The Universal Deluxe Sling is a hybrid design combining hammock-style full back support with universal sling ease of seated application. Inner and outer thigh support prevents hip rotation and abduction during the lift. Suitable for amputees and residents with involuntary movement. Available in Polyester (400kg SWL) and Super Soft (300kg SWL), sizes S to XL, with loop or clip fastening. Woven label; reinforced stitching; wash up to 80°C. Subject to LOLER 1998. Made in UK.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| NCL-HSL100.PO.S/M/L/XL | Polyester - Loop fastening - 400kg SWL |
| NCL-HSL100.SS.S/M/L/XL | Super Soft - Loop fastening - 300kg SWL |
| NCL-HSL110.PO.S/M/L/XL | Polyester - Clip fastening - 400kg SWL |
| Safe Working Load | 400kg (polyester); 300kg (Super Soft) |
| Design | Hybrid hammock-universal |
| Thigh Support | Inner and outer - prevents hip rotation and abduction |
| Amputee Compatible | Yes - accommodates asymmetric weight distribution |
| Application | Can be applied and removed while user is seated |
| Label | Woven - resists fading at 80°C wash |
| Wash Temp | Up to 80°C; tumble dry low; no bleach or bio detergents |
| Compliance | LOLER 1998 (6-monthly examination); confirm hoist fastening compatibility |
The Universal Deluxe Sling is a lifting accessory for lifting persons, subject to LOLER 1998 with 6-monthly thorough examination and pre-use inspection before each lift. The SWL differs between polyester (400kg) and Super Soft (300kg) variants; the correct SWL variant must be confirmed against the resident's weight. The fastening type (loop or clip) must be confirmed compatible with the specific hoist. Sling laundering must follow the care instructions; biological detergents or temperatures above 80°C may degrade the fabric and reduce the SWL. CQC Regulation 12 requires LOLER examination records and evidence of correct sling selection and sizing.
How is the Universal Deluxe Sling applied to a resident who is seated in a chair?
The sling is applied while the resident is seated by threading the back section down behind the resident's back between the resident and the chair back; the carer may ask the resident to lean forward briefly if they can do so to create space for the back section to be slid into position, or may use a slide sheet or handling belt to assist. The back section of the sling is positioned from the resident's shoulders downward to the mid-back, with the hammock section correctly aligned with the spine and not bunched or folded. The leg sections are then threaded under each thigh from the front of the chair seat; the inner thigh support portion is guided between the thighs and positioned against the inner thigh surface, and the outer thigh support is positioned around the outside of the thigh. Once the back and leg sections are correctly positioned, the loop or clip fastenings are connected to the hoist spreader bar and the hoist is operated to take up the sling tension before the lift begins; the carer should confirm at the take-up stage that the sling is symmetrically positioned and the resident's weight is distributing evenly across both sides before committing to the full lift. Correct sling application is a LOLER competency that must be demonstrated by all staff authorised to use the hoist and this sling.
Why does the SWL differ between polyester and Super Soft variants?
The Safe Working Load of a sling is determined by the tensile strength of the fabric used in its construction, multiplied by a safety factor applied to account for dynamic loading during use and fabric degradation over the service life. Polyester fibres have a higher tensile strength per unit weight than the softer fibres used in the Super Soft construction; the Super Soft material uses fibres and weave structures optimised for skin comfort and softness rather than maximum tensile strength, which results in a lower peak load capacity and therefore a lower SWL. The 400kg SWL of the polyester variant and the 300kg SWL of the Super Soft variant represent different risk profiles: for residents below 300kg, either variant provides an adequate SWL with the required safety margin; for residents between 300kg and 400kg, only the polyester variant provides an adequate SWL and the Super Soft variant must not be used. The care team must check the resident's weight against the specific variant's SWL before prescription, and the sling label (which records both the SWL and the fabric type) must be checked before each use to confirm the correct variant is in use.