BHM MINISTAND MODELS 865XXX and 866XXX Operating Manual rev 4 March 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS SYMBOLS ... 4 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS ... 5 GENERAL ... 5 SHOCK PREVENTION ... 7 FIRE AND EXPLOSION ... 7 EQUIPMENT WARNING LABELS ... 7 OPERATING THE MINISTAND... 8 INTRODUCTION... 8 ADJUSTING THE WIDTH OF THE LEGS... 8 POWER BASE MODELS ... 9 CORRECT USE OF THE BRAKES ... 9 EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF... 10 BATTERY PACK... 10 REMOVABLE BATTERY PACK... 11 CHARGING THE BATTERY... 11 RAISING AND LOWERING THE PATIENT ... 12 DAILY VISUAL CHECKLIST... 13 BAND SLING INSTALLATION ... 13 Band Sling sizes and product numbers ... 14 BAND SLING INSTALLATION (PATIENT) ... 14 Fixing the band sling to the Ministand... 15 BAND SLING POSITIONS ... 15 TRANSFERRING THE PATIENT ... 16 EMERGENCY LOWERING... 17 MONTHLY INSPECTION DETAILS ... 18 DIAGRAM... 19 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ... 20 TRANSFER SLING SAFETY ... 21 HOW TO CONDUCT A VISUAL SAFETY INSPECTION... 22 LAUNDERING INSTRUCTIONS... 24 VISUAL SAFETY INSPECTION RECORD... 24 WARRANTY ... 25

WARNING! All rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL. The reproduction of this document or the transmittal in any form of any information, contained herein, without the authority in writing of an officer of the manufacturer is prohibited. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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SYMBOLS WARNING: this symbol is intended to alert the user to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in serious bodily harm.

CAUTION: this symbol is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions which could prevent product damage or possible personal injury.

NOTE: this symbol offers helpful information concerning certain operating procedures. CONSULT ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS

BOOM "UP"

BOOM "DOWN"

BASE "CLOSED"

INDICATES CHARGING MODE

BASE "OPENED"

INDICATES CHARGER POWER IS "ON"

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. To ensure safe operation, read carefully the entire manual, especially the section on Safety Instructions and Warnings , before installing, operating or servicing this equipment. If anything is not completely understood, please contact your supplier for more details. Failure to comply with warnings in this manual may result in injury. Keep this manual with lift and refer to it as required. Contents of this manual are subjected to change without prior notice to users.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS GENERAL IMPORTANT CAREFULLY READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH THE LIFT AT ALL TIMES. READ OPERATING MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING, OPERATING OR SERVICING THIS EQUIPMENT. YOUR LIFT is for transferring patients only. Do not use the lift for any other purpose. ALWAYS carry out the daily checklist before using the lift. BHM Medical patient lifts are designed specifically for use with slings and accessories manufactured by BHM Medical. We cannot ensure the safety of a transfer, and therefore cannot be held responsible, for any incident that may occur as a result of the use of slings or accessories produced by another manufacturer. In order to ensure the safety of the patient and that of the caregiver use only products manufactured by BHM Medical with this patient lift. This mobile floor lift is intended to be used for patients within the specified weight limit indicated for the lift. Do not attempt to lift more than the weight limit indicated. BEFORE attempting to transfer, the patient must be assessed by a qualified professional. This mobile patient lift must be used by a caregiver with proper training to work with the patient to be transferred. This patient lift should never be used by a patient on their own. ONLY trained and qualified caregivers should transfer a patient. DO NOT attempt to use the lift if you have not been properly trained to do so. ALWAYS be prepared before attempting to transfer a patient. DO NOT use a sling that is not recommended for the lift. NEVER use a damaged, torn or frayed sling. ALWAYS place the sling around patient according to the instructions enclosed. FOLLOW lifting procedures outlined in this manual. USE all controls and safety features only according to the rules specified in this manual. Never attempt to force a control or button on the lift. DO NOT store the lift in a shower, bath or other area with high humidity. IMPORTANT: keep all components of the lift clean and dry, and have electrical and mechanical safety checkpoints done as instructed in the Maintenance section of this manual. Replace any precautionary or instruction labels that cannot be easily read. Do not attempt to manoeuvre the lift by pushing on the mast, motor shaft, boom or patient. ALWAYS manoeuvre the lift with the handles provided. DO NOT push a loaded lift at speeds which exceed a slow walking pace (3 km/hour or 0.8 meter/second). 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS DO NOT push the lift over uneven or rough ground, particularly if loaded. DO NOT attempt to push or pull a loaded lift over a floor obstruction which the casters are unable to ride over easily. DO NOT BUMP the lift down steps, loaded or unloaded. DO NOT park a loaded lift on any sloping surface. DO NOT use an electric lift in a shower This mobile floor lift is not intended to be a transport device or to be used to transport a patient over any long distance. BASE should not be opened as much as possible for optimum safety. DO NOT USE, in any way, the actuator as a handle to push or pull the lift. If the actuator is used as a handle, the caregiver and the patient safety is greatly compromised. Do not put fingers, hands or feet where space is limited (see diagram below). This could pinch, cut or seriously injure any parts exposed. * All models

