
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 1
User Manual
Prism Universal Sling Range

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 2
Prism Universal Sling
Application
The Universal Sling is designed for ease of fitting and general purpose transfer. It
can be used to transfer from the seated to recumbent position or from recumbent to
seated. The person must be assessed by a competent person who must be fully
trained in the suitability, application and fitting of the sling. Carers should always be
trained in the use of hoists and slings.
Sling Inspection
All Prism Slings are manufactured to meet and exceed the requirements of
BS EN 10535:2006 ’Hoists for the transfer of disabled persons– Requirements and
test methods’. Slings should be inspected prior to use and after washing. Damaged
or badly worn slings should be discarded… The label on the sling contains vital
information to identify the sling - if any part of the label becomes illegible, then it
must be removed from service and replaced.
The sling should be visually inspected with regard to the following items:-
Any signs of damage (i.e. cuts, frays, tears, burns) to the sling straps
Any signs of stitching becoming undone on any part of the sling
Any signs of the fabric being stretched, tearing or undue wear
Any signs of discolouring or bleaching on the material
Is the sling complete? i.e. all straps present, stiffeners in place - where
applicable, etc
Label clearly legible
Compatibility
The issue of sling compatibility with various manufacturers’ hoists has been a
concern for specifiers for a number of years, an issue that is compounded by the
increased number of companies supplying hoists and slings.
Some hoist/sling manufacturers will state that only slings manufactured by them can
be used on their hoists and vice versa. This is their policy only and is NOT a legal
requirement. A risk assessment must still be completed even if the same
manufacturer of hoist and sling are to be used, and the specifier simply has to state
that the carry bar is of a similar design and that the sling manufacturer has
authorised its use on it.
A comprehensive list is available separately and your local agent will be able to
provide assistance with compatibility issues.
Maximum Load (Safe Working Load - SWL)
The maximum load for the sling is clearly marked on the label of the sling. The
maximum load will also be displayed on the hoist and any detachable elements of
the hoisting system.
DO NOT exceed the maximum load stated on any of the equipment.
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 3
A B C D E
Child 610 770 390 380 610
Junior 750 940 490 450 750
Small 825 1050 560 490 850
Medium 990 1215 660 555 1025
Large 1070 1350 710 640 1120
X Large 1150 1440 740 700 1200
Sling Dimensions
All dimensions have a tolerance of +/- 20mm
A
B
C
D
E
Note : All slings are available either with or without Head Support

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 4
Hoisting from a chair
Introduce the sling by sliding it down between
the chair backrest and the person’s back until
the top of the commode aperture reaches the
base of the spine. If the sling can not be
introduced from behind, apply the sling in a
position level with the person. Leave the sling
half way down the persons back (at this stage
don’t bring the sling to shoulder level).
Bring the leg sections along-side the
person’s thighs and pull lightly to ensure
that they are of equal length. Using good
manual handling techniques, block the
persons leg to stop them from moving
forward whilst the sling is being pulled into
position. Raise the persons leg and feed
the leg sections under the person’s thighs.
Ensure the sling is not twisted or creased
Important - At the base of the leg section strap
there is a loop. Bring the straps together by
passing one strap through the loop.
Now raise the top of the sling level with the
person’s shoulders. The fitting of the sling is
now complete
The six straps should now be attached to
the carry bar hooks. Raise the carry bar
just enough to tension the straps and
ensure that they are still securely attached.
The person can now be lifted as required.
To remove the sling, carry out the fitting procedure in reverse.
Important - always peel the sling away from the person to avoid skin friction and movement.
Notes
The above techniques are for guidance only and you must comply with your local policies
If in doubt, consult your moving and handling advisor
Note: The person to be transferred shall be referred to as “the person”.
1 2
3
4
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 5
1
Hoisting from a lying position
Using good manual handling techniques
roll the person towards you so that they
are positioned onto their side.
To introduce the sling, roll half of the sling
up underneath itself so that when the
person is rolled onto their opposite side,
the sling can be unrolled until it is flat.
Use the centre markers to ensure the
base of the back section is in line with the
base of the person’s spine. Ensure that
handle loops are to the outside.
Pass the leg section under and up
in-between the thighs. Ensure that as
much of the leg section as possible is
pulled under the leg and that all creases
are eliminated to achieve maximum
comfort. Important - at the base of the
leg section strap there is a loop, bring
the straps together by passing one
strap through the loop.
The fitting of the sling is now complete.
The six straps should now be attached to
the carry bar hooks. Raise the carry bar
just enough to tension the straps and
ensure that they are still securely
attached .
The person can now be lifted as
required.
2
3
Hoisting from the Floor
Before commencing the manoeuvre, introduce a pillow to ensure the client is
comfortable. Follow the procedures 1 –2 as above to fit the sling. If using a mobile
hoist, introduce the hoist using the method approved in your local area so that the
carry bar is positioned correctly above the client.
Procedure 3 can now begin
To remove the sling, carry out the fitting procedure in reverse.
Important - always peel the sling away from the person to avoid skin friction and movement.
Notes
The above techniques are for guidance only and you must comply with your local
policies
If in doubt, consult your moving and handling advisor

