Assisting a person to shower using a mobile shower chair - SWI 007 (2013)

Stop, Think, Assess, Review
Stop before you begin, you must review the support plan of the client being assisted.
Think about the task, any equipment needed and the readiness of the client. Think about other options if this task cannot be done safely.
Assess the client by watching/talking to them to see if they are willing and able to participate in the task.
Review other options available if client not ready for task. Talk to supervisor/manager about other options.
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Potential Hazards
  1. Muscular or soft-tissue injury to client from incorrect handling, movement or posture.​
  2. Cross-infection to client from using another client's slide sheet.
  3. Muscular, soft-tissue or skeletal injury to workers from incorrect movement, posture, over-reaching or lifting the weight of the client.
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Safety Provisions
To prevent risk of injury to workers or clients during this manual task:
  1. Follow all steps of this Safe Work Instructions (SWI)
  2. Minimum of 2 workers for this task.
  3. Be aware of movements during task, do not exceed your ability.
  4. communicate with the client and other workers at every step of this task.

Instructions

Set up
  1. ​Refer to client's Support Plan for specific information.
  2. Ensure client handling is done with flat open hands (not grasping with opposing thumb and fingers).
  3. Make sure client's slide sheet is clean and in good condition.
  4. If bed has brakes, check these are on.
  5. Ensure client's bed is at a height to safely complete this task, avoid excessive leaning or stretching. Set bed height at the wrist of the tallest worker performing the task.
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Operation

Conclusion
Safely conclude task.
  • Make sure client is comfortable and in a supported position.
  • Place any equipment in correct storage areas.
  • Document any incident and report to supervisor immediately.

Disclaimer
Attribution: Department of Human Services, the Government of South Australia, "Assisting a person to shower using mobile shower chair - SWI 007 2013", Sourced on 21st Feb 2020, (https://dhs.sa.gov.au/about-us/publications/safe-work-instructions/assisting-a-person-to-shower-using-mobile-shower-chair)'

This information is a guide only for use by non-government organisations and service providers as a training tool (supplementary to training) and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Users must seek appropriate medical or professional service. The State Government of South Australia accepts no responsibility for the suitability or completeness of the information and expressly disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any of the information.