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS

SHOCK PREVENTION AVOID violent shock during transportation. DO NOT touch or use a lift with bare conductors or a damaged power cord. Electrically live equipment can electrocute a patient. If the lift or charger has any exposed or damaged wires, contact your local dealer immediately. DO NOT splash or expose electric parts of the device to water or moisture. CHECK nameplate for voltage and cycle requirements. These requirements differ by country. Do not attempt to use the lift in an area that has a different voltage and cycle requirements. READ the battery and charger instructions thoroughly before using or storing them.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION Batteries may explode, leak and cause personal injury if not disposed of properly. Do not place or store the battery under direct sunlight or near a heat source. Do not dispose of in fire. Do not short the battery terminals. Do not incinerate. Flush with water if electrolyte (Acid) comes in contact with skin or eyes. Batteries must be recycled or disposed of according to local law regulations. When returning batteries, insulate their terminals with adhesive tape, etc. otherwise the residual electricity in use batteries may cause fire or explosion.

IMPORTANT : BATTERIES NEED TO BE CHARGED FOR A MINIMUM OF 8 HOURS PRIOR TO USING THIS LIFT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

EQUIPMENT WARNING LABELS Inspect all precautionary labels on the equipment. Order and replace all labels that cannot be easily read.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND INTRODUCTION CAREFULLY READ THE "SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS" SECTION BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE LIFT. Always carry out the daily checklist before each lift use.

Operating the Ministand is simple and requires little instruction. Using the lift, an operator is able to raise, transfer, and lower a patient safely. IMPORTANT! The Ministand should not be used in conjunction with any patient slings other than the Manufacturer slings which are expressly designed for the system. The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for improper use employing any other sling. NOTE: Instructions provided here are described from the operator s point of view, ie: when positioned behind the lift and ready to transfert the patient.

ADJUSTING THE WIDTH OF THE LEGS The base of the lift can be set with the legs opened or closed. Adjustments of the base varied according to the model: Shifter base: The adjustments are made by changing the position of the shifter: Disengage the shifter plate by pulling the shifter arm then push it to the left will close the legs. Pushing the shifter arm to the right will open the legs (Fig.1). Pedal base : The adjustments are made by changing the position of the pedal. Press down the left side of the pedal will close the legs. Press down the right side of the pedal will open the legs (Fig. 2). Power base : The adjustments are made by using the control buttons OPEN and CLOSE on the control box or on the hand control (Fig. 3). Since the residents centre of gravity is positioned over the centre of the chassis, in most situations the resident can be comfortably transported with the base closed. Keeping the resident at the lowest point within the base, lowers the centre of gravity, increasing resident security. The residents lateral movement is also reduced by the design of the arms.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND POWER BASE MODELS The base of the lift can be set with the legs opened or closed by using the two buttons on the hand controller or by utilizing the auxiliary buttons located on the panel. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

CORRECT USE OF THE BRAKES Foot operated brakes are fitted on both rear casters. Brakes should only be used in the following situations: When lifter and resident are momentarily at rest, for example, during preparation for transferring to a bed or a chair. Whenever movement of the lift has to be halted while transporting a resident. Travelling across or stopping on slightly inclinded floors may call for temporary use of the brakes.

