Skytron Elite 6500

Asset Type

Surgical Table

Manufacturer

Skytron

Model

Elite 6500

Manual Reference

Skytron Elite Series Surgical Tables Including Battery Models, Model Elite 6500 Operators Manual

Manufacturer Recommendation / AEM Status

Manufacturer-Listed PM Items

The manual lists the following preventive maintenance checks and services for the Skytron Elite 6500 surgical table:

• General visual examination during normal cleaning.
• Check for leaks.
• Check for loose bolts or parts.
• Check for cracked, chipped, or missing paint.
• Make necessary repairs.
• Check all hydraulic fittings, mini-valves, and slave cylinders for proper operation and signs of leaks.
• Check hydraulic speed controls and adjust if necessary.
• Pressure check the pressure relief valve with a gauge.
• Check all mechanical adjustments and adjust as necessary.
• Check hydraulic fluid level.
• Lubricate the slider assembly.
• Check function of foot/leg release levers or release knob on early models.
• Lubricate foot/leg release mechanism as necessary.

The manual states these preventive maintenance checks and services should only be performed by qualified Skytron-trained personnel.

Manufacturer-Listed Frequencies

• During normal cleaning: General visual examination for leaks, loose bolts/parts, cracked/chipped/missing paint.
• Semi-annually: Hydraulic, mechanical, lubrication, pressure relief, and leg release checks.
• Battery charging routine: For battery models, the manual recommends charging the batteries at the end of each week to establish a normal routine protocol.
• Cleaning: Between cases / during normal cleaning process, per manual cleaning recommendations.

Part Numbers Listed

The operator manual lists accessory part numbers in the positioning guideline section, but it does not list PM replacement part numbers for routine preventive maintenance.

Post-Repair Safety Inspection Requirements

The provided operator manual does not give a specific post-repair electrical safety or operational safety checklist. It does state maintenance can be performed by trained maintenance personnel using Skytron-authorized replacement parts and service techniques.

AEM Note

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

• Visual inspection of the surgical table.
• Hydraulic leak and function checks.
• Mechanical adjustment and locking checks.
• Foot/leg release function check.
• Brake/floor lock function check.
• Pendant and emergency control function checks.
• Battery charging check for battery-equipped models.
• Cleaning-condition review.
• Electrical safety documentation.

Required Tools and Equipment

Only use tools appropriate for facility policy and Skytron service procedures.

• Electrical safety analyzer.
• Ground bond / protective earth resistance tester, if separate from analyzer.
• Pressure gauge for pressure relief valve check, per manual-listed PM item.
• Basic hand tools, as needed for inspection and adjustment.
• Manufacturer-approved lubricant for slider assembly and leg release mechanism.
• Skytron maintenance manual / service instructions, if performing adjustments or hydraulic service.
• Cleaning supplies approved by facility policy and compatible with the manual’s restrictions.

Do not use cleaners containing phenolics. Do not spray fluids directly into electrical receptacles or micro switches.

Step-by-Step PM Procedure

1. Confirm Device and Work Area Status

Action: Confirm the table is not in clinical use. Remove patient, accessories, loose items, and positioning equipment as needed.

Expected outcome: Table is available for safe inspection and function testing.

Why it matters: The manual warns against unlocking brakes or moving table functions in unsafe patient-loading conditions.

2. Inspect Power Cord and Electrical Enclosure

Action: Inspect the 120 VAC hospital-grade power cord, plug, strain relief, and electrical enclosure area.

Check for damaged insulation, bent or loose plug blades, missing ground pin, exposed wiring, cracked enclosure, and evidence of fluid entry.

Expected outcome: Power cord and electrical enclosure are intact with no damage or fluid intrusion.

Remove from service if: Power cord, plug, grounding path, or electrical enclosure damage is found.

3. Perform General Visual Inspection

Action: Inspect the table during PM for leaks, loose bolts or parts, cracked/chipped/missing paint, damaged pads, damaged side rails, damaged pendant or pendant cord, damaged labels or missing safety warnings, and damaged casters or base components.

Expected outcome: No leaks, loose parts, structural damage, or unsafe wear.

Remove from service if: Hydraulic leakage, loose structural hardware, damaged patient-support surfaces, or unsafe caster/base condition is found.

4. Inspect Pads and Table Surfaces

Action: Remove pads as needed. Inspect pad condition and mating surfaces.

Check for tears, fluid intrusion, distortion, failed seams, wet surfaces under pads, contamination, and damage to table top sections.

Expected outcome: Pads and mating surfaces are clean, dry, intact, and suitable for patient use.

Why it matters: The manual warns that moisture trapped between pads and mating surfaces may cause distortion of table tops.

5. Check Brake / Floor Lock System

Action: Use the pendant control to activate the table brakes. The manual describes using TABLE UP to set the brakes and notes that the table top begins to elevate when the brakes are fully locked. Then press BRAKE UNLOCK and verify the brakes retract.

Expected outcome: Brakes extend and support the table. Table becomes stable when locked. Brakes release normally when commanded. No abnormal delay, dragging, or incomplete brake movement is observed.

