ISO 10535-2021 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10535:2021 — Assistive products — Hoists for the transfer of persons — Requirements and test methods. Third edition (published 21 October 2021) with corrected language versions issued in August 2023. The standard specifies safety, performance and test requirements for mobile and stationary hoists and associated body-support units used to transfer persons with reduced mobility; the PDF edition is commercially available from national and international standards distributors.

Abstract

This document specifies requirements and test methods for hoists and body‑support units intended for the transfer of persons with disabilities. It covers a range of product types (mobile hoists for sitting, standing or lying transfers, stationary wall/ceiling/floor-mounted hoists, free‑standing stationary hoists and body‑support units) and includes general requirements plus tests that apply to specific product types. The standard excludes devices intended to transport people between building levels and does not include accelerated ageing or corrosion test methods or qualification of individual units prior to use.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 21 October 2021; corrected versions issued August 2023 (language corrections).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); available as EN/BSI national adoptions and as national/adopted modifications (e.g., AS/NZS adoption).
• ICS / categories: 11.180.10 (Assistive products for persons with disability).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2021) — replaces ISO 10535:2006.
• Number of pages: 75 pages (PDF/print formats).

Scope

ISO 10535:2021 applies to hoists and body‑support units intended for transferring persons with disabilities. It covers different types of mobile and stationary hoists and specifies general requirements plus additional requirements and test methods that apply only to particular product types (for example, mobile sitting hoists, standing hoists, lying‑position hoists, wall/ceiling‑mounted hoists and body‑support units). The standard explicitly excludes devices that transport persons between two building levels and does not define methods for ageing/corrosion testing or unit qualification prior to use.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of hoist types and body‑support units.
• Safety and performance requirements addressing structural strength, stability and safe working load (SWL).
• Mechanical and electrical safety (including controls, emergency lowering and braking where applicable).
• Test methods: static and dynamic load tests, stability and tipping tests, endurance/cycle testing for mechanisms, and verification of locking/attachment points.
• Requirements for compatibility and secure attachment with slings and body‑support devices (referencing relevant sling standards/classifications).
• Marking, labelling, user instructions, warnings and information for attendants and users.
• Design considerations for ergonomics, attendant access and minimising user risk during transfer operations.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers, test laboratories, compliance/approval bodies, procurement teams in healthcare and social‑care organisations, occupational therapists, clinical engineers and policy makers. Typical applications include patient/resident transfers in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, home care and assisted‑living settings where safe lifting and transfer of persons with reduced mobility is required.

Related standards

ISO 10535 is referenced alongside product classification guidance in ISO 9999 and is commonly published/adopted as EN ISO 10535 in Europe and adapted by national bodies (for example AS/NZS 10535:2024 adopts and modifies ISO 10535:2021 for Australia/New Zealand). It replaces the earlier ISO 10535:2006 edition. National adoptions and modified national versions should be consulted for region‑specific requirements.

Keywords

hoist; patient lift; assistive products; body‑support unit; safe working load; transfer; mobility aid; test methods; lifting equipment; ISO 10535.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10535:2021 is an international standard that sets safety, performance and test method requirements for hoists and associated body‑support units used to transfer persons with reduced mobility.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers requirements and test methods for multiple hoist types (mobile and stationary) and body‑support units, including load, stability and functional tests; it excludes devices for vertical transport between building levels and does not include accelerated ageing or unit pre‑use qualification methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, conformity assessment and test labs, healthcare procurement and clinical engineering teams, occupational therapists and standards committees use ISO 10535 to design, test, certify and procure safe hoisting equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10535:2021 (third edition) is the current edition published on 21 October 2021; it replaced ISO 10535:2006. Corrected language versions were issued in August 2023. Users should check national adoption notices for any country‑specific modifications.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: While not a numbered multi‑part series, ISO 10535 is linked to broader assistive‑products work (ISO/TC 173) and is used alongside classification and product standards such as ISO 9999; it is also commonly published/adopted as EN ISO 10535 and in national modified forms (for example AS/NZS).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: hoist, patient lift, body‑support unit, safe working load, transfer, assistive products, test methods, ISO 10535.