Linak Australia has reported that in order to increase safety for end-users and patients, the company will now affix a label to all actuators used as main lifting devices in patient lifts.
This move has been taken to alert users not to pull sideways on actuators when handling the patient lifters.
Extreme side forces could lead to a bending of the inner tube and a collapse of the actuator.
The labels will be applied to all actuators that have been manufactured after November 1st, 2009 and will also be made available to purchase separately for attachment to existing actuators.
Linak Australia recommends that these labels are fitted to existing patient lifts during the next scheduled service check.
The company also reminds manufacturers and owners of patient lifts that a check should be made when servicing for damaged or deformed material on the mechanism, bolts and actuator fixing points.
In addition, the inner and outer tubes on the actuator should be checked for marks and dents. In the event of damage, a fault should be corrected before further use to prevent the possibility of injuries.