Remove from service if: Brake/floor lock system does not lock securely, does not release, leaks, or allows table instability.

6. Check Emergency Brake Release

Action: Verify the emergency brake release lever is present, labeled, and returns to the closed/tightened position.

If function tested per facility policy, confirm that brakes release when the emergency brake release is operated, the emergency brake release valve is closed and tightened clockwise afterward, and the pendant UNLOCK button is pressed afterward before attempting normal brake lock operation.

Expected outcome: Emergency brake release is present, functional if tested, and fully closed before hydraulic operation.

Remove from service if: Emergency brake release is damaged, leaking, missing, stuck, or cannot be fully closed.

7. Check Pendant Control and Cord

Action: Inspect pendant housing, buttons, cord, strain relief, and side rail clip.

Function-test available pendant commands including Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, lateral tilt left/right, back up/down, table up/down, leg up/down, flex/reflex, kidney lift up/down, return to level, and brake unlock.

Expected outcome: Buttons respond correctly, movement matches command, pendant is not damaged, and cord is intact.

Remove from service if: Pendant buttons stick, commands mismatch table movement, cord is damaged, or intermittent control occurs.

8. Check Emergency Back-Up Controls

Action: Open the function control access door and verify the emergency back-up controls are present and labeled. Function-test per facility policy.

Expected outcome: Emergency back-up controls operate intended functions or are documented as not tested due to facility policy.

Remove from service if: Emergency controls are damaged, inaccessible, unlabeled, or fail during required testing.

9. Check Hydraulic System

Action: Inspect all visible hydraulic fittings, mini-valves, cylinders, and hose areas for leaks or damage. Operate each powered hydraulic function through a reasonable range of travel.

Expected outcome: Smooth movement, no abnormal noise, no hydraulic fluid leakage, no drift after movement stops, and no jerky or uncontrolled motion.

Manual-listed semiannual item: Check all hydraulic fittings, mini-valves, and slave cylinders for proper operation and signs of leaks.

Remove from service if: Hydraulic leak, drift, uncontrolled motion, or failed movement is found.

10. Check Hydraulic Speed Controls

Action: Operate table motions and observe speed and smoothness. Adjust only if qualified and supported by Skytron service documentation.

Expected outcome: Table functions move smoothly and at controlled speeds.

Manual-listed semiannual item: Check hydraulic speed controls and adjust if necessary.

Remove from service if: Movement is uncontrolled, excessively slow, excessively fast, jerky, or inconsistent.

11. Pressure Check Relief Valve

Action: Pressure check the pressure relief valve with a gauge if performed by qualified Skytron-trained personnel or under facility-approved service procedure.

Expected outcome: Pressure relief valve passes service procedure criteria.

Manual-listed semiannual item: Pressure check the pressure relief valve with a gauge.

Note: The provided operator manual does not provide the pressure value or adjustment specification. Use the Skytron maintenance manual or approved service procedure.

12. Check Hydraulic Fluid Level

Action: Check hydraulic fluid level per Skytron service procedure.

Expected outcome: Hydraulic fluid level is within service specification.

Manual-listed semiannual item: Check hydraulic fluid level.

Remove from service if: Fluid is low with evidence of leakage, contaminated, or not correctable under approved procedure.

13. Check Mechanical Adjustments

Action: Inspect and verify mechanical engagement, locking, and adjustment points.

Include head section locking and adjustment, leg section attachment, foot/leg release levers or early-model release knobs, top rotation lock handle, side rails, accessory mounting areas, and table top section movement.

Expected outcome: Mechanical locks engage securely with no excessive play or unsafe looseness.

Remove from service if: Any patient-supporting section does not lock securely.

14. Check Leg Section Release Function

Action: Verify leg section release levers or release knobs operate properly. For later model tables, confirm the release levers lock fully after installation. Pull outward on the leg section after installation to verify lock engagement.

Expected outcome: Leg section removes and reinstalls properly, and locks securely.

Manual-listed semiannual item: Check function of foot/leg release levers or release knob on early models. Lubricate as necessary.

Remove from service if: Leg section does not lock securely or release mechanism is damaged.

15. Lubricate Slider Assembly and Release Mechanisms

Action: Lubricate the slider assembly and leg release mechanism as listed by the manual. Use only lubricant and method supported by Skytron service documentation or facility-approved practice.

Expected outcome: Slider and release mechanisms operate smoothly without binding.

16. Check Battery Operation, If Equipped

Action: For battery-equipped models, confirm AC power indicator operates when plugged into 120 VAC and main power is on. Confirm battery mode activates from the pendant. Verify amber battery indicator behavior. Confirm the table operates on battery power. Confirm battery power can be turned off using the pendant. Confirm charging routine is being followed.

Expected outcome: AC mode works, battery mode works, battery indicator operates, table functions operate properly in battery mode, and battery charging process is functional.

Manufacturer-listed battery routine: The manual recommends charging the batteries at the end of each week to establish a normal routine protocol.

Remove from service if: Battