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Tag: Ceiling Hoist

Portable Handling Equipment: Perfect for travelling

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information, Uncategorized.

Its holiday time! Sun, sea and Sangria!

Choosing a holiday destination is part of the excitement. But try searching for a suitable destination to cope with disabilities – that can be challenging!

When you live with a disability, the success of a holiday depends on extensive preparation and in-depth planning for both travel and accommodation. This applied particularly if you require support and handling equipment for everyday use.

After choosing accommodation, deciding what equipment is suitable to take with you or what portable handling equipment is available can be quite overwhelming.

We want to make sure that your holiday is as stress-free as possible, and that you enjoy every moment of it. So we’ve rounded up a list of portable handling equipment which is perfect for travelling with and taking on holiday.

6 Portable handling devices perfect for travelling:

1. Voyager Portable Hoist

portable handling equipment portable handling equipment

The Oxford Voyager Portable hoist is a great lifting solution and easily transportable. Requiring no permanent electrical supply, the Voyager hoist is ideal for short-term or temporary solutions and great as a long-term solution too. It is suitable for all environments and mounts and dismounts easily without the need for tools.

When combined with the Easytrack gantry system, the Voyager Portable hoist is perfect for room hoisting when travelling.Freestanding, easy and quick to assemble, both Voyager and Easytrack disassemble into lightweight parts with dedicated transport bags available.

2. Journey Standing Hoist

portable handling equipment

The Journey Standaid is one of the most compact standing hoists on the market today.

The aluminium Journey is lightweight and foldable, making it perfect for onward transportation. The aluminium design and structure ensures a strong and durable assembly, with a safe working load of 155kg.

The hoist is dismantled without tools and folds quickly for travelling and storage when not in use.

3. Medex Air Overlay Mattress

portable handling equipment

The Medex Air Overlay is designed to be used on top of an ordinary mattress, providing protection and comfort for patients who are susceptible to tissue degradation. The power unit has an adjustable air pressure feature to suit individual patients weight, providing optimal pressure relief and better sleeping quality. The Medex is ideal for travelling as it is quiet, energy efficient, light, easy to operate and easy to fold.

A perfect choice for low to medium risk ulcer treatment up to stage II.

4. Slim Cushion

portable handling equipment

The Slim Cushion is a superbly comfortable 2.5inch cushion offering comfort when seated. The cushion is used on all kinds of chairs and wheelchairs, to increase comfort and reduce pressure at entry level. The Slim Cushion is extremely light and comes with a black PU water cover.

Check out our other pressure care cushions here. 

5. The Birdie Folding Hoist

portable handling equipment

The Birdie Folding Hoist is designed for comfort, transportation and practicality. Giving maximum patient space, it allows easy rotation and turning when hoisting. It folds simply and quickly without tools and takes up minimal space when folded in an upright position. With a clear hand control, foot-operated leg spread and ergonomic push bar, the Birdie is simple and extremely practical.

6. The ReTurn

portable handling equipment

The ReTurn is a simple, yet multi-functional transportation platform. Its design stimulates the natural pattern of moving from a sit-to-stand position. It strengthens a range of muscles and allows patients to move in any direction through a pivoting platform. The ReTurn is very easy to use and comes with a removable base, which is perfect for travelling and onwards transportation.

7. Wheelchair in Bag

portable handling equipment

This ultra-lightweight, attendant-propelled wheelchair is ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. Complete with its own carry-bag, this wheelchair is great for travel as it is manageable enough to take on aeroplanes, ships and public transport. Contact us to find out more about the Wheelchair in a Bag.

Get in touch for more information on our portable handling equipment.

Wall Mounted Rail System for Ceiling Hoists

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

The wall mounted rail system is the perfect solution in situations where ceiling fixtures are inappropriate. The rail system provides efficiency, flexibility and sophistication while complimenting any home environment.

The benefits are endless!

The track system is designed with all kinds of users in mind, making it an invaluable asset for patients in healthcare facilities or their own home. The wall rails will deliver a safe and comfortable direct transfer between beds, chairs, bathing and toileting facilties and between rooms. The system is used for hoisting, walking, balance training and for patients own personal use.

“What can a Wall Mounted Rail System offer me?”

Movement – The rail system gives users flexibility and complete freedom when being hoisted, as it enables full coverage of an entire room2208_10_GH1_WallRails_inst_2015_1600x1066

Invisibility – One of the most impressive features of the wall mounted rail system is how effortlessly it blends into the background. Its stylish appearance makes the system almost invisible when not in use. Wall mounted rails are perfect for patients who require a rail system without giving a room that ‘medical look’.

