Medical warming cabinet: Preventative Maintenance
TAHAT medical warming cabinets “THERMO” are robust, heavy-duty devices. However, no matter how robust the device is, it requires a periodic and preventive maintenance. Although it may seem to be a simple device, these medical warming cabinets hold therapeutic fluids, blankets and linen, where not keeping up with the maintenance of these cabinets could result in a more substantial impact than you might have anticipated.
To ensure the correct operation and safety of warming cabinets, there is a list of critical inspections that need to be performed daily, weekly, monthly, and semi-annually.
Daily
- Ensure that the operation manual and maintenance checklist is available to all users.
- Ensure that all personnel using the medical warming cabinet have been properly trained in the warmer cabinet operation and safety instructions.
Weekly
- Inspect the condition of the plug and cord. Replace if damaged.
- Clean dust from vents.
- In case any of the chamber shelves prove unstable while placing objects on them, inspect the shelf clips on which the shelves rest. Ensure that they are firmly in place. If any are loose, snap them back into position.
- Check the condition of the basket shelves and side rails. Are the baskets able to move smoothly, freely and without obstruction?
- Inspect that all control indicators, including the heat and alarm, and LED display are functional.
Monthly
- Inspect the condition of casters or feet of the medical warming cabinet, and confirm that all components are securely fastened and tightly threaded.
- Inspect the condition of the control panel overlay. Look for any signs of tears or excessive wear on the graphic. Additionally, check if the control functions properly upon pressing the buttons.
- Confirm whether the displayed temperature is consistent with the set temperature. Place a reliable thermocouple 1 inch (25 mm) away from the chamber, ensuring it does not touch any surface. Monitor the air temperature of the chamber for approximately one hour without any items inside.
- Check the open door sensor. When the door is being opened, the control panel indicator should illuminate, and the fan should stop.
Every 6 Months
- Check temperature accuracy every 6 months by positioning an IR Temp probe or thermocouple on a calibrated meter adjacent to the fan inlet. Typically, air temperature should be ±1°F.
- Inspect the fan blades for any accumulation of lint and debris, and clean them if needed.
Additionally, TAHAT recommends replacing both the fan motor and fan blade every two years to maintain uninterrupted performance of the medical warming cabinet.