New Standard For Medical Beds EN60601-2-52
The New Standard For Medical Beds EN60601-2-52 which replaces IEC 60601-2-38 and BS EN1970:2000 and was introduced in April 2010 became enforceable on the 1st April 2013.
Manufacturers of medical beds must comply to the requirements of the new standard from this date. Key elements of the changes are:
- Changes in gaps and clearances in side rails
- Side-rails must with-hold a force of 250N/ 25.5kg between all the bars
- Bed user manuals must specify the mattress size
- Locking mechanism on the side rails must be more robust
-
Safe working load (SWL) and Maximum patient weight must be visible on thebed frame
- Stability of the bed
-
All motor systems subjected to an EMC & EMV test:
EMC = Electromagnetic Compliance
EMV = Electromagnetic Emission
You will still be able to continue to use beds that comply with the earlier EN 1970 standard providing appropriate maintenance has been carried out and they are in safe and serviceable condition. Manufacturers will not be able to supply beds from April 2013 that do not meet IEC 60601-2-52.
Download the Invacare guide to the new standard here.