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Easy and Economical – Unlike ceiling hoist systems, the wall mounted rails are installed directly onto your wall. The track is installed onto any kind of wall material and easily removed if required.  The traverse rail automatically compensates for non-aligned (oblique) walls with up to 80mm margin.

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Creativity – You can personalise your wall mounted track by adding some optional LED lighting for a unique touch. You can also mount decorations, curtains and paintings from the wall rails too!

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Get a quote for our wall mounted rail system today here.

More information on our wall mounted rail system can be found here.

Take a look at the Wall Mounted Rail System in action here.

Maintaining your Guldmann GH1 Ceiling Hoist

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

Maintaining your Guldmann GH1 ceiling hoist correctly helps to prolong its life and use. We’ve rounded up a list of 4 things you can do that make maintaining the GH1 hoist easy and convenient.

1. The importance of charging

Once the hoist has been used, simply plug the handset back into the holder and charging will start immediately. The GH1 handset docking station also acts as the charging station, making it very easy to charge and keeping the handset neatly out of the way whilst not in use. Remember to ensure that the hoist is kept on charge whenever it is not in use.

2. Prolonging the life of the lift tape

When hoisting, ensure that the lifting tape is lifting vertically. Lifting at an angle could damage the sides of the tape, reducing its lifespan.

The GH1 has an innovative ‘safety cut-off’ function implemented which stops hoist being used when the strap is pulled either 45 degrees outside along the rail, or 10 degrees across the rail. The safety cut-off not only prevents the user carrying out an unsafe lift but also prolongs the life of the lift tape.

All Guldmann hoists that are used in a pool environment will be fitted with an ‘anti-corrosion’ strap. This strap has an anti-corrosive coat meaning it will last longer, making it rot and mildew resistant.

3. Move the hoist safely!

Avoid using the handset cable to move the hoist along the track, as this can cause charging problems with the hoist and a faulty handset. Bring the lifting hanger over to where the person is to be lifted instead.

The unique design of the GH1 hand control means it can be clipped onto the spreader bar during hoisting, reducing the risk of an injury or distraction. The ultra strong cable cover is robust and will last for many years, giving reliability and usability.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

The soft design and hard shell of the Guldmann GH1 allow it to be cleaned quickly. Simply clean with a damp cloth and ordinary detergent. Do not use strong acids, bases or alcohol when cleaning.

The white wipe clean finish of the GH1 enables it to blend into any environment and the simple design means that you can keep it clean, sparkling and infection free with ease.

For more information on our Guldmann GH1 ceiling hoists, contact us today.

New Lifting Hanger by Guldmann

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Featured products, Latest News.

We’re happy to announce that Guldmann have introduced a new and improved lifting hanger for all Guldmann ceiling track hoists.

The new hanger will replace all previous hangers in the Guldmann product range which have a 2 and 4 attachment point.

How can you benefit from the new lifting hanger?

Lower weight:

  • The new hanger is 30% lighter than the previous 4-point hanger, this makes it much easier to move, and less likely to hit your user.

Increased strength:

  • The maximum load has been increased to 375kg, making it usable for heavier users.

Improved comfort:

  • The new hanger has a soft, seamless surface meaning easier and quicker cleaning of the hanger and making it more comfortable to touch. Furthermore, ‘shock absorbers’ are fitted in the plastic at the ends of the hanger so your bathroom tiles don’t get damaged anymore!
Guldmann Old Style LIfting Hanger
Old style hangers
Guldmann new style lifting hanger
New lifting hanger

 

Range of sizes:

The new hanger is available in sizes XS, S and M. All previous lifting hangers are now discontinued and have been replaced with this new one. The Extra Small and Small lifting hanger are ideal for smaller and paediatric patients, keeping the sling straps straight and the user in a midline position.

The new lifting hanger is compatible with all Guldmann ceiling hoists. The hanger uses a ‘hook’ attachment, but an adaptor is available for old style GH2 hoists with a ‘snap-hook’ end.

Contact us today to discuss the benefits of the new Guldmann lifting hanger.

6 Amazing Features of Modern Ceiling Hoists

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Modern Ceiling Hoists

Progress marches on, and today’s ceiling hoists offer far more than just a lift mounted on a track. Here we take a look at some of the innovative features, on modern day ceiling hoists, and the way that you can benefit from them.

1. Constant Charge

Probably the single most effective way to increase the reliability, lifespan and durability of the ceiling hoist, the constant charge system offers massive benefits all round.

