HUMAN CARE Basic Sling 25045|25050|25070, Sit Sling 25030, Bath Sling 25035 User Manual
User Manual
Important!
You must read the user manual for your device prior to usage. Keep this booklet and information handy for future use.
Symbols
WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury to the user or damage to property and/or the device itself.
INFORMATION symbol indicates recommendations and information for proper, trouble-free usage.
WEIGHT CAPACITY symbol indicates maximum user weight for the product. Do not exceed this weight in any circumstance.
CE MARKING symbol indicates product meets requirements of EC directives.
RECYCLE packaging according to local regulations.
READ INSTRUCTIONS and ensure you fully understand them before using this product.
Product modification is not permitted. Before use, always check that the sling is not damaged or worn.
Human Care’s products are continuously being developed and updated to provide our customers with the highest quality. We reserve the right to make design changes without prior notice.
Always make sure that you have the most recent version of the manual which is available for downloading from our website at www.humancaregroup.com.
Contact your local distributor if you have any questions about the product and its use.
Safety Instructions
The process of lifting and moving a person always involves risks. Therefore, you must read the user manuals for the lift and the lifting equipment carefully. Always make sure that the lifting equipment you are using is intended for use with the lift. As a care provider, you are responsible for the client’s safety and you must know whether the client will be able to cope with the lifting process. The sling must be fitted to meet the client’s specific needs. If you are in any doubt, please contact the supplier.
- Carry out a careful visual inspection of the sling every time you use it.
- Check that the right sling is being used for the client. The model, size and material must meet the client’s needs.
- Plan the moving and lifting process so that it is as safe as possible.
- Before raising the client, check that the sling is correctly attached to the lift/hanger bar once the lift straps are stretched.
- It is important that the hooks of the hanger bar are in the correct position, with the opening of the hook facing upwards on both sides to securely hold the straps in place. Recheck the position of the hooks once the lift straps are stretched.
- It is important to always check that the loops are at the bottom of all hooks (see pictures) and securely placed below the locking pin on all hooks.
- Check that the client is sitting securely in the sling before starting to lift him/her.
- Check that the lift is balanced when moving, raising and/or lowering the client. If you are using a Human Care lift with telescopic hanger bar, it is important that the bar hooks are in the same position on both sides.
- Our slings have been designed and tested for indoor use with one client at a time and must only be used for transferring a person. This product is not a swing.
- Make sure no sharp objects are in contact with the sling.
General Description / Intended Use
Basic Sling
Our Basic sling is a comfortable sling without reinforcements, handles or padding in the back. The sling adapts to the client and offers good support for the entire back. The Basic sling can be used in most lifting situations, fits most clients and is a good choice if it is not established who is going to be using the sling. The Basic sling is offered in thin polyester net (25045) and our unique Trevira® fabric (25050). Both materials allow moisture and heat to transfer efficiently from the client. This allows the sling to be left in the wheel chair etc. after the transfer is completed. The Trevira® material is a high friction material that reduces the risk of sliding during lifting and sitting. It also has unique flame-retardant properties.
If the slings are not required to be left with the client after lifting the Basic sling in our durable polyester fabric (25070) is recommended. The low friction polyester material allows easy application of the sling and is easy to clean. Basic sling has padded leg parts, except from Trevira m. 25050. The Basic sling offers an upright sitting position that is suitable for clients with reduced trunk stability but without the need for extra head support. The Basic sling is designed for two-, three- and four-point suspension.
Sit Sling and Bath Sling
Our Sit Sling is primarily designed for moving clients between a bed and a wheelchair or for similar purposes. The sling is stable and has a reinforced back support with two removable plastic slats. The client sits in an upright position which makes it easier to transfer him/her to a wheelchair, for example. The sling can be used with the Human Care waist belt 25145/25146. Our Bath Sling is like the Sit Sling. It is made of net and is primarily designed for use in the bath or shower. The back is reinforced with two removable plastic slats. The waist belt cannot be used with this sling.
The Sit Sling and Bath Sling are designed for two-, three- and four-point suspension. The slings can be used with or without the removable plastic slats.
Technical Specifications
It is crucial to use the right size of sling for the client. To help differentiate our sizes, they are colour coded for quick identification. The colour code is found next to the sling’s label in the shape of a loop. This loop can also be used to properly store or hang the sling.
