5 Ruse Street Osborne Park Western Australia 6017 Quality Endorsed Company MANUFACTURING PTY LTD www.pelicanmanufacturing.com.au [email protected] Information Sheet - Bed Slide Sheets Many companies manufacture Bed Slide Sheets, and they are one of the original Manual Handling products of the last 30 years. They come in a variety of colours, and are generally made from a nylon, parachute type material. Different manufacturer’s materials have different characteristics. The Pelican range has four colours and two sizes: Colour Royal (Dark) Blue Pale Blue Red Pink Comments Slightly noisy material. Not breathable, should not be leave under patients. Quiet, breathable material that can be left under patients. Quiet, breathable material. Plastic type noise. Not breathable. The best for slipperiness. We also have two sizes: 1m x 1.5m or 2m x 1.5m. The number ‘2’ in the item numbers above denote the larger 2m sheet. Bed Slide Sheets are normally folded in half. Often the smaller size can end up being too small for some people, so we recommend purchasing the larger sheets. The sheets are inserted underneath someone in bed by the log-rolling Manual Handling technique. With regard to weight limits, this is an area where the ability of the Carer is what matters. The strength of the material is almost irrelevant because: 1) The sheet will never be taking someone’s full weight as it is only used to help turn the patient 2) The material’s strength will far outweigh the strength of the Carer A few items to be aware of are: Bed Slide Sheet Holder Item # 509H, 509HL Bed Slide Sheet Gripper Item # 507BSSG The original smaller size will hold two 1.5m x 1m sheets, or one 1.5m x 2m sheet. The larger size is designed to hold two 1.5m x 2m sheets. They are made from a, soft clear vinyl material and can be wiped clean or hand or machine washed. They can be hung from a hook, door knob, cupboard rail or the bed frame. It is good to keep the Bed Slide Sheets in a dedicated place to help prevent people slipping on them if they fall on the floor, and also to help prevent crossinfection. This product is a long piece of firm foam which you can wrap the outer edge of the Bed Slide Sheet around. This makes it easier for the Carer to hold onto, relieving the pressure on the Carer’s fingers. Fingernails: In the past we have been made aware that some Carer’s fingernails can ‘spike’ the material. This is something to be aware of. Static Electricity: The question of static electricity has also been raised with using Bed Slide Sheets. Testing showed that the 507S pink Bed Slide Sheet material created 1,200 Volts. This was done by rubbing it together and measured using a fully calibrated ACL Digital Static Field Analyser. Things like plastic trays, hoses, rubber fittings, barrier gowns and drapes, polycotton gowns and drapes can generate up to 20,000 – 30,000 Volts. Normally to create a spark two pieces of metal need to rub together. Staff who have had static shocks have been wearing polyester jumpers and working on a type of carpet that has contributed to the static. Washing: Do not use fabric softener. Respray with Helmar Silicone Spray to increase the slipperiness. Slide & Turn Sheet, Item # 509 The main advantage is that it can be left under the patient during the night because it is made from a breathable material which will not increase sweating, and the Carers do not need to log-roll the patient each time they are turned, which is what they need to do with normal Bed Slide Sheets. It has a black breathable foam pad which ‘anchors’ it to the bed to help it stay in position. Also available: Slide & Turn Hoist Sheet (Item # 585H) designed to allow a hoist to do the heavy lifting for heavy patients. 4 colours with different features Bed Slide Sheets do not take someone’s full weight Weight limit is limited to the Carer’s ability and strength and not to the strength of the material Breathable Slide & Turn Sheet can be left under patients Breathable Slide & Turn Hoist Sheet is available for heavier patients S:\Restored\Docs\aacOther People's Documents\Tom\Information Sheets\Information Sheet – Bed Slide Sheets