Brakes should not be used in the following situation: When raising or lowering a resident in the lifter over a bed or chair. Leaving the brakes off allows the lifter (with resident) to maintain its centre of gravity throughout the transfer and reduces the tendency for the patient to move laterally outside the base.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND CORRECT USE OF THE BRAKES Brakes application and release: To apply brakes, step on the back portion of pad. (Fig 3a) To release brakes, step on the front portion of pad or lift with toe of shoe. (Fig. 3b)

Fig. 3b

Fig. 3a

EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF The operator can shut off the electrical power at any time by pressing the red mushroom shaped emergency button on the control box. The button is reset by a halfturn clockwise in the direction of the arrows. First time users should practice the shut-off manoeuvre before operating the lift with a resident. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

BATTERY PACK The battery pack is medically approved according to EN 60601-1, CAN/CSA-C22-2, No. 601-1 M90 and UL 2601-1. The battery pack assembly is two 12 volt, 5 Ah (24 volt capacity) fuse protected battries, delivering up to 100 lifts per charge (200 lbs or 90 kg). Battery life is variable (2-3 years) and is influenced by proper charging practices and load exertion.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND

REMOVABLE BATTERY PACK The removable battery pack reduces the time your lift is out of service because of a discharged battery. To remove discharged battery pack, use both hands, grasp the battery pack by the handles and at the same time, push the 2 latch buttons located on each side of the battery pack, and pull straight out towards you. (Replace the pack with a fully charged one (second battery pack not included) from the wall mounted charging unit (not included). (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5

CHARGING THE BATTERY Plug the charger into a wall socket compatible with universal voltage input of 90 V up to 240 V. (Fig. 6a)

Fig. 6a

The charger has two LED indicators; yellow and green. Their significance is: Green light ON with no battery pack inserted: indicates the charger is on and ready for use. Green & Yellow light ON : indicated the battery pack is being charged. Green light ON with battery pack inserted: indicates pack in the charger is fully charged and ready to use. (Fig. 6b) Fig. 6b

DO NOT OPERATE THE CHARGER WITH A DAMAGED CORD OR IF THE UNITS HOUSING HAS BEEN DAMAGED. DO NOT forcibly bend the power cord or place a heavy object on it. This will damage the cord and may cause a fire or electrical shock.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND RAISING AND LOWERING THE PATIENT The electrical actuator operated in both directions allows the operator to raise or lower the patient without any physical effort. The hand control can be used to operate the lift while at the same time the caregiver moves to a position where they can be with the patient continuously. (Fig. 7)

Fig. 7

To raise the patient: Touch the UP button on the hand control. Keep your finger on the button until the patient is at the desired height, release finger pressure and the unit stops. To lower the patient: Touch the DOWN button on the hand control. Keep your finger on the button until the patient is at the desired height, release finger pressure and the unit stops. Auxiliary UP and DOWN buttons are located on the control box attached to the mast. These controls serve two functions: They are secondary controls in the event the hand controller stops functioning or if two attendants are involved in the transfer, one can use the auxiliary controls while the other moves into a position where they are with the patient continuously. (Fig. 7b)

NOTE:

FIRST FUNCTION BUTTON PUSHED WILL OVERRIDE ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND

DAILY VISUAL CHECKLIST Proceed to the following verification daily prior using the Ministand : Make sure that split rings are correctly fixed on the actuator pivot shaft. Make sure the mast is fixed to the base. Verify the good functionning of the rear casters brakes. Make sure that knee pad is correctly fixed. Before lifting the patient: Make sure that all straps are attached to the arms. Make sure the patient is comfortable. Make sure the sling is not caught on an obstruction (wheelchair brake or arm of chair). If any of the above occurs DO NOT LIFT THE PATIENT and correct the problem IMMEDIATELY.

