DLF Factsheet 'Choosing a Mobile Hoist' - Disabled Living Foundation

Emergency cut out
Some hoists have an emergency cut out
feature, which will stop the lowering
mechanism when the spreader bar meets
any resistance, e.g. the person.
Hand held controls on a flex
The person being lifted can operate
these controls providing him/her with
some element of independence and
allowing the carer to have both hands
free to assist.
They may enable one carer, instead of
two, to carry out the task as one or both
hands are left free to assist or position
the person.
Magnetic controls can be quickly and
easily placed anywhere on the mast
when not in use.
Controls should be clearly labelled;
otherwise they are easily used upsidedown,
and the person will move in the
wrong direction.
USING SLINGS ON A STANDARD
MOBILE HOIST
Types of spreader bar
The size and type of spreader bar will
influence the comfort of the person whilst
he/she is being lifted. These features of
the spreader bar should be considered.
Points of suspension - the number and
the spacing of the points of suspension
on a spreader bar will affect the
person’s comfort.
Suspension points that are close
together can lead to the person feeling
scrunched up, especially if he/she is
heavily built
© (2006) Disabled Living Foundation 17