Brewer Access High-Low Series

Asset Type

Exam Table

Manufacturer

Brewer

Model

Access High-Low Series

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting incomplete, iive automatic return-to-chair movement on powered-back Brewer Access High-Low exam tables.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

Remove the exam table from patient use before testing the automatic motion function.

If the table malfunctions while occupied, assist the patient off the table using appropriate staff support and alternate equipment as needed.

Expected outcome: Troubleshooting is performed without patient fall, pinch, or unexpected-motion risk.

2. Confirm the Table Is Equipped With Return-to-Chair Operation

Verify that the table is a powered-back model with a foot control containing the blue RETURN TO CHAIR button and red STOP button.

On equipped Brewer Access High-Low models, Return to Chair should automatically raise the backrest, then lower the table into the low chair position. xpected outcome:** The reported issue involves an installed automatic function, not a feature absent from the table configuration.

3. Inspect the Area Around and Under the Table

Remove stools, cords, trash cans, paper, supplies, or other objects that could contact the table, backrest, safety surfaces, or moving sections.

Inspect the backrest path and the area under the seat for anything that could activate a safety stop or obstruct movement.

Expected outcome: The table has a clear path for automatic movement.

If removing an obstruction resolves the issue, verify proper movement and stop troubleshooting.

4. Verify Incoming Power and Motion Enable Status

Confirm that:

• The power cord is securely connected.
• The wall outlet provides power.
• The table’s motion on/off switch at the rear of the cabinet is in the ON position.
• The foot control power indicator is illuminated, when equipped.

Brewer identifies the rear motion switch as a control that disables table movement when switched off. xpected outcome:** Power and motion-enable conditions are correct before evaluating the automatic function.

If restoring power or turning motion on resolves the issue, verify proper operation and stop troubleshooting.

5. Inspect the Foot Control Externally

Examine the foot control and its cord for:

• Cracked housing
• Fluid intrusion or contamination
• Pinched, cut, stretched, or damaged cable
• Loose connection at the table
• Stuck or physically damaged blue RETURN TO CHAIR button
• Stuck or damaged red STOP button
• A pedal that appears partially depressed

During return-to-chair operation, the red STOP button or any foot pedal should stop automatic movement. A stuck pedal or STOP button may therefore prevent or interrupt the sequence. xpected outcome:** No visible foot control damage or unintended stop input is present.

If reseating the external connection or clearing a stuck control resolves the issue, verify proper operation and stop troubleshooting.

6. Test Individual Powered Movements

With the table unoccupied and the movement area clear, use the foot control to test:

• TABLE UP
• TABLE DOWN
• BACK UP
• BACK DOWN

The backrest should raise and lower normally, and the table base should raise and lower normally.

Expected outcome: Individual motions operate correctly before testing the automatic sequence.

Interpretation:

• If the backrest or table height movement does not work individually, the Return-to-Chair failure may be secondary to that motion failure.
• If all individual movements work, continue testing the automatic function.

7. Reproduce the Return-to-Chair Issue From the Correct Starting Position

Raise the table and lower the powered backrest so the unit is not already in the low chair position.

Press the blue RETURN TO CHAIR button once.

Observe the movement sequence:

• The backrest should rise first.
• The table should then lower.
• The table should stop in the low chair position.

This is the Brewer-specified return-to-chair sequence for powered-back Access High-Low models. xpected outcome:** The complete sequence occurs without hesitation, incorrect order, or unexpected stopping.

If the sequence completes correctly after external checks, document the finding and return the table to service only after confirming repeatable safe operation.

8. Test the Stop Function During Automatic Movement

Activate Return to Chair again from an elevated or reclined position. While the table is moving:

• Press the red STOP button.
• Repeat the test using each movement pedal individually.

The automatic movement must stop and remain stopped when the STOP button or any foot control pedal is pressed. xpected outcome:** All required stop inputs interrupt automatic motion correctly.

If automatic movement cannot be reliably stopped, immediately remove the table from service.

9. Document the Specific Failure Pattern

Record exactly what occurs when Return to Chair is selected:

• No movement occurs.
• Backrest raises, but the table does not lower.
• Table lowers before the backrest has cleared the rear cabinet.
• Movement stops partway through the sequence.
• STOP button or pedals do not interrupt movement.
• Individual movements work, but automatic movement fails.
• Intermittent operation occurs after repeated attempts.

Expected outcome: The failure pattern is clearly documented for repair evaluation without internal disassembly.

If the Problem Persists

If power, motion-enable status, obstructions, foot control condition, individual table movements, and basic stop-function behavior have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.

A persistent Return-to-Chair malfunction may involve the foot control, safety input, actuator position detection, wiring, or internal control components. Further evaluation should be performed through repair procedures or Brewer technical support, not by continuing clinical use.

The device should be:

• Removed from service
• Labeled Out of Service
• Sent for repair or bench evaluation

Knowing when to stop and escalate is proper troubleshooting, especially when automatic movement or stop behavior is unreliable.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot automatic table movement with a patient seated or lying on the table. A malfunctioning return-to-chair sequence can create unexpected movement, pinch hazards, or fall risk. Move the patient to a safe alternate exam surface first.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the Brewer Access High-Low exam table does not return fully to the low chair position when the blue Return-to-Chair button is pressed."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Verified that table up/down and backrest movements function individually, but the automatic Return-to-Chair sequence stops after the backrest rises, indicating an unresolved automatic-positioning fault."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the exam table from clinical service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for bench evaluation of the foot control and return-to-chair control system."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Outlet tested and power verified
• Rear motion on/off switch position
• Foot control indicator light status, if equipped
• Foot control cord and connector condition
• Whether individual table and backrest movements operate
• Exact Return-to-Chair failure sequence
• Whether STOP and movement pedals interrupt automatic motion
• Any unusual sounds, heat, odor, or intermittent behavior
• Final device status

Final Thought

An automatic positioning failure on an exam table can create a direct patient safety risk even when some manual movements still work. Begin with power, obstructions, controls, and expected motion sequence, then remove the table from service when reliable automatic operation or stopping cannot be confirmed.

That is successful troubleshooting.