BAND SLING INSTALLATION This sling is specifically for mobile stand assist lift only. The use of this sling in conjunction with the Ministand assists in changing incontinence pads or to transfer onto a toilet as it provides an open area from the middle of the back to the feet. The soft polyester nylon material is padded and quilted to add comfort. Strips sewn into the fabric in the back of the sling covers a wide area and distributes the weight evenly on the patient s back and reduce pressure under the arms. PVC mesh material on the inside of the sling provides a grip that is soft to the touch, yet holds to the clothing of the patient. Additional padding under the arms reduces pressure and makes the sling very comfortable. Waist belt with velcro closure and belts makes the sling easy to adjust and secure around the patient In order to use this sling, the patient must have adequate muscle-tone in their shoulders and lower body. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL. Weight capacity 180 kg (400 lbs.)

Do not use the band sling on a patient who does not have good muscle-tone in their shoulders and neck. Check with the patient s physician, nurse or medical specialist before using this sling with a patient.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND Band Sling sizes and product numbers

CHEST SIZE PRODUCT # COLOR CODE

65-105 cm ( 26-42 po)

75-110 cm (30-44 po)

80-115 cm (32-46 po)

85-120 cm (34-48 po)

TST-S

TST-M

TST-S

TST-XL

Red

Yellow

Green

Blue

Band sling description Sling has two sides, the white PVC material indicates the side that is intended to be next to the patient, the label and colored handles are on the outside. The top of the sling is rounded and the padding on the arm bands should be upward. The sling has a waist section with velcro and belts.

BAND SLING INSTALLATION (PATIENT)

Whenever possible have someone assist you to ensure the patien s safety at all time. 1. Lean patient forward in the chair and make sure the patient is supported. 2. With the white PVC material of the sling facing the patient, place the sling approximately halfway down the back, or so the sling is below the shoulder blades. Lean the patient against the back of the chair. 3. Fold the fabric waist band with the velcro and belts attached across the mid-section of the patient. Velcro the belt into place, then clip the belts closed. Make sure the buckle is secured.

4. Tighten the belt until snug by pulling gently on the end of it. 14

OPERATING THE MINISTAND Fixing the band sling to the Ministand Make sure the sling is correctly installed around the patient waist (as previously shown). Choose the appropriate loop colour according to the patient needs. Install it into the hooks of the Ministand arm. Make sure the colour of both loops is the same on both hooks. Make sure the loops of the sling are correctly installed in the hook see Picture A. If not, do not lift the patient and install loop properly. Ensure the patient s arms are over the sling and that the sling is not caught on any obstructions (eg. Wheelchair brake or handle). See picture B.

BAND SLING POSITIONS

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND TRANSFERRING THE PATIENT

HAVE SOMEONE ASSIST YOU WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TRANSFER A PATIENT

THIS MOBILE FLOOR LIFT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A TRANSPORT DEVICE. PATIENT IN THE LIFT SHOULD NOT BE MOVED MORE THAN A FEW METERS (YARDS)

