Mobile Hoists

Mobile hoists (sometimes called mobile floor hoists) are used to transfer clients who are not mobile between locations, such as from a bed to a chair or a bathroom. They can also assist with ambulation, gait training and other specialised functions. The client is supported in a hoist sling, which should be single‑client assigned for infection control. Mobile hoists can be very cost effective, as they can be moved to different locations in a facility. One hoist can be used for a variety of tasks. Normally two carers are required when hoisting a client with a mobile hoist.

Parts of a mobile hoist

• Boom (goes up and down)

• Sling bar, spreader bar or yoke

• Legs (move in and out)

• Mast – upright part of hoist

• Handles – for manoeuvring the hoist

• Brakes – only to be used for storage. Do not use brakes when hoist is in use as the hoist needs to find its own centre of gravity, otherwise it may tip over

• Emergency stop button (if hoist is not working, check it is not pushed in)

• Emergency lower buttons (you may need extra pressure to come down on older hoists)

• Weight limit (SWL)

• Maintenance alert – do not use if out of date.

Mobile hoists come in multiple designs. All have central lifting frames with booms and sling bars (also known as spreader bars or yokes) to which the slings are attached using the hooks or clips on the bars. The bases or legs have wheels that allow the hoists to move along the floor. Some have bases that can expand or contract in width to fit around or under commodes, shower chairs, recliners, wheelchairs and beds. Some hoists are foldable or collapsible. Some mobile hoists have vertical lift movements and some have arc movements. Vertical lift movements generally provide a higher lift and can usually be used for assisted walking with walking slings. Nearly all mobile hoists are battery powered, so a routine battery‑charging system is required.

Mobile hoists can have some disadvantages. Carers may need a lot of strength to move mobile hoists, in areas with carpet (especially if the hoists have small wheels), through doorways and in sloping corridors. There needs to be enough space in the room to use a mobile hoist and sometimes furniture can restrict movement. When using mobile hoists over beds, some cannot lift high enough to allow the clients to clear the beds, especially beds with pressure‑care mattresses. Some beds may not have enough space beneath to allow the hoist base to get underneath.

Example of a mobile hoist

Points to note about mobile hoists

While mobile hoists can be versatile, users should note the following specific features and potential limitations.

• Mobile hoists need adequate storage space close to locations where they are used. They require more storage space than ceiling hoists

• Most mobile hoists are powered by batteries that need regular charging. They need a system for routine charging of batteries. If batteries are detachable, it is desirable to have two batteries for each hoist so that one battery is always being charged

• All mobile hoists should have a sticker or certificate with dates for routine checking and servicing. A hoist should not be used if the expiry date on the sticker has passed

• All hoists should be labelled with a SWL. As part of risk assessment, a client’s weight should be checked to ensure it is less than the SWL of the hoist, prior to lifting

• Wheel brakes are fitted on most models of mobile hoist. The brakes should not be applied while hoisting a client. Mobile hoists are designed to move while hoisting clients so that the sling bar is over the centre of gravity of the load

• It can be unsafe to use a mobile hoist on a sloping floor or surface where there is a risk that the hoist can tip over

• Not all mobile hoists can lift clients safely from the floor. To do this, the feet or base of the mobile hoist must be designed to allow a floor lift. If this feature is needed, check that the model being considered can do this safely

• Lifting height – not all mobile hoists can lift clients high enough to clear beds, especially if the beds have pressure mattresses

• Some hoists allow for interchangeable spreader bars; others require that only the manufacturers’ spreader bars can be used

• Some hoists allow different types of sling to be used, while others require that only the manufacturer’s sling for each model of hoist can be used. If several models of mobile hoist are used in a facility, the interchangeably of spreader bars and slings should be considered.

Mobile hoist features and accessories

The following accessories and features are available on some hoists, or can be purchased as optional accessories.

• A hand‑held control panel to operate the hoist – it needs to be able to clip on to the upright frame of the hoist

• A walking sling allows a mobile hoist to be used for mobility and rehabilitation.

• Scales to weigh clients are available on some hoists. When fitted as an additional attachment above the sling bar, scales may reduce the lifting height

• All electric hoists must have emergency stop buttons and manual release mechanisms to allow clients held by the hoists to be lowered without battery power

• A low‑battery‑level indicator or warning light is desirable

• The length of the boom to which the spreader bar is attached needs to be considered when hoisting a tall or large client. A longer boom provides more leg room between the sling and the upright frame. However, with a shorter boom the client can sit with both knees on one side of the frame, which reduces the risk of their knees knocking against the frame

• Gait training bars assist with mobility and are useful for turning hoists

• Stretcher attachments enable the immobilisation of potential spinal cord injury clients and are useful in any trauma or suspected injuries after falls. They can also enable the weighing of these clients if they have weigh scale accessories.

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