  • It saves carers time – as they don’t have to return the hoist to a specific point after each use, it is one less thing to remember, one less thing to do, which gives them more time to do the things you are paying them to do – care for patients.
  • It increases reliability and safety – as the hoist is always on charge, wherever it is on the track, it always charges as needed. Ensuring it is always charged and ready for the next use avoids breakdowns.
  • It prolongs the lifespan of the battery – lack of charging can cause battery failure – as the constant charge system is always charging the battery life is prolonged saving you unforeseen costs.

So in short the constant charge system will save you time, increase safety and reduce costs – ensure your next hoists is a constant charge system.

2. Increased Safe Working Load

We all know that obesity is on the increase – in fact one report estimated that by 2050, 60% of males and 50% of females could be obese – that’s over half of the population! (Read the report here https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/287937/07-1184x-tackling-obesities-future-choices-report.pdf)

The GH3 has a SWL of 200kg as standard. That’s 31.5 stone. Additionally it can be uprated to 250, 300 or 350kg. There is even a twin unit that has a SWL of 500kg, that an incredible 78 stone.

The GH3 is todays solution for tomorrows challenges.

3. Compact design

A modern hoist such as the GH3 uses great design for practical reasons. The white cover is designed to be unobtrusive – meaning that the hoist blends in against the ceiling. This is essential when fitting domestic or nursing care environments, where we can avoid equipment that shouts institutionalised or disability.

A modern hoist should also be easy to clean, sealed plastic casing, with white flat surfaces such as found on the GH3 reduce cross infection risk.

The compact design also maximises the lift height. This is very useful when lifting from high moulded wheelchairs, or in situations where ceilings are low.

4. Safety features

Modern ceiling hoists come with an array of safety features, the GH3 for instance has the following…

  • Anti strap twist device

This is a great device that stops the strap from being raised if it is twisted. If the strap is lifted whilst twisted, it could jam resulting in the strap having to be cut to release the user. This feature removes the risk of this happening.

  • Anti strap rewind device

In older hoists, there was a danger that if the user continued to operate the hoist after the lifting strap was fully unwound, it could rewind the strap the wrong way on the hoist. This means that when the up button is pressed the hoist goes down, and when the down button is pressed the hoist goes up!

Not only is this dangerous, but could damage the lift tape of the hoist – the anti strap rewind device prevents this happening.

  • Emergency stop. This is essential for all ceiling hoists under European legislation. On the GH3 it is simply activated by a red cord, and reset is simply done by pushing a small button.
  • Emergency Lower – This is activated by pulling the Red Cord on the hoist, and lowers the hoist if the handset should fail.

5. Twin Speed Lifting

Carer’s time is precious, therefore the GH3 has two speeds for lifting. When lifting a patient it lifts at a reduced rate, making for a more comfortable lift with a soft start and stop. However when there is no patient on the hoist, the GH3 lifts three times as fast, enabling the carers to move the hoist out of the way, and focus on the patient.

The table below shows some estimated savings using the GH3

No of patients No of lifts per day No of carers Time saved per lift (mins) Time saved per day(mins) Time saved per week Time saved per year
1 4 2 1 8 56 mins 48h32m
2 8 2 1 16 1h52m 97h4m
5 20 2 1 40 4h40m 242h40m
10 40 2 1 80 9h20m 485h20m
15 60 2 1 120 14h 728h
30 120 2 1 240 28h 1456h

Still not convinced? Work out your hourly rate, add on tax and NI, and the multiply by the numbers of hours… you may be in for a shock when you realise how much your mobile hoist is actually costing you!

6. Responsive and Programmable

In today’s swift moving world there are fresh challenges, threats and ideas emerging every day. Managers have to justify their actions, audit trails are required, and compliance is a key factor in running a successful establishment.

The GH3 responds to this new way of doing business in a variety of ways – each designed to assist busy managers. A suite of responsive programs ensures that data is available, equipment is maintained correctly and there is an audit trail for the equipment.

  • CareLift Management

The optional CLM module for the GH3+ provides reliable data about the number and types of lifts over a given period. This data is available as a downloadable text file for use in standard software, and as documentation for how the hoist has been used.

The data available includes the number and duration of lifts since the last reset, and the date and time of each. The module registers the number of standard lifts* over 17 kg and under 150 kg, and over 150 kg since the last reset. It also registers both actual and average numbers of lifts over the last seven days.

The module can also be used to provide information about the exact type of hoist being used and to assign a name/ID to each particular lifting module.

Analysis of this data can assist in building a business case for additional equipment, act as evidence in lawsuits, e.g. where a carer has been injured and show when the hoist is and is not being used.

  • Scales Module

The optional scales module is ideal for situations where it is important to monitor changes in users’ weight. Each user’s weight is clearly and accurately shown in the display on the hand control.

