What tests are required after installing medical casters?

After installation, medical casters undergo a series of tests to verify safety, stability, and compatibility to ensure they meet the stringent requirements of medical settings. Specific test items are as follows:

1. Basic Safety Performance Test

Load-Bearing Test

Apply a load of 1.2-1.5 times the rated load of the equipment (for example, bed casters should simulate the combined weight of an adult and the equipment). After 24 hours of rest, inspect the wheel frame for deformation, looseness of the axle, and any significant wheel collapse or cracks.

Dynamic Load-Bearing Test: Push the equipment back and forth 100 times under load to observe whether the casters deviate, make unusual noises, and whether the brake system remains securely locked.

Braking Reliability Test

Test the braking performance on both a level surface and a 3° inclined surface: After pressing the brake pedal, push the equipment with a force of 50N. The caster should not roll or move, and the wheel frame should not wobble.

Continuously brake and unlock 50 times to check for pedal binding and brake pad wear, ensuring smooth unlocking in an emergency.

2. Operating Performance Test
Quietness and Smoothness Test
Rotate the device on a standard medical floor (such as PVC flooring) and measure the noise level using a decibel meter. Operating noise must be ≤60 decibels (≤50 decibels for ICU equipment), with no audible noise or harshness.
Steering Test: The universal wheels must rotate 360° without slipping, with a pushing resistance of ≤30N (easily pushed by an adult), and no noticeable deviation.

Wear Resistance and Floor Compatibility Test
Simulate daily use by rolling 1000 times on a rough surface (such as non-slip tile). Inspect the wheel surface for wear (wear depth ≤0.5mm) and ensure there is no chipping or cracking.
Test the brakes on a wet surface (simulating a post-disinfection environment) to ensure no wheel slippage and a ≤10% reduction in braking performance.

3. Environmental Resistance Test
Disinfection Resistance Test
Wipe the casters alternately with 75% alcohol and 500mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant (three times daily for seven consecutive days) to check for swelling and discoloration of the wheel body, rust on metal parts, and proper braking.

Stability and Anti-Tipping Test
Tilt the equipment to a 10° angle (simulating pushing over a threshold or uneven ground) to check for loose connections between the casters and the equipment, and for overall risk of tipping.

Unilateral Force Test: Apply a horizontal force (1/3 of the load) to one side of the equipment. The casters should not tip over or exhibit any wheel frame deformation.

4. Detailed Compliance Inspection
Cleanability Inspection: Ensure there are no visible gaps between the casters and the equipment, no blind spots, and that residual stains can be easily cleaned with specialized tools (such as a brush).

Marking and Traceability: Ensure the casters are labeled with compliance labels (e.g., medical-grade material certification, load-bearing rating), and that installation records are complete (including model number, installation date, and test results) to facilitate traceability and maintenance. The above tests can fully verify the installation quality of the casters and avoid medical safety risks caused by looseness, brake failure or material intolerance.