A patient lift system (907) includes a lift housing (957), a base lift strap (962) having a first end coupled to the lift housing (957) and a second end coupled to a sling bar (973). A protective sleeve (902) having a first end and a second end covers the base lift strap (962) to prevent bacteria or other contaminants from reaching the lift strap (962) while the sleave (902) is in place, thereby providing infection control to the base lift strap (962).
