EasyCare Joerns Oxford Slings User manual

Oxford®Slings
Additional Sling and Safety Information
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Following Medical Device Alerts on other manufacturers’ slings, it is important that users of Oxford
slings always follow the instructions in the user manuals provided with each sling and also the
labels which are stitched into each sling.
In particular, it is critical to the safety of the patient that the sling is checked each and every time
prior to use. Failure to do so may result in patient injury.
If any of the following faults are identied, the sling should not be used and immediately destroyed:
• There are signs of general wear and tear
• There is loose or broken stitching on any part of the sling (including the straps)
• There are worn areas on the attachment points
• There are discoloured areas
• There are areas of frayed or torn material
• There are areas of bleached material
• The label is illegible
Inspection is required on all areas of the sling. The following information provides some guidance
on key areas for inspection:
Example of an Oxford sling:
Key areas for inspection include:
1. Sling strap attachment point
2. Seams
3. Handle attachment points
4. End loops on sling straps
1
1
1
1
22
3
4
•Stitching on the sling straps on the sling body should be secure.
• Stitching is cross-stitched and not to be frayed.
Cross Stitching
• Typical seam stitching.
• Photograph shows example of correct stitching in place and not
frayed.
Oxford®Slings
Additional Sling and Safety Information

Cleaning Instructions:
Cleaning instructions are clearly detailed in the user manual and on the label stitched on the back of
the sling. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the sling becoming damaged and unsafe
for use.
If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please contact Joerns Healthcare.
• Typical stitching on the main
body of the sling.
• Photographs show examples
of correct stitching in place
and not frayed.
A. Attachment of the strap to a
net style sling.
B. Example of correct stitching
on the colour binding.
• Typical stitching of the end
loops on the sling straps.
• Stitching is cross-stitched and
not to be frayed.
• Ensure end loops are not
worn or frayed.
Stitching
Oxford®Slings
Additional Sling and Safety Information
Identication of Seam Slippage:
Seam slippage (needle hole elongation) can occur under load in any area of a sling where a needle
and thread has passed through the sling fabric as part of the manufacturing process. It is commonly
associated with the shoulder quadrants of a sling where load stress is most evident (Fig. C and D),
especially under higher loads. Once the load is removed, seam slippage, where visible, will contract
and the area will revert to its former state (Fig. E). Joerns Healthcare has conducted load tests that
indicate seam slippage does not impact on the load bearing ability of an Oxford sling and it may
therefore be passed as safe to use following inspection.
WARNING: If the needle holes were to perforate into each other or do not return to their former
state, Joerns recommend the sling is removed from service.
BA
C D E
Seam slippage under load
(Carer Side)
Seam slippage under load
(Patient Side)
Observation following removal of
load (Carer side)

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