Reply To: Dedicated sling for MRO/ Cytotoxic residents in aged care

Hi Monika,

Dedicating lifting slings to only those residents with known MROs is a great start to reducing risk. I ask the question though of those other residents requiring a sling, how can you be sure that they are not colonised with an MRO if they haven’t been tested/screened and has an appropriate OHS assessment been done to ensure the correct sling is being used Manufactures will also have care instructions for the sling which will ensure longevity and safety of the item, some may even state that the item should not be shared between residents. Another factor to be considered is the product the sling is made of, i.e is it smooth and impervious.
My advice is to look at the manufacture’s guidelines in the use and care of the item as part of any risk assessment as should be done for any care item of equipment.