Transporting portable mechanical aids and assistive devices

Common task

Moving portable mechanical aids and assistive devices within facilities is a common task for employees. Examples include the following scenarios.

• Transporting mechanical aids and assistive devices through a facility, either:
  • in preparation for moving a person
  • after moving a person.
• Transporting mechanical aids and assistive devices through a facility for a person’s discharge.
• Transporting mechanical aids and assistive devices to and from a facility to a person’s house.
• Moving a folding wheelchair, other portable mechanical aids and assistive devices in and out of the back of a vehicle.

Below are some tips that may help with the safe movement and transport of mechanical aids and assistive devices.

• When discharge planning, consider any mechanical aid and assistive devices that will need to be hired or borrowed. Consider how they will be delivered and used.
• Before any equipment is used, ensure employees have received instructions and training in its use.
• Ensure all equipment has a clearly marked and visible safe working limit.
• Get mechanical aids and assistive devices delivered, where appropriate.
• Review the environment to address risks. Consider:
  • the floor plan
  • floor surfaces
  • furniture and its impact on the use of any mechanical aids or assistive devices.
• Use vehicles that are an appropriate size to safely transport mechanical aids and assistive devices safely.
• Use additional manual handling aids when transporting mechanical aids and assistive devices to and from vehicles.
• Secure all manual handling aids and assistive devices within vehicles before transporting.
• Return mechanical aid and assistive devices when they are no longer needed.

Related OHS information

Employers should also consider the occupational health and safety information outlined in the related guidance: