Specialised equipment quick guide

Every piece of equipment such as beds, trolleys, chairs, hoists and slings have a safe working load (SWL). It is imperative that the SWL is checked and not exceeded as it will affect the stability and mechanism of the equipment. All bariatric equipment should be identified by a yellow label with black script stating the designation SWL and as required the storage location of the equipment.

All equipment which is prescribed for the bariatric patient must have the SWL capacity to safely meet their needs (often referred to as “heavy duty” but SWL’s must be checked for each piece of equipment). This may include:

• weighing scales
• mobile hoist
• overhead gantry hoist (optional), rental only
• sling
• PAT slide
• slide sheets
• Mangar ELK cushion
• stand aid
• armchair or specialist seating
• bed and appropriate mattress
• commode
• plinths and clinical beds

If the equipment is not available locally, it will need to be made available through a rental scheme.

Please refer to the flowchart procedure for rental of medical devices under supporting documents  for more information.

Ideally equipment should be obtained before the patient is admitted or transferred to ensure their needs can be safely met. If this is not possible reasonable adjustments will need to be made to reduce any associated risks.

Equipment will also need to be decontaminated prior to use in line with the infection prevention and control manual.

It is considered best practice than any outpatient or clinic setting has access to suitable seating or clinical plinths to meet the needs of the bariatric patient.

Taking the weight of the person’s limb may also be avoided by using slide sheets, leg lifters and mechanical aids such as an inflatable lifting cushion (Mangar ELK).

Page last reviewed: July 12, 2024
Next review due: July 12, 2025