*The weights given are only guidelines and are not a substitute for individual tests. Discrepancies can occur, tolerances ± 1 cm, 0,3”.
Product Label
The label on the sling contains the following information:
- Human Care company logo
- This way up arrow and marking the centre line of the sling
- CE and MD marking
- Product name and size
- Picture showing the sling in use
- Part number
- Safe Working Load
- “This way out, back” – outside of the sling, not in touch with the client
- Manufacturer
- QR-code to our webpage
- Latex free
- Read the manual before use
- Visual inspection
- Date and country of production
- Batch number
- Serial number
- Washing instructionsa. Machine Wash Temperatureb. Do Not Bleachc. Tumble Dry, Low Heatd. Do Not Dry Cleane. Never Ironf. Do Not Use Fabric Softener
- Owner name. (For example, write the client’s name or another unique identifier)
- Indicate annual inspection
- Unique Product Code
- Barcode/EAN
Human Care company logoCompliances and Standards
Human Care is an ISO 13485:2012 certified company.
This sling has been tested in accordance with ISO 10535.
The sling is CE marked in accordance with the Medical Devices Directive for Class 1 products (MDD 93/42/EEL). The CE mark is on the sling itself.
Suspension Alternatives
Our slings are designed with the premise that all people are different with varying lifting requirements, needs or desires.
To make all our clients feel as comfortable as possible in our slings, most of them can be used with 2 or 3-point suspensions. Some slings can also be used with a 4-point suspension. Below the options are displayed.
An individual assessment of the client’s needs must always be carried out before choosing an alternative connection method.
2-point suspension
Suitable for most lifting situations providing a good seating position. 2-point suspension is available with floor lifts, fixed and portable ceiling lifts.Two-point suspension with crossed leg support: Thread the strap on one leg section through the strap on the other leg section before attaching them to the hanger bar.
Two-point suspension with overlapping leg support: This method is suitable for lifting clients with amputated legs, for example. Extension straps can be attached to the lifting straps to prevent the client from leaning too far back in the seated position.
Two-point suspension with separate leg support: Put the client’s legs in each leg section and attach the lifting straps to the hanger bar. Note: This method increases the risk of the client sliding out of the sling
3-point suspension
Offers an elongated sitting position and more even weight distribution. The 3-point suspension is suitable especially for clients carrying an increased risk of pressure sores or who need additional space for the upper body.Thread the left leg section through the loop on the right leg section. Attach the leg section lifting straps to the leg hooks and the back section lifting straps to the lift.
4-point suspension
A spacious sitting position making it suitable for larger clients or when using a stretcher. 4-point suspension is available with both fixed and portable ceiling lifts or floor lifts.
Hanger Bars for Human Care Lifts
Compatibility
Human Care Group slings are designed for use with all Human Care lifts and hanger bars. The products are also compatible with products of other suppliers utilizing the same attachment method for securing slings to a hanger bar and lift. However, due to the wide range of products worldwide, Human Care cannot be responsible for any errors that may result from improper use or application of combinations of slings, hanger bars and lifts of other suppliers. The use of the combined system is at the prescriber’s own risk and liability.
To ensure the safety of the client and caregiver, Human Care recommends the following minimum requirements:
- When using slings with lifts and hanger bars, made by manufacturers other than Human Care, the combined system needs to be designed with the same sling attachment method for the hanger bar of floor lifts and ceiling lifts, meaning loop style slings are combined with a loop style hanger bar, clip style slings are combined with a clip style hanger bar.
- The involved patient lifts and sling must be CE marked in accordance with the medical device directive, MDD 93/42/ EEG / upcoming MDR 2017/75 and comply with standard requirements for patient lifts as stated in EN ISO 10535.
- The caregiver must follow the manufacturer’s instruction manuals and recommendations with respect to the use, care, client, caregiver, cleaning, and inspection of the slings and lifts.
- Different products on the assembled lift system: i.e., lift, hanger bar, sling, scale and other accessories may have different max. loads. It is always the lowest maximum allowable load indicated for the respective products and the system that applies for the entire system. Always check the markings on all individual products in the system.
