How to maintain medical casters to extend their service life?

Medical Caster Maintenance Guide

Core Objectives: Reduce wear, prevent corrosion, and maintain functionality.

I. Daily Cleaning (Preventing Contamination and Reducing Drag)

Daily: Wipe the wheel, wheel frame, and brake components with a soft cloth dampened with 75% alcohol or a neutral disinfectant. Focus on removing stains (blood, medication, hair) from the wheel axle gaps and under the pedals to prevent clogging. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the metal parts to prevent rust.

Weekly: Use a soft-bristled brush or air gun to clean dust from hidden areas such as bearings and rotating shafts. If the wheel is stuck, sterilely disassemble and clean the bearings. Inspect the wheel surface for cracks and promptly remove embedded foreign matter (broken glass, metal shavings) to prevent further wear.

II. Scientific Lubrication (Maintaining Flexibility and Preventing Seizing)

Monthly: Apply medical-grade and food-grade lubricant (such as NSF H1 certified) to the bearings and rotating shaft. Industrial-grade lubricant is not recommended. Clean the lubrication points first, and fill with enough oil to barely fill the gaps to prevent dust from accumulating.

Special Scenarios: Lubricate casters in humid areas (such as supply rooms) every two weeks. Cleanroom casters with a "lubrication-free design" should only be cleaned; no oiling is allowed.

III. Standard Operation (Reduce Damage and Extend Life)

Overloading is strictly prohibited. Push at a constant speed. Avoid sudden thrusting, pulling, or excessive vibration.

Steer gently to prevent forced steering and bearing wear. Fully release the brakes before pushing.

Avoid frequent pushing on rough surfaces. Level uneven surfaces first. Promptly remove sharp foreign objects (needles, metal pieces) from the floor.

IV. Regular Inspection and Maintenance (Early Identification and Removal)

Weekly: Test brake effectiveness (no movement or wobble after pressing; smooth release). Check wheel connections; tighten or replace if loose >2mm.

Monthly: Measure wheel wear (over 1mm is a warning sign) and inspect for metal corrosion (>20% requires treatment). Inspect rubber/PU wheels for hardening and swelling, and silicone wheels for cracking; replace any worn wheels promptly.

Storage: When equipment is not in use, keep casters suspended in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from light and heat.

Summary: By following a standardized process of "cleaning to prevent blockage, lubrication to prevent sticking, operational damage reduction, and inspection and early warning," combined with the cleanliness requirements of a medical environment, you can significantly extend the life of casters (by over 50%) and ensure safe and stable operation.