Slings are lifting accessories
Under LOLER 1998, a sling used to lift a person needs a thorough examination at least every six months, just like the hoist.
Sling inspections
LOLER sling inspections for care homes and hospitals
Slings wear faster than any other part of a lift. We examine every sling at least every six months, as LOLER requires, and give you a clear record of which slings are safe and which need replacing.
- Every sling examined and logged
- Labels, stitching, webbing, loops and clips
- Unsafe slings identified and withdrawn
- Inspected on the same visit as your hoists
From £10 + VAT per sling
- 40+ years' experienceServicing for the NHS and private sector
- All makes and modelsMulti-brand engineers, authentic parts
- Full electronic reportsAn audit trail for every asset, every visit
- DBS-checked engineersUniformed, ID-carrying and fully trained
Why slings need checking
The sling is the part most likely to fail
A hoist can be in perfect condition and a transfer still go wrong if the sling is damaged, the wrong size or past its life.
Laundering takes its toll
Hot washes, tumble drying and the wrong chemicals weaken webbing and stitching long before a sling looks worn out.
Inspectors look for the records
CQC inspectors and insurers expect to see a current examination record for every sling in use, matched to the person it's assigned to.
Why slings need a LOLER examination
LOLER 1998 treats a hoist sling as a lifting accessory. Any lifting accessory, and any equipment used to lift people, must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every six months, unless a written scheme of examination sets different intervals. That means every sling in your building, including spares and slings assigned to individual residents, needs its own examination and its own record.
Sling inspection checklist
Our engineers check every sling against the manufacturer's guidance. These are the points staff should also look at before every use:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Label | Present, legible, showing the size, type and safe working load |
| Stitching | No broken, loose or pulled stitches, especially at loops and straps |
| Webbing and fabric | No cuts, fraying, thinning, holes or stiff patches |
| Loops and clips | Undamaged, not stretched, clips close and lock properly |
| Laundry damage | No discolouration, shrinkage or hardening from hot washes or chemicals |
| Compatibility | The right sling for the hoist and the person, as set out in their care plan |
If a sling fails any of these checks, it shouldn't be used until it's been examined. A sling with no label can't be identified, so it should be withdrawn.
What happens when a sling fails
We tell you on the day, tag the sling as out of use and record why. Because many sling faults can't be repaired safely, we'll normally recommend a replacement, and we can supply replacement slings that are compatible with your hoists. If the condition of a sling poses a risk of serious injury, LOLER requires the examiner to report it to the enforcing authority, and we'll handle that for you.
One visit for hoists and slings
Slings and hoists are on the same six-monthly cycle, so we examine them together. One visit, one report, and one record per sling that follows it through its life. With asset tagging, every sling gets a unique ID, so you can see at a glance which slings are due, which have failed and which belong to whom.
Sling inspections in Hampshire and across the UK
From our base in Lee-on-the-Solent we inspect slings for care homes, nursing homes, hospices and hospitals across Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Winchester, Basingstoke and the Isle of Wight, as well as West Sussex and Dorset, and for contract clients across the UK.
How it works
From first call to compliant equipment
- 1
Free on-site survey
We visit, audit your equipment and asset numbers, and look for savings against your current supplier.
- 2
Clear, itemised quote
A quote for exactly the equipment and service frequency you need. No hidden costs and no minimum number of assets.
- 3
Scheduled visits
Quarterly, six-monthly or annual visits. Engineers carry spare parts so most faults are fixed first time.
- 4
Reports and asset records
Every item barcoded and logged, with a full electronic report after each visit, ready for audits and inspections.
Also from Shepherd
One supplier for all your equipment
LOLER Hoist Inspections
Six-monthly LOLER thorough examinations for patient hoists, stand aids and slings, with a written report for each item. From £45 + VAT per hoist. UK-wide.
Find out moreHoist Servicing & Repairs
Patient hoist servicing and repairs for care homes and hospitals. Mobile hoists, stand aids, all makes. From £45 + VAT per hoist. Hampshire-based, UK-wide.
Find out moreAsset Tagging & Reporting
Barcode asset tagging for care and hospital equipment, with location records, service history and electronic reports after every visit.
Find out moreFAQs
Sling inspection FAQs
How often do hoist slings need to be inspected?
LOLER requires a thorough examination of every sling used to lift people at least every six months, unless a written scheme of examination sets different intervals. Staff should also check each sling visually before every use.
How much does a sling inspection cost?
Sling inspections start from £10 + VAT per sling, and the price per sling falls the more slings you have. Slings are usually examined on the same visit as your hoists, and you'll get an itemised quote first.
How long does a hoist sling last?
It depends on how often it's used and laundered. Many manufacturers give an expected life for their slings, but heavy use and hot washes can shorten it. The six-monthly examination tells you whether each sling is still safe, whatever its age.
Can a damaged sling be repaired?
Generally no. Damaged stitching, webbing or loops usually mean the sling should be withdrawn and replaced. We'll tell you which slings need replacing and can supply compatible replacements.
Do you inspect slings from any manufacturer?
Yes. We examine slings from all major manufacturers, and we check that each sling is compatible with the hoist it's used with.
Keep every bed, hoist and chair safe, compliant and working
Book a free on-site survey or talk to our team about servicing, LOLER inspections, repairs and equipment supply.