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAN UVRE THE LIFT BY PULLING IN THE MAST, BOOM, ACTUATOR OR PATIENT. BEFORE LIFTING THE PATIENT : 1. Lower the boom using DOWN button so it is as low as possible. 2. Bring the lift towards the patient so that the Ministand foot rest is right in front of the patient's feet. 3. Gently place the patient's feet on the foot rest and push the lift until the patient's shins are in the pads. 4. Lock the rear wheels on the Ministand. 5. Place the sling loops on the Ministand arms hooks according to the instructions shown in the sling installation section of this manual. The patient's arms must be over top of the sling, and if the patient is able, holding on to the Ministand arms. 6. Press the UP button to raise the patient slightly. Check to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way. If you find that the sling has loosen a bit around the waist of the patient, tighten the belts around the patient s waist. Once the patient is secure, continue to raise the patient until he/she is above the chair or toilet before moving to the next transfer point. 10. Move the patient directly over the point of transfer, lock the wheels on the wheelchair or bed. When the patient is positioned against the chair or bed, lock the rear wheels on the Ministand. 11. Slowly lower the patient by pressing the DOWN button. As you lower the patient, use the handles on the back of the sling to position the patient in the chair. 12. Lower the arms of the Ministand so they are as far down as possible. 13. Remove the straps of the sling from the arms of the Ministand. Lift the patient's feet off the foot rest and move the lift a few inches away from the patient. 14. Sling may be removed from around the patient.

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OPERATING THE MINISTAND EMERGENCY LOWERING The Stand-up is equipped with an emergency lowering function, which is located just above the emergency stop button. To operate the emergency lowering function: Press and hold the button located on the front of the control box until patient is safely lowered to desired height. (Fig 7).

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MONTHLY INSPECTION DETAILS Refer to diagram on the following page for the location of each inspection area. These procedures are supplied as a guideline for personnel who are responsible for the maintenance and safety inspections of patient handling devices. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for ongoing inspections and checks. These are guidelines only and are not intended as a substitute for a regular, thorough equipment maintenance program. Note : if during your inspection any bolt, nut or structural fastener is removed, it is imperative that you reinstall all associated safety devices such as cotter pins, split rings and lock nuts. If one of these devices is defective, you must replace it with an original new component.

For all Stand-up lifts models (with shifter, with pedal or power base) ITEM # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

PROCEDURE ENSURE THE PIVOT CLEVIS PIN IS WELL SECURED BY THE SPLIT RING AT BOTH END OF THE ACTUATOR. ENSURE THAT THIS PIVOT SHOULDER BOLT IS SECURELY FASTENED WITH THE LOCKNUT. CHECK FRONT AND REAR CASTERS REGULARLY FOR HAIR AND DEBRIS, CLEAN AS NECESSARY, CHECK BRAKE FUNCTION ON REAR CASTERS. INSPECT ALL WELD SITES FOR CRACKING OR SEPARATION. ENSURE ALL NUTS ARE SECURE ON THE STUDS, ENSURE JAM NUTS ARE SECURE ON SHAFT MAKE SURE THE COTTER PIN IS IN PLACE RUN ACTUATOR FROM LIMIT TO LIMIT TO ENSURE LIMIT STOPS ARE FUNCTIONING. PRESS THE EMERGENCY BUTTON TO ENSURE THAT ALL ELECTRICAL POWER IS CUT OFF. CHECK ALL THE FUNCTIONS ON THE HAND CONTROL CHECK TO ENSURE WIRES ARE NOT PULLED OUT OF CONNECTOR ON HAND CONTROL CASE. CHECK FOR THE SMOOTH FUNCTION OF THE UP/DOWN SWITCHES. CHECK BATTERY PACKS FOR DAMAGE CHECK THAT THEY WILL ACCEPT A CHARGE BY PUTTING THEM IN THE CHARGER. CHECK THE FUNCTION OF THE CHARGER LIGHTS (ON THE LIFT OR ON WALL CHARGER) BY INSERTING A BATTERY PACK ENSURE THAT POWER LIGHT IS FUNCTIONAL. CHECK THAT THE SAFETY LATCHES ARE IN PLACE AND FUNCTIONAL. MAKE SURE BOTH LEGS ARE PARALLEL

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DIAGRAM

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE LIFT TROUBLE HAND CONTROLLER DOES RESPOND.

NOT

UP & DOWN BUTTONS ON CONTROL BOX DO NOT RESPOND.

ACTUATOR DOES NOT RESPOND.

