When is a sling considered contaminated?

A sling is considered contaminated when it is used to bathe a person because this activity involves direct contact with bodily fluids and may transfer contaminants from the person's skin or hair to the sling. This increased risk of exposure to pathogens necessitates that the sling be properly cleaned and decontaminated before it can be used again for safety and hygiene purposes.

In contrast, using a sling multiple times does not inherently contaminate it unless it has come into contact with contaminants during those uses. Losing its shape is also not a condition that denotes contamination; it affects the functionality but not the cleanliness of the sling. As for the statement that all slings are considered contaminated after use, this does not accurately reflect the specific risks associated with usage, as not every use exposes the sling to contaminants, particularly in situations where it is used for non-hygienic tasks.