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fornhelper  
#1 Posted : 11 October 2010 15:20:36(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
fornhelper

Hi I wonder if anyone can clarify if there is a need for 'restraint belts' when using powered bath chairs when moving clients into / out of a bath. I have viewed safety alerts from suppliers / manufacturers that state restraints should be retrospectively fitted but when I contacted the suppliers of our chairs I was told that there is no requirement for them. Regards FH
Barrie(Badger)Etter  
#2 Posted : 11 October 2010 15:31:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Barrie(Badger)Etter

Fornhelper wrote:
Hi I have viewed safety alerts from suppliers / manufacturers .... but when I contacted the suppliers of our chairs I was told that there is no requirement for them. Regards FH
Have got that in writing? Badger
David Bannister  
#3 Posted : 11 October 2010 15:43:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

I claim no specific knowledge of the care sector but it occurs to me that the risk assessment for the lift would surely include whether the client has any condition that may make them subject to sudden involuntary movements or the potential to leap out of the chair without warning e.g, M.S. Depending on the assessment you may decide that there is a need for belts, in which case you can inform your supplier that there is a requirement from you, the customer!
fornhelper  
#4 Posted : 11 October 2010 16:07:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
fornhelper

I have an email to that effect Badger. The client's care plan will obviously influence what we need to put in place in relation to controls however the issue I have is that the 'supplier' who was involved in the original alert then made available a fitting that could be retro fitted to their chairs. Our supplier does not have any equipment that could be retro fitted and we have a great many chairs that would be too expensive to replace. I suppose that in essence what I am trying to establish is that if a supplier / manufacturer supplys equipment that meets the necessary standards (which ours do) and our assessment states that we use it as per the instructions provided, do we need to do anything more? (It being accepted that there may be particular clients for whom the equipment may be unsuitable). FH
boblewis  
#5 Posted : 11 October 2010 21:32:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

Bath lifts come in a number of guises but the key is to establish the right equipment for the user. Those similar to chairs that rise and lower are only suitable for persons able to maintain posture and so there should be no need for restraints unless you have the wrong equipment for the client. There is a move away from baths where posture cannot be maintained in favour of wet rooms and showers Bob
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