This factsheet is for advice and guidance only. It is not intended to replace advice from a medical professional. Please ensure you follow manufacturer’s instructions for use and that you carry out appropriate risk assessments.
Hoists provide mechanical means so that less able persons can be moved or transferred from one place/position to another. The aim of using such manual handling equipment is to reduce risk of injury or harm to all individuals to the lowest level possible. Accidents may occur when using hoists e.g. if they are misused or not used with correct slings. Therefore, for any hoists bought or provided to you it is vital you:
You can apply for an assessment of your needs/risk assessment from social services via your local authority. Alternatively, you can instruct a private physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
The chosen hoist and sling/s must be able to lift your accurately measured bodyweight and the working load should be clearly displayed on both hoist and sling.
The hoist should be checked regularly, to ensure that the:
Slings should not be used by more than one person to prevent cross-infection and slings should be compatible with the hoist (i.e. usually from the same manufacturer).
Hoists/slings should be serviced every six months (usually provided by the manufacturer or supplier or arranged by the local community equipment service if the hoist is supplied though statutory services).
Mobile hoist brakes (on castors) must not be used in the process of transferring a service user, but may be used when storing the hoist.
Two batteries for a powered mobile hoist are advised, so that one is ready charged for use. If unused for a while, a battery should be recharged. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is possible to order special slings for people who have particular needs, e.g. a very tall person. Speak to a range of manufacturers before you buy a hoist to confirm that a compatible custom-made sling can be obtained.
A variety of hoists and slings are available, please consider:
Where a moving and handling need has been recognised, this falls under the relevant moving and handling legislation, as it is defined as a risk assessment. Risks are identified and a plan is developed to reduce risks, involving provision of equipment such as hoists or other items.
Your local authority can identify and provide the appropriate option for you and your carer/s, from within the range that they are able to provide.
If you are looking to obtain a hoist without involvement of statutory services, you are advised to seek an assessment by a qualified moving and handling advisor. They might be from a nursing, physiotherapy or occupational therapy background. This should provide you with a moving and handling plan and advice on any training necessary for you and your carer/s. The assessment and plan should look at any risks and how they will be managed and inform you about appropriate equipment and where to obtain it.
Your physical shape and ability should guide your choice of equipment:
The range of activities you want to use the hoist for will partly determine the kind of hoist you need and the nature of sling you require:
Consider your daily routine. When do you need to be moved and what for? For example: from your bed to a chair which will allow you to be showered and toileted or into a comfy chair or a wheelchair, or from your comfy chair or wheelchair to the toilet or commode, or into bed and positioned in bed.
If you are simply looking for assistance with particular activities, such as getting in and out of the bath, a static hoist is likely to meet your needs. If you need fuller assistance, a standard mobile hoist may suit. You need to ensure the base can fit under the bed and around your seat or chair. You also need to ensure that there is adequate access to all areas of the house that you need to reach, e.g. bedroom, bathroom and living room.
British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) (2025). Available at: https://www.bhta.com/ (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2025). Find a Chartered Physiotherapist. Available at: https://www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/find-physiotherapist/find-physio (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Department for Work and Pensions (2025). Access to Work: Factsheet for customers. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet/access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
GOV.UK (2025). Apply for a needs assessment by social services. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Health and Safety Executive (2011). Getting to grips with hoisting people. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis3.pdf (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
HM Revenue and Customs (2015). Get VAT relief on certain goods if you have a disability. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-certain-goods-if-you-have-a-disability (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
International Organization for Standardization (2021). ISO 10535:2021. Assistive products — Hoists for the transfer of persons. Requirements and test methods. Available at: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:10535:ed-3:v2:en (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) (1992). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2793 (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2014). Patient hoists and slings – ensure you follow manufacturer’s instructions for use and that you carry out risk assessments. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/medical-device-alert-patient-hoists-and-slings-ensure-you-follow-manufacturer-s-instructions-for-use-and-that-you-carry-out-risk-assessments (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
NHS England (2015). Patient Safety Alert: Risk of death and serious harm by falling from hoists. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patientsafety/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2015/10/psa-falling-from-hoists-1015.pdf (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2025). Find an occupational therapist near you. Available at: https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/find-occupational-therapist (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
The Care Act (2014). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted/data.htm (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations LOLER (1998). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2307/contents (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/contents (Accessed: 24 June 2025).
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (1998). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2306/contents (Accessed: 24 June 2025).