AUDIBLE BEEP IS HEARD FROM CONTROL BOX ACTUATOR STALLS DURING LIFT

CHARGER TROUBLE POWER ON LIGHT ON CHARGER IS NOT LIT CHARGER IS PLUGGED IN BUT POWER ON LIGHT IS NOT LIT YELLOW INDICATOR DOES NOT LIGHT WHEN BATTERY IS INSERTED IN CHARGER AND THE GREEN LIGHT IS ON BATTERY TROUBLE BATTERIES ARE PROPERLY SEATED BUT NO LIGHTS ARE VISIBLE. YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF CHARGING TIME. BATTERY PACK INDICATES IT S FULLY CHARGED WHEN IN THE CHARGER BUT WHEN PLACED IN THE LIFT WILL ONLY DO A FEW LIFTS.

CHECK CHECK LARGE RED EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON ON CONTROL BOX CHECK CONNECTOR ON HAND CONTROLLER CORD. CHECK BATTERIES CONDITION (REPLACE WITH A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY PACK). CHECK LARGE RED EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON ON CONTROL BOX. CHECK BATTERIES CONDITION (REPLACE WITH A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY PACK). CHECK LARGE RED EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON ON CONTROL BOX. CHECK BATTERIES ARE INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND FULLY CHARGED. TEST WITH A NEW FULLY CHARGED BATTERY PACK. CHECK HAND CONTROLLER IS CONNECTED. CHECK ACTUATOR IS CONNECTED TO CONTROL BOX. BATTERIES ARE LOW, REPLACE WITH A FRESHLY CHARGED BATTERIES BATTERIES ARE LOW, REPLACE WITH A FRESHLY CHARGED BATTERIES. MAKE SURE TO NOT EXCEED THE LIFTING CAPACITY. CHECK CHECK CHARGER IS PLUGGED INTO WALL RECEPTABLE CHECK THERE IS POWER TO WALL OUTLET* CHECK BATTERIES CHARGE.

ARE

PROPERLY

SEATED

IN

CHECK CALL FOR SERVICE (CHARGER MAY BE FAULTY) INTERNAL BATTERIES NEED REPLACING CALL FOR SERVICE OR CONTACT YOUR MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. AMPERAGE IN THE BATTERIES IS TOO LOW AND WILL NOT TAKE A FULL CHARGE, REPLACE INTERNAL BATTERY IN THE BATTERY PACK SYSTEM**.

(*) SOME WALL OUTLETS ARE CONTROLLED BY WALL/LIGHT SWITCHES. ENSURE POWER TO WALL OUTLET CONTINUES AFTER WALL/LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED OFF. (**) GENERALLY WITH LOW AMPERAGE THE ACTUATOR WILL EMIT A HUMMING NOISE INDICATING INSUFFICENT BATTERY POWER.

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TRANSFER SLING SAFETY

Patient Transfer Sling Safety Inspection & Care Guidelines Sling and patient lift products are not interchangeable. To ensure safe patient transfers, use only original equipment slings with this patient lift.

Due to the nature of their use, it is imperative that a patient transfer sling be inspected prior to each use. A documented monthly inspection program should be established to formally inspect all slings to ensure the safest possible transfer of a patient. It is the manufacturer position that the number of factors influencing the life span of a patient transfer sling are so varied that a sling should be taken out of service after 2 years. This 2 years span is a guideline for the useful life of a sling and, in fact, it may be shorter or longer depending on how the slings condition is affected by the number of washing, washing temperature, detergents, disinfectants, frequency of use, patient weight and/or numerous other factors. Currently there is no method to measure the strength of a sling once it is put into service and has been laundered multiple times, without damaging the sling itself. All of our sling models are manufactured to the highest standards and under ideal circumstances it will provide many years of service. With this in mind, the manufacturer has developed a set of visual guidelines to assess the safety of a sling currently in use. Any visual inspection, as these guidelines are, is a subjective evaluation and therefore can never be considered a guarantee of a slings safety. It will however dramatically reduce the risk of failure.

If there is ever any question concerning the safe condition of a sling, take it out of service IMMEDIATELY!

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