Because the scales module is part of the hoist, it frees up as much as 30 cm of lifting height compared to solutions where the scales unit is separate.

Having the scales module fully integrated into the actual hoist frees up time and resources, because users can now be weighed at the same time as being lifted and moved.

  • Service Module

The optional GH3+ Service module provides information that focuses on the service details of the ceiling hoist system, including:

The LCD display on the hand control shows when the lifting strap, drive belt or battery is due for replacement. The module can be used to vary the desired service intervals between 3–24 months for individual reasons. However, it should be noted that UK regulations stipulate that LOLER inspections are carried out with maximum intervals of 6 months. The counter is reset when safety inspections/service are carried out or when specific items are replaced.

A visiting Multicare technician can also carry out a number of updates. Guldmann regularly releases software updates that improve the functionality of the system, and these updates can quickly be uploaded during the annual safety inspection/service.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE GH3

Contact us today

For more information on ceiling track hoists, please either call us on 024 7647 2600, email us at sales@multicaremedical.co.uk, or fill in the contact form on our website.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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How to mount ceiling hoists – 6 simple solutions

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

Mounting methods of ceiling hoists

Although an overhead track hoist always operates overhead (the clue is on the name!), there a number of different ways of mounting it, here we run through the main six, including mounting off the floor.

1. Ceiling mount

Possibly one of the simplest ways to mount an overhead track hoist, a standard ceiling bracket enables the track to be mounted directly to the ceiling. If it is a concrete ceiling, a fixing such as the Hilti HUS-H would be used. Alternatively chemical anchors, such as the HY270 injectable anchor may be used – particularly for flaky concrete, or hollow core beams.

For fixing directly to timber, the Spax washer head screws will be used, and it is vital that the timbers are specified to take the loading of the hoist plus a 50% safety margin. For the fixings to be effective, the timber must be at least 100mm deep. The track should span the joists for added security, failing this Unistrut should be used to spread the load across 3 or more joists

If there is access above the timber joists, Unistrut can be used to spread the loads. This is particularly useful if fixing into ceiling rafters, M10 threaded rod is used to connect the bracket to the Unistrut. These solutions are commonly used in when fitting overhead track hoists in domestic properties.

2. Ceiling Mount – Extended bracket

In areas where there is a void between the ceiling/overhead tracking hoist and the structural support, extended brackets are used. They consist of a bracket at the top, a bracket at the bottom, and M10 threaded rod, with an aluminium profile covering the threaded ro. The aluminium rod cover provides stability, and if the bracket is visible, and aesthetically please solution.

Generally extended brackets range from 500 – 12oomm in length, however in swimming pools with high ceilings, they can range up to 3 or even 4 metres!

If the bracket length is over 300mm, bracing is required. Again aluminium rods are used, from the top of the overhead track system, back to the structural support at 45° to prevent movement of the track when in use.

3. Ceiling Mount – Extended bracket sloping ceiling

When mounting an overhead track hoist to a sloping ceiling, an alternative bracket is use. The M10 threaded rod is omitted, and instead the aluminium rod is connected to the two ceiling brackets. This gives flexibility to change the angle at the top, enabling the overhead hoist to be fixed into sloping steels or rafters

4. Wall bracket – solid walls

The simplest and easiest way to fix overhead tracking hoists, but only suitable for straight and room covering systems.

Our wall bracket consists of a right angle bracket with location holes on both faces. The bracket is mounted to the wall using HY270 injectable anchor, with a mesh sleeve, to screw an M10 fixing directly into.

Once the track is mounted, the bracket is hidden, making for a very neat installation. Additionally the overhead track hoist can be fitted at any angle increasing flexibility, and installation options

5. Wall bracket – stud walls

If there is access to stud partitions, it is possible to use a standard wall bracket, in conjunction with the stud walls being strengthened. Two full height layers of structural marine plywood are inserted behind the plasterboard face, and screwed to the ‘C’ section uprights. The whole wall is over boarded with plasterboard and decorated. This provides a strong and stable support for the bracket to be fitted to.

Again this type of fixing enjoys the benefits of the standard wall bracket, the bracket is hidden behind the track following installation, and the track can be mounted at any angle.

6. Wall Post – Support from the floor

Where there is no support in the ceiling or walls, support can be taken from the floor via a wall-post. This slim, strong, white powder coated aluminium profile, is only 20mm deep, yet immensely strong, providing support for an overhead track hoist of up to 500kg (78 stone).

The wall post is fixed to the wall using Hilti HHD-S cavity wall anchors. The forces applied are downward only there are no lateral or shear forces applied, and the sole purpose of the fixing is to prevent the wall-post coming away from the wall, or moving sideways.

