Removal Cot Safety, Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Guide
Updated: 1 day ago
Removal cots and mortuary cots are load-bearing equipment that depend on the frame, wheels, casters, locking positions, handles, restraints, and operating controls working together reliably.
Use the load limit for the exact cot
Load limits vary by manufacturer and model. Use the rating on the equipment label or in the current manufacturer manual for that exact cot rather than applying a number from a different model or generation.
Repeated overloading or using a cot when its structural condition is questionable can create a serious safety problem.
What should be checked before use?
Look over the frame for visible cracks, bends, distortion, missing hardware, or anything that has changed from normal. Confirm that the cot moves through its normal positions, that the positions intended to hold remain secure, that wheels and casters roll normally, that wheel locks work where equipped, and that restraints and handles are in usable condition.
These are operator-level observations, not instructions to disassemble or internally adjust the cot.
Locking or height-retention problems deserve attention
If a cot will not remain securely in the position it is designed to hold, a loading or folding section does not engage normally, or the cot unexpectedly changes height or position, remove it from service until the condition is corrected.
Wheel and caster problems affect more than convenience
A wheel that binds, a caster that tracks abnormally, excessive looseness, or a wheel lock that no longer works can affect stability and control during a removal. Do not wait for a wheel or caster to fail completely before inspecting it.
Structural damage should not be worked around
A bent, cracked, distorted, or visibly damaged frame member is reason to stop normal use and evaluate the cot. Continuing to operate damaged load-bearing equipment can turn a repairable problem into a larger failure.
Maintenance and lubrication are model-specific
Different cot designs use different maintenance and lubrication requirements. Do not assume every wheel, joint, bearing, or mechanism should be lubricated. Follow the manufacturer guidance for the exact model and generation.
When should a cot be removed from service?
Remove it from normal use when it will not lock or hold as designed, a wheel or caster is unsafe, the frame is damaged, the operating controls no longer work reliably, restraints are unusable, or staff cannot confidently predict how the cot will behave under load.
The bottom line
A removal cot should move, lock, support, and release predictably. A short pre-use inspection and scheduled preventive maintenance can catch visible changes before they become a removal-time failure.
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