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Manual Reference
Arjo Sara Stedy / Sara Stedy Compact Instructions for Use, 001-12325-EN Rev 5; use the Sara Stedy configuration and current revision applicable to the unit.
Manufacturer Recommendation / AEM Status
Arjo lists inspections before every use, every week, and every year. The Sara Stedy and its accessories must be serviced at least every 12 months and inspected annually by a qualified technician. The checklist covers external parts and functions, missing/broken hardware, sling attachment lugs, castor attachment/rotation, rear brakes, castor debris, patient-contact surfaces, chassis-leg operation, anti-skid material, the leg-opening mechanism, slings, straps, attachments, and stitching. Arjo states that the schedule is the manufacturer’s minimum and that equipment must not remain in use when a fault is found.
Safety-related maintenance and authorized service must be performed by qualified personnel trained in Arjo service procedures and equipped with the correct tools. Use Arjo-designated parts. If a facility performs this PM at a different interval or changes the listed activities, that should be handled under the facility’s approved AEM program, risk assessment, maintenance history, and applicable regulatory requirements.
What This PM Procedure Covers
- Before-use and weekly visual and functional checks
- Annual qualified-technician inspection and minimum 12-month service
- Frame, hardware, sling lugs, seats, knee pad, footboard, legs, castors, and brakes
- Sling/back-support components and manufacturer-listed cleaning guidance
Required Tools and Equipment
- Current Sara Stedy Instructions for Use and applicable sling/accessory instructions
- Normal inspection hand tools and Arjo-designated replacement parts
- Facility-approved cleaning supplies; compatible disinfectant cleaner or 70% v/v isopropyl-alcohol wipes when permitted by the current manual
- Force gauge capable of checking pedal operating force below 300 N if the facility documents the manufacturer specification
Step-by-Step PM Procedure
1. Verify Identity and Configuration
Action: Record asset number, Arjo Sara Stedy model, serial number, manufacture date, safe-working-load label, installed sling/back-support accessories, department, and manual revision.
Expected outcome: The unit and applicable requirements are correctly identified.
2. Review History and Remove From Patient Use
Action: Review complaints, falls, collisions, difficult steering, brake issues, hard/noisy leg operation, seat-pivot issues, and prior repairs. Remove the unit from patient use during inspection.
Expected outcome: Unresolved risks are known and no patient is attached during service.
3. Clean and Decontaminate Before Inspection
Action: Clean visible soil with a damp cloth, warm water, and compatible disinfectant cleaner; compatible 70% v/v isopropyl-alcohol wipes may be used when allowed by the current manual. Do not use phenol, chlorine, or damaging solvents.
Expected outcome: Clean, dry surfaces suitable for close inspection.
4. Inspect All External Parts
Action: Before use, examine the complete unit for collision damage, bending, cracks, corrosion, deformation, sharp edges, or unhygienic surfaces, especially where the patient or caregiver makes contact.
Expected outcome: No condition that could injure a patient/caregiver or prevent cleaning.
5. Check Hardware and Labels
Action: Inspect for missing, loose, or broken hardware. Verify the serial, product, safe-working-load, warning, and instruction labels are present and readable.
Expected outcome: Hardware is secure and critical identification is legible.
6. Inspect Maneuvering Handles and Crossbar
Action: Inspect the maneuvering handles and patient crossbar/handlebar for looseness, cracks, deformation, damaged grips, or sharp edges.
Expected outcome: Secure, smooth, undamaged support and maneuvering surfaces.
7. Inspect Sling Attachment Lugs
Action: Inspect each frame-mounted sling lug for cracks, wear, looseness, deformation, or sharp edges.
Expected outcome: All lugs are secure and undamaged; remove the unit from service for any lug defect.
8. Inspect Pivoting Seat Halves and Pads
Action: Pivot both seat halves fully up and down. Inspect handles, pivots, stops, pads, attachment, tears, contamination, hair, and debris.
Expected outcome: Both seats move freely, remain secure, and provide intact clean support.
9. Inspect Knee Pad and Footboard
Action: Inspect knee-pad cushion/attachment and the footboard/base, including anti-skid material. Confirm the anti-skid surface is fully bonded.
