scope:

This Standard applies to hoists and body-support units (assistive devices) used to transfer, typically by suspending from above, disabled persons between beds, chairs, stretchers, bathtubs, or other similar resting places or standing positions. For example, this Standard applies to hoists and body-support units often referred to as ceiling lifts, portable lifts, floor lifts, sit-to-stand lifts, bathtub-chair lifts, and their slings and accessories, etc.

This Standard does not apply to devices that transport persons between two levels (floors) of a building (e.g., elevators, escalators, stair lifts, etc.). Similarly, this Standard does not apply to beds, stretchers, powered lift chairs, wheeled-chairs, or other devices that can be used to transport people short distances between locations. However, this Standard does apply to those portable hoists and body-support units that are also designed to transport people short distances between locations.

It does not include methods for the determination of aging or corrosion of such hoists and units.

The requirements of this Standard are formulated with regard to the needs of both the disabled persons being hoisted and the attendant using the hoist.