Bariatric equipment is specialist moving, handling and evacuation gear built to safely support larger or heavier individuals, typically those weighing above the limits of standard healthcare products. It is designed for use in hospitals, care homes, hospices, ambulance services and any setting responsible for the safety and dignity of plus-size patients or residents. The defining feature of these heavy-duty products is a higher Safe Working Load (SWL), reinforced construction and wider dimensions, which allow people to be moved, repositioned or evacuated without putting them or staff at risk. Our range covers the full handling pathway, from slings and slide sheets for daily repositioning to the Etac Bariatric 4Way Glide and Promove Sling, through to powered evacuation chairs and EvacMats for emergencies. Choosing properly rated handling solutions is essential for both clinical care and staff protection, as using standard kit beyond its rated capacity is a serious manual handling and safety risk.
The right choice depends on three main factors: the maximum weight you need to support, the environment it will be used in, and the task you are carrying out. Always start with the Safe Working Load. Our heavy-duty evacuation chairs, including the FERNO EZGlide PowerTraxx and the FERNO Bariatric LBS Ezi-Glide, are rated for significantly higher loads than standard models and are built for descending stairs safely during a building evacuation. For routine moving and handling, slide sheets, glides and slings are more appropriate, as they reduce friction and the physical strain on carers. Consider whether stairs, narrow corridors or single-person operation are involved, as these influence whether a powered or manual solution is best. If you are unsure, we offer a free site visit to assess your premises, your population and your evacuation routes, then recommend products that match your real-world requirements rather than a generic specification.
Yes. Bariatric and evacuation equipment is safety-critical, and both regular servicing and trained operators are essential for compliance and reliability. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and manual handling legislation, equipment must be maintained in safe working order and staff must be competent to use it. We provide planned servicing and maintenance to keep your evacuation chairs, glides and EvacMats inspection-ready and fully functional when they are needed most. Equally important is training, because even the best products are only effective when staff know how to use them correctly and confidently under pressure. Our accredited training covers safe operation, evacuation procedures and manual handling best practice, helping you meet your legal duties while protecting both staff and the people in your care.