Expected outcome: Support surfaces are secure, intact, clean, and slip resistant.
10. Inspect Castor Attachment and Treads
Action: Weekly, verify each castor is firmly secured to the chassis. Inspect forks, axles, mounting points, wheels, and treads for looseness, wear, cracks, or damage.
Expected outcome: All castors are secure and serviceable.
11. Clean Castors and Test Rotation
Action: Remove hair, thread, and debris from front and rear castors. Roll and swivel each castor through its full range.
Expected outcome: Every castor rotates and swivels freely without binding, wobble, or abnormal noise.
12. Test Rear Castor Brakes
Action: Apply both rear brakes and attempt to move the unloaded unit; release and confirm free rolling.
Expected outcome: Both brakes lock positively and release completely.
13. Test Chassis-Leg Operation
Action: Operate the left/right pedals to fully open and close the chassis legs. Observe linkage motion, symmetry, stops, and clearance.
Expected outcome: Full smooth travel without excessive force, binding, hesitation, or noise.
14. Inspect the Leg-Opening Mechanism
Action: Inspect the mechanism under the base for damage, excessive looseness, displaced parts, hair, debris, and unauthorized modification. Do not improvise lubrication; route noisy or difficult operation to qualified Arjo service.
Expected outcome: Clean, intact mechanism without excessive play.
15. Verify Pedal Operating Force, If Measured
Action: When the facility documents the specification, measure pedal operating force using an appropriate force gauge.
Expected outcome: Pedal operating force is less than 300 N and leg motion remains smooth.
16. Inspect Sling and Attachments
Action: Follow the sling-specific instructions. Inspect attachment clips/loops, fabric, straps, fasteners, and compatible sizing/identification for wear, deterioration, cuts, tears, fraying, contamination, or deformation.
Expected outcome: Only compatible, intact components remain available for use.
17. Inspect Stitched Areas and Back-Support Strap
Action: Inspect all sling stitching for loose/broken threads or separation. Check the back-support strap, waist strap, buckles, attachment clips, and frame connections when fitted.
Expected outcome: Stitching and support hardware are intact and clips lock securely on both sides.
18. Complete Full Functional Check
Action: Without a patient, test maneuverability, leg opening/closing, both seat pivots, both brakes, sling-lug accessibility, and all mechanical functions.
Expected outcome: Every function operates correctly and no damage from previous use is evident.
19. Complete Annual Qualified-Technician Inspection
Action: At least every 12 months, have a qualified technician repeat all checklist items, inspect the frame/chassis joints and accessories, correct wear with Arjo-designated parts, and complete any current service-manual requirements. Do not improvise a rated-load test without the authorized procedure and equipment.
Expected outcome: Annual inspection/service is complete and documented.
20. Final Cleaning, Labeling, and Documentation
Action: Remove tools/debris, clean and dry the unit, confirm final no-patient function, apply the PM label, and record findings, parts, corrective actions, interval, and disposition.
Expected outcome: The Sara Stedy is complete and safe to return or clearly removed from service.
Electrical Safety Testing
The Sara Stedy is mechanically operated, and the manufacturer PM schedule does not list electrical-safety analyzer testing. Do not add leakage-current or protective-earth testing to this model unless a separate powered accessory and its current instructions require it.
Pass / Fail Criteria
PM Pass Criteria
- All applicable before-use, weekly, and annual items are complete
- Frame, hardware, labels, handles, sling lugs, seats, knee pad, footboard, anti-skid surface, castors, brakes, legs, pedals, slings, straps, stitching, and accessories are secure and functional
- Pedal force is below 300 N if measured
Remove From Service Criteria
- Any identified fault or structural damage
- Missing/broken safety hardware, cracked/worn sling lug, sharp edge, loose/damaged castor, or failed brake
- Binding, noisy, or damaged leg mechanism; loose anti-skid material; damaged sling, strap, clip, or stitching
- Unreadable critical label, unauthorized modification, or incomplete qualified repair
Copy/Paste CMMS Work Order Procedure
Use the current manufacturer instructions, facility policy, and approved AEM program to determine the final interval and return-to-service requirements. Never inspect, test, or service the Sara Stedy with a patient attached.