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 6
The Universal sling is also available with
a taped head support. .
The additional straps connect to the
carry bar direct onto the same hooks
that the shoulder straps are attached to.
( see photo no 1 )
The additional straps are adjustable to
suit the clients head position and level of
support.
( See photo no 2 )
Taped Head Support
Photo 1
Photo 2
Shoulder Strap
Shoulder Strap
Adjustable head Support strap
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 7
Prism Universal Sling - Material Variants / Uses
Poly: The sling is made from a close knit polyester material and has nylon ‘rip
stop material to the outer side of the leg sections to aid the fitting of the
sling. This is a general purpose sling and can be used for sitting and
recumbent transfers between chairs, beds, floor, baths, changing beds,
WC’s etc.
Slip Fit: The sling is made from a nylon ‘rip stop’ (parachute style) material and has
been designed to be easily fitted and removed. It is especially suited to
situations where the client has limited ability to be moved to aid fitting the
sling i.e. tight fitting chairs. This is a general purpose sling that can be
used as the Poly, but cannot be used in a bath as it will retain water
around the client when being hoisted.
Spacer: The sling is made from knitted polyester “spacer” fabric that is manufactured
with an ‘air gap’ internally. The material stretches slightly in all directions
and moulds perfectly to the shape of the person being hoisted. This is a
general purpose sling that can be used as the Poly, but has the added
benefit of being suitable to be left in position if required. (subject to risk
assessment and monitoring of pressure risks).
Mesh: The sling is made from a polyester net material and has a non-absorbent
foam in the leg sections. The inner surface of the leg sections has a close
knit polyester covering for patient comfort. This sling is designed
specifically for bathing and can be left in place whilst the person is being
bathed /showered.

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 8
SLING CARE: LAUNDERING
GENERAL.
Sensitive laundering of lifting slings will extend the service life of the product.
Conversely, improper laundering will reduce the service life and possibly affect the
strength and integrity of the sling.
To be avoided:
Use of bleach at washing, particularly hypochlorite [may cause structural
damage]
Overheating the sling [temperatures in excess of 100º may cause extreme
shrinkage and structural damage]
Use of non-biological detergents is not recommended (especially Fairy Non - Bio):
as these types of detergent contain bleaching agents that can degrade the strength
of the sling.
The use of fabric conditioners is not recommended.
Any hook & loop fastenings should be closed prior to laundering to avoid the ‘hook’
side damaging the sling or other items laundered with it.
GENERAL SOILING.
The sling should be laundered with soap or detergent at 50°C on a standard
domestic cycle.
DISINFECTION.
The sling should be laundered to ensure a ‘period at temperature’ of:
10 minutes at 65ºC
3 minutes at 72ºC
Following NHS guidelines, extra time should be added to ensure thorough mixing of
hot water through the wash load.
It may be that available equipment does not allow the required level of temperature
control. The sling may be washed on a 90ºC wash cycle, though it is likely that
some moderate shrinkage and/or colour bleed will occur.
DRYING.
Slings will air dry quite quickly in a warm room.
Slings should not be placed over radiators or convectors.
Slings may be CAREFULLY tumble dried on a cool [60ºC] setting and short cycle.
The sling should be checked at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes.
Do not allow the sling to overheat.
The Sling should last in excess of 5 years if the above guidelines are adhered to. All
Prism Slings have a manufacturers guarantee of 12 months.
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 9
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturers Name: Prism Medical UK Ltd
MHRA Registration No: CA 013248
Manufacturers Address: Unit 4 Jubilee Business Park, Jubilee Way,
Grange Moor, Wakefield,
WF4 4TD, UK
Tel +44 (0) 844 980 2260
Declares that the manufactured product:-
Product Name: Prism Universal Sling
Product Options : Child, Junior, Small, Medium, Large, XL Large.
All slings are available either with or without Head Support.
Conforms to the following European Union Council Directives:-
Directive 93/42/EEC and all amendments up to Directive 2007/47/EC
Classification Class 1, Low Risk Medical Device
Tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 10535:2006 & IEC 60601 3rd Edition
Supplementary Information:
The undersigned declares the product herewith complies with the requirements set out
above and carries the CE mark accordingly.
The Technical Construction File required by this directive is maintained by the
manufacturer as detailed above.
Signed: Date: 14th November 2014
Craig Wright, Manufacturing Director

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 10
NOTES
Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 11
Date of Assessment :
FIM Score:
Clients Name:
Approx Weight:
D.O.B:
Type of Sling:
Size:
Sling Straps Coloured loop Options
Head Support (Option): Adjust slider to suit the persons head position
Shoulder Loop: W hite Orange Blue /Black Other
Hip Loop: Black Red Lilac Other
Leg loop: Yello w Green Bro wn Other
Comments
SLING SAFETY
Care Plan Information
All slings in the Prism Range have space on the labels to record the clients name.
Each sling has unique individually colour coded lifting loops which helps maintain
good lifting practice. The loop options facilitate variable positions from sitting to
recline.
TRUCTIONS
CARE PLAN INFORMATION

Prism Universal User Guide Rev 5— Jan 2015 page 12
If you have any questions regarding the use
of this equipment, please contact
Prism Medical UK, or your local authorised dealer.
Prism Medical UK, Unit 4 Jubilee Business Park,
Jubilee Way, Grange Moor, Wakefield, WF4 4TD
Tel +44 (0) 844 980 2260
www.prismmedical.co.uk info@prismmedical.co.uk
This document conforms to BS EN ISO 10535:2006 Requirements
Tel+44 (0)1924 840 100