Equipment Safety Audit - Care Homes

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  • Is there an equipment safety policy outlining responsibilities for maintenance, storage, and use?
  • Is an inventory of all care-related equipment maintained and regularly updated?
  • Are all moving and handling aids (e.g., hoists, slings) included in a LOLER inspection schedule?
  • Are LOLER certificates current and easily accessible for all applicable equipment?
  • Is there a schedule for routine servicing and maintenance of beds, mattresses, chairs, and mobility aids?
  • Are faults or defects reported promptly, logged, and tracked through to resolution?
  • Are staff trained and deemed competent to use each type of equipment relevant to their role?
  • Are individual risk assessments completed before using specialist equipment with residents?
  • Are instructions for use (e.g., for hoists, sensor mats, profiling beds) available and accessible to staff?
  • Are slings clearly labelled for individual use and stored hygienically when not in use?
  • Are bed rails assessed for safety and appropriateness and included in the resident’s care plan?
  • Is assistive technology (e.g., fall sensors, pressure mats, nurse call systems) maintained and tested regularly?
  • Are emergency evacuation aids (e.g., evacuation chairs, sleds) stored accessibly and checked regularly?
  • Are medical devices (e.g., oxygen concentrators, nebulisers) serviced according to manufacturer guidelines?
  • Are batteries for powered equipment (e.g., hoists, electric wheelchairs) regularly charged and tested?
  • Are sharps boxes, thermometers, BP machines, and glucose monitors stored and cleaned safely?
  • Is equipment used in line with infection prevention and control protocols (e.g., cleaning between users)?
  • Are mobility aids such as walking frames, rollators, and wheelchairs inspected for wear and tear?
  • Are wheelchairs fitted with appropriate footplates, brakes, and seat belts as required?
  • Are staff aware of the procedure for removing or quarantining unsafe equipment?
  • Are equipment-related incidents or injuries investigated and used to improve safety practices?
  • Are resident-specific equipment needs reviewed as part of care plan and risk assessment reviews?
  • Are external maintenance providers vetted and qualified to perform work on specialist care equipment?
  • Are records of servicing, inspection, and maintenance stored securely and reviewed during audits?
  • Are residents supported to use their personal or specialist equipment safely and appropriately?
  • Is feedback from staff, residents, or families used to inform equipment suitability and improvements?
  • Are spare parts or backup equipment available for essential items (e.g., hoists, wheelchairs, slings)?
  • Are faults that could pose a serious safety risk escalated immediately to management or maintenance teams?
  • Is there a protocol for disposing of outdated or damaged equipment in line with health and safety guidance?
  • Is equipment safety reviewed regularly as part of health and safety or governance meetings?