Introduction: Suspension equipment plays a critical role in Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), a specialized form of occupational therapy, to facilitate movement and sensory experiences for clients with sensory processing disorders. Following a local near-miss incident, ensuring proper usage and maintenance of this equipment stands as the primary safeguard for clinical safety in human-centered therapy. However, there are currently no established standards for equipment inspection.
Objectives: To strengthen the safe operation and maintenance of suspension equipment in SIT following the renovation of the Occupational Therapy Department.
Methods: Structural calculations for the installation of ceiling hooks were certified by a registered structural engineer. A structural inspection was conducted five years post-installation to ensure ongoing safety. An electronic alert system was established to notify the assigned room supervisor about the validity of the annual loading license for lifting appliances. Additionally, an illustrated safety checklist was created, following manufacturer instructions, to streamline routine setup, inspection, maintenance, and documentation of equipment integrity. All accessories, including rotational devices, ropes, and snaps, adhere to international product safety standards to ensure quality and safety. Staff received training on the proper setup and usage of the equipment to ensure competency prior to independent operation.
Results: The structural inspection and valid loading licenses confirmed the safe usage of ceiling hooks, achieving 100% compliance in equipment integrity checks and zero incidents in SIT following the department renovation.
Conclusion: Establishing quality standards is essential for promoting and ensuring safety in therapy.