- Individual risk assessment, including a practical test of the system and validation with the specific combination used are required to affirm that the size of the sling is correct for the intended use and compatible to the width and design of the hanger bar. The combined system needs to be documented by the competent assessor.
If there are any questions, please contact your local Human Care office or distributor.
Sling Application
Lifting the client from a lying position
- Stand to the side of client and turn the client to his/her side. Position the sling so that the centre of the sling lines up with the client’s spine. Take note of the marking on the sling “This way out, back”. The bottom part of the sling must be directly under the client’s coccyx. Lay the client on his/her back. If the bed is height-adjustable, it is a good idea to raise the head of the bed so that the client is in a semi-sitting position. Roll the client over onto his/her other side and pull the sling through. Move the sling down behind the client’s back until it reaches the coccyx.
- Bend the knee and pull the leg sections through between the client’s legs. Lower the lift to the height of the client’s sto – mach. When a three-point suspension is used, you should thread the left leg section through the loop on the outside of the right leg section. Attach the leg section lifting straps to the leg hooks on the lift. Attach the back section lifting straps to the lift. Hold the lift away from the client’s face with one hand as you raise it above the client’s head. Alternative: The sling can also be used for two- or four-point suspension. In these ca – ses, the loop on the right leg section is not used. Instead the leg sections are crossed.
- Pause in this position and check that all the lifting straps are securely attached to the hooks.
- Continue lifting the client. It may be necessary to lower the bed slightly. Raise the client’s legs slightly while turning him/ her away from the bed. It is a good idea to put your arm around the client while you are moving him/her to create a greater sense of security.
- Put the leg sections between the client’s knees. Turn the client towards you and fold the sling in, under the client, so that the fabric slides towards you when you pull it out after you have turned back the client.
Lifting the client from a sitting position
- Pull the sling down behind the client’s back. Take note of the marking on the sling “This way out, back”. The bottom edge of the sling must be behind the client’s coccyx.
- Pull the leg sections through to the front. Pull the leg sections up between the client’s legs. Lower the lift to the height of the client’s stomach. When a three-point suspension is used, you should thread the left leg section through the loop on the outside of the right leg section. Attach the leg section lifting straps to the leg hooks on the lift. Attach the back section lifting straps to the lift. Hold the lift away from the client’s face with one hand as you raise it above the client’s head.Alternative: The sling can also be used for two- or four-point suspension. In these cases the loop on the right leg section is not used. Instead the leg sections are crossed.
- Pause in this position and check that all the lifting straps are securely attached to the hooks.
- Continue lifting the client. It is a good idea to put your arm around the client while you are moving him/her to create a greater sense of security.
- Fold the leg sections and allow it to slide under itself when you pull out at the outside of the thigh. Pull the sling up behind the client’s back.
Troubleshooting
Note: It is important that the right sling is used for each client and that it is individually tested to ensure that it meets the client’s need and the transfer situation.
Care Instructions
Check for wear and tear
Check the sling for wear and tear. It is important to check the fabric, the edging, the seams and the lifting straps.
Damaged lifting equipment must not be used.
Cleaning
Human Care slings are intended for individual use. To avoid infections or transmission of bacteria, it is important to clean the slings properly. All slings should be machine washed and dried as soon as possible. Slings should always be cleaned after use in a wet situation.
Always refer to the label of the sling before washing.
Periodic inspection
A periodic inspection must be carried out at least every 6 months. See Human Care’s periodic inspection log which can be found on our website at www.humancaregroup.com
Expected sling service life
The sling is expected to function for approximately 150-180 laundering cycles, depending on the intensity of use, maximum load applied during use, and adherence to correct laundering procedures. This equates to approximately 3 years of laundering once per week or 5 years of bi-weekly laundering. It is recommended that the sling is washed separately using a hospital grade laundry bag. If the product label is no longer legible, the sling should be discarded.
Recycling
Once the product has reached the end of its life, it must be disposed as residual waste.
Disinfection Procedure
Human Care slings are intended to be used with one patient at a time. To avoid possible transmission of infectious diseases, it is important to clean the sling if it has become soiled or if it is to be used by a different patient.
1 Ref: HSG (95) 18: Hospital Laundry Arrangements for Used and Infected Linen, Department of Health, NHS (National Health Service, England)
References
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