Compatible? Hoist and sling checks in practice

---

The MHRA’s hoist and sling alert (NatPSA/2026/005) says that where the manufacturer’s instructions do not confirm a hoist and sling combination, compatibility must be verified by an appropriately qualified person, documented and supported by evidence. In most fleets that covers the majority of pairings in use. The MHRA has told us in writing what that person needs: knowledge and experience of the specific hoist and sling designs, their attachment arrangements and safe working loads, with the organisation documenting the basis.

This course gives that knowledge to people who already know how to assess risk. You leave with a real compatibility assessment under way on a pairing from your own organisation, and your organisation receives a competence record written in the MHRA’s terms.

Who it is for, and what you learn

For moving and handling leads and trainers, risk assessors and health and safety advisors, OTs and physiotherapists who prescribe slings, and equipment library and hire-fleet leads. You need current hoist and sling operating and prescribing competence (if you don't have those we can help gain them prior to attending this course.). We check this at booking.

The day covers: what the alert and the MHRA’s clarification actually require; ISO 10535:2021, the medical device regulations, Managing Medical Devices, PUWER and LOLER, and the point at which responsibility transfers to your organisation; reading the hoist IFU and the sling IFU against each other; grading manufacturer compatibility statements and spotting the ones that will not stand up; the technical analysis at the hoist, including the trial lift and what it does and does not prove; writing to both manufacturers; and writing an assessment, with conditions a ward can follow, that an inspector or a coroner could read. The afternoon is spent on your own pairing, with your own IFUs. Four to ten people per course.

What you and your organisation get

Assessment is in three parts: an observed technical analysis at the hoist and a knowledge check on the day, and your completed compatibility assessment submitted within 14 days and marked against a published scheme. On a pass you receive the Hoist and Sling Compatibility Assessor certificate, valid two years, issued under CPD Approved Provider 782114, and your organisation receives an Assessor Competence Record for the named person to complete and sign. That record is the documented basis the MHRA has asked organisations to hold. 

We will also provide you with a risk assessment template and  forms to hold all of your approved combinations.. 

Dyslexia-friendly materials on request.

Send us your qualification and role and we will confirm the route you qualify under and the next available date. Not there yet? Our Compatibility Checker course is the place to start. And if you want to understand the alert first, join our free webinar on Tuesday 21 October.