Click here to download our guide on how to mount ceiling hoists

IMPORTANT NOTE – CDM REGULATIONS 2015

When specifying and designing ceiling hoists, it is important to take into consideration the requirements of the CDM regulations. The key requirement to ‘eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks to anyone affected by the project (if possible)’ and to ‘take steps to reduce or control any risks that cannot be eliminated’, can be applied to ceiling hoists.

For example if a wall fix can be used to eliminate an extended bracket of 3 metres, this reduces the risk of working at height. It also reduces future risks; should the overhead track hoist system need to be removed for maintenance, it can be done so easily, and the LOLER inspections can be carried out at low level, further reducing risk.

For more information on ceiling track hoists, methods of fixing, or the CDM regulations, please either call us on 024 7647 2600, email us at [email protected], or fill in the contact form on our website.

We look forward to helping you deliver better healthcare!

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Contact us today on 0800 298 6000 or email [email protected]. Alternatively complete the form below:

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6 points to consider when choosing a ceiling hoist

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

6 points to consider when choosing ceiling hoists

  • What Safe Working Load (SWL) is required?

Prior to deciding on the type of hoist that you require, stop and think about the type of person(s) that will be using it. Is their weight stable? Is it likely to increase? Are there multiple users? Bear in mind that if you are using a hoist close to its SWL all the time, wear and tear will be increased, and the lifespan of the hoist will be reduced. Similar to a car, which may have a top speed of 120mph, but its actual optimum cruising speed is 70mph, your hoist should not be working constantly close to its maximum. Our GH1 hoist offers a choice of 175kg (27.5 stone), or, for the larger patient 205kg (32 stone).

  • What does the hoist look like?

Although it may seem that aesthetics should be low on the list when installing a hoist, remember that for many people, it is a symbol of their weakness. Therefore often it is important, that as far as possible, it blends into the environment. Alternatively if you are hoisting a child, you may want to make hoisting fun, to associate it with a positive experience. The GH1 hoist is extremely compact, and finished in a white contemporary finish, enabling it to blend into any environment. However in a fun twist, ‘Zebra’ or ‘Fish’ side covers can be fitted, making it much more exciting for children.

  • How fast is the hoist?

Often forgotten when comparing hoists, the speed of lifting is an essential factor. If a hoist is used five times a day, and you can save a minute per lift, with two carers this adds up to an incredible 3650 minutes per year, or 60.83 hours! Aside from the cost aspect, this is time that can be spent much more effectively caring for the patient.

The GH1 features a unique twin speed lift, meaning that when there is no weight on the hoist, it lifts three times as fast as when there is weight on the hoist. Once you have finished hoisting your patient, the hoist speeds up saving you time, and as we all know, time is …money!

  • Look at the lifting tape!

The lifting tape is one of the most essential items on a ceiling hoist. Failure of the lifting tape could result in serious injury, or even death. By law the lifting tape actually has to be examined every six months as part of the LOLER inspection, but some manufacturers go further than that and insist that the lifting tape is changed every two years, an expensive and time consuming process. The GH1 has an ultra-strong lift tape, it is extra wide, manufactured from seat belt material that will last many years without needing to be replaced.

  • What type of batteries does it use?

A hidden but vital part of the hoist, the batteries are essential to the reliable operation of the hoist. Many hoists are still fitted with gel or sealed lead acid batteries, meaning that they are heavy and cumbersome, do not keep their charge, and need replacing after 3 – 5 years. Battery technology has advanced in recent years, and the lithium Ion batteries fitted to a GH1, not only hold more charge, but also cannot be damaged and will not need replacing for many years.

  • How does it charge?

One of the most important aspects of a ceiling hoist is how it charges. For a hoist to be effective and reliable, it must be simple and hassle free to charge. Many hoists have inbuilt chargers, but the hoist has to be returned to a specific point on the track to be charged. This can lead to staff forgetting to return it to the charge point, carers thinking the hoist is charging when it isn’t, and other issues. The GH1 hoist charges through the handset via a docking station, which we think is the perfect solution. It gives two small beeps when the handset has docked and the hoist is charging, so that you know the hoist is charging. Once the hoist is fully charged, the charger automatically switches off, preserving battery integrity.

For more information on the GH1, or any of our hoist systems, please either call us on 024 7647 2600, email us at [email protected], or fill in the contact form on our website, here.

Watch a video on the GH1 below.

Contact us today

If you have any questions at all just call us today on 0800 298 6000 or drop us a line to [email protected].  We look forward to hearing from you!!
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Progress House
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Registered Office: Progress House, Jacknell Road, Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, Hinckley. LE10 3BS