Please note if you are a provider registered with CQC, and with premises located in England, CQC is the relevant regulatory body for patient safety matters

The type and amount of equipment needed will vary according to the specific needs of care service users. When providing equipment, providers should consider:

Introduce equipment only after assessment and use in accordance with the care plan and manufacturer's instructions. 

Moving and handling equipment used for health and social care may be classified as medical devices. The supply and design of such devices or equipment is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Find guidance on managing medical devices and information on how to report defects, adverse incidents or problems with equipment on the MHRA website.

It is important that safe working procedures are followed during hoisting to avoid accidents that can result in serious or fatal injuries.

The individual's risk assessment and care plan for hoisting should specify:

You must communicate this information to staff and keep it accessible for easy reference. It is common practice to include assessments in individual care plans or profiles and provide an additional quick reference guide in a convenient place, eg on the inside of the resident's wardrobe door.

For further information on using hoists safely, please see our information sheet Getting to grips with hoisting (HSIS3).

Where lifting equipment, including hoists and slings, is used by people who are at work, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) apply. For further information please see our equipment safety pages.

More information on LOLER and safe hoisting and maintaining lifting equipment can be found at:

Getting to grips with hoisting

HSE aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health.