Staff must only work within the scope of their qualifications, competence, skills and experience, following the Moving and Handling Risk Assessment and Care Plan.
5.6 The Registered Manager must ensure that the equipment used by React Homecare for providing care or treatment to a Service User is safe for such use and is used in a safe way.
5.7 Moving and handling equipment used for health and social care may be classified as medical devices. React Homecare will therefore comply with relevant Patient Safety Alerts, recalls and rapid response reports issued from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and through the Central Alerting System (CAS).
6. Definitions
6.1 Manual Handling
o The transportation or support of a load, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof by hand or bodily force (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended))
6.2 Load
o A separate, moveable object (either inanimate or a person) but not an implement, tool or machine while in use for its intended purpose. (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended))
6.3 Environment
o Working area
6.4 PUWER
o Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations
o These regulations deal with the work equipment and machinery used every day in workplaces, and aim to keep people safe wherever equipment and machinery is used at work
6.5 LOLER
o LOLER Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
o These regulations place duties on people and companies that own, operate or who have control over lifting equipment to ensure they are fit for purpose, appropriate for the task and suitably marked.
6.6 Hoists
o Hoists can be divided into three categories:
 Fixed, Floor-mounted Hoists are used mainly when bathing. They can be hydraulically, mechanically or electrically operated, and can be useful where space is limited
 Overhead Hoists are usually electrically operated. They may be fixed permanently overhead or mounted on mobile frames
 Mobile Hoists are the largest of the three categories, and can be operated hydraulically, electrically or by geared winding mechanisms
6.7 Risk Assessment
ï‚· A careful examination of what could cause harm to people, to enable precautions to be taken to prevent injury and ill-health
7. Key Facts – Professionals
Professionals providing this service should be aware of the following:
ï‚· Any use of hoists must be as specified in the Service User's Moving and Handling Risk Assessment and Care Plan
ï‚· Any use of a hoist, in particular mobile hoists with a single Care Worker, must be risk assessed on an individual basis; the assessment must show that the use of only one Care Worker does not increase the risk involved
8. Key Facts – People affected by the Service
People affected by this service should be aware of the following:
ï‚· The assessment must consider the choice, dignity and needs of the Service User
ï‚· The Registered Manager will ensure that the equipment used by React Homecare for providing care or treatment to a Service User is safe for such use and is used in a safe way
9. Outstanding Practice
To be ‘outstanding’ in this policy area you could provide evidence that:
ï‚· Risks have been managed with the minimum restrictions on the Service User's freedom and choices
ï‚· Staff can demonstrate a good knowledge of the risks people live with and any actions needed to minimise these risks
ï‚· Risk assessments consider multiple factors and have incorporated the wishes of the Service User or family
Date Policy Reviewed
8th June 2015
21st April 2016
20th July 2017
13th March 2019
6th January 2020
5th January 2021
15th November 2024
Signature of Reviewer
D Woolley
D Woolley
D Woolley
D Woolley
D Woolley
D Woolley
C Ellis Page 4 of 4