Free Safe Operating Procedure (Pressure Mattress Check) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Pressure Mattress Check) Template

Pressure alternating or relieving mattresses are critical medical devices used to prevent and manage pressure injuries (also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers) in individuals with limited mobility. Ensuring this equipment is functioning correctly is a vital work health and safety requirement in healthcare and aged care settings.

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Pressure Mattress Check) Template provides a structured framework for your organisation to document the correct method for inspecting, setting up, and verifying these devices before use. Using a standardised SOP helps ensure consistency in care, reduces the risk of equipment-related patient harm, assists in training new staff, and provides a clear record of due diligence. Documented procedures like this are a fundamental component of any effective WHS management system.

Key elements of this Safe Operating Procedure:

• Pre-operational checks: Inspecting the mattress cover, air cells, tubing, and power unit for damage or wear.
• Operational steps: Detailing the process of setting the correct pressure based on patient weight and needs, and conducting a 'bottoming out' hand check.
• Post-operational procedures: Outlining cleaning, disinfection, and storage requirements to maintain hygiene and prolong equipment life.
• Emergency procedures: Instructions for responding to power failures or unit alarms.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Pressure Mattress Check) Template

This template is provided as a starting point in both DOCX and PDF formats. To implement it effectively, you must adapt it to the specific context of your workplace.

While the core principles of a pressure mattress check are universal, different brands and models have unique features and requirements.

To use the template:

1. Download the DOCX file, which is fully editable.
2. Add your company name, logo, and other identifying information.
3. Review and modify the steps in the procedure to precisely match the make and model of the pressure mattresses used at your facility. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for each device.
4. Assign responsibilities for who is authorised to perform the checks (e.g., Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Personal Care Assistants).
5. Train all relevant personnel on the finalised SOP and ensure they demonstrate competency.
6. Schedule regular reviews of the SOP to ensure it remains current with best practices and any changes in equipment or regulations.

Please note: This is a template we have developed. You must customise it to your specific workplace, equipment, and legal obligations.

Spire Safety assumes no liability for the use or misuse of this document.

When to use a Pressure Mattress Check SOP

A Safe Operating Procedure for pressure mattress checks should be consulted and followed consistently at several key points to ensure ongoing patient safety and equipment reliability. The procedure is designed for routine and non-routine situations.

Use this SOP:

• Before each new patient use: To ensure the mattress is clean, intact, and fully functional for the incoming individual.
• Daily checks: As part of routine patient care, a quick visual and functional check confirms the system is operating correctly.
• After maintenance or repair: To verify that the equipment has been returned to a safe and fully operational state.
• During staff training: As a foundational document for training and assessing the competency of new and existing employees.
• Following a power outage: To ensure the system has reset correctly and is providing the required therapeutic support.

The core of a pressure mattress is its pump or compressor unit, which requires diligent checks. An understanding of safety protocols for air-moving equipment is a valuable skill, transferable from other workplace contexts detailed in resources like our Free Air Compressor SOP Template.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP is intended for all personnel in a healthcare, aged care, or home care setting who are responsible for setting up, monitoring, or maintaining pressure care equipment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Enrolled Nurses (ENs)
• Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and Aged Care Workers
• Disability Support Workers
• Allied Health Professionals (e.g., Occupational Therapists)
• Equipment and Maintenance Technicians

All users must be trained on the specific procedure and deemed competent before performing the tasks independently. Supervisors and managers should use the SOP as a tool for auditing performance and ensuring consistent application.

Regular WHS compliance auditing helps verify that these documented procedures are being followed correctly in practice, forming a crucial feedback loop for continuous improvement. While this SOP is for medical equipment, the principles of standardised checks apply across all industries, even in hospitality settings as seen in our template for deep fryer operation.

For a wider variety of safety documents covering numerous industries and tasks, browse our complete free WHS resources library.