29/05/2020
Marking of Patient Lifting Slings.
There are a number of ways to identify your lifting slings but my preferred way is to use the manufacturers ID tag. Unfortunately some manufacturer's tags don;t last through regular washing. The suppliers that use sewn cloth tags seem to have it right. They last many washes, are easily readable and clearly identify the slings and their Safe Working Load (SWL) and Date of Manufacture (DOM)
Many sites I attend use marker pens to write on the slings and there is some debate about the affects of the ink and solvent on the sling material. My preferred method if you must mark the slings is to mark the tag as these are not a structural element of the sling so if damage does occur it will not effect the sling structural materials.
My ideal product to add a facility ID to a patient lifting sling would be a soft tag (possibly silicone) that is clearly numbered and connected with soft and durable connector. I have used numbered cable ties available but have had reports of them causing discomfort if placed in the wrong location or dragged under the client, so I no longer use them. I will keep looking for an ideal product for this task.
