Final answer:
The correct option is c. compare the persons weight to the lifts weight limit. In using a mechanical lift, one must compare the person's weight to the lift's weight limit to ensure a safe transfer, utilizing a proper sling and following the lift's operational guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a mechanical lift to transfer a person, the correct approach is to compare the person's weight to the lift's weight limit. It's essential to ensure that the lift can safely handle the weight of the individual to prevent injuries to the person being lifted and to the operator of the lift. Additionally, using a proper sling that is appropriate for the lift and the situation is necessary for a safe transfer.
Other considerations, such as positioning the lift on the person's strong side, collecting a sling, battery, and transfer belt, and allowing the person to control the lift, are not standard procedures and could lead to safety issues. The primary focus should always be on the capacity of the lift and the appropriate method of transfer as described by the lift's operational guidelines, keeping in mind Newton's laws of motion and the principles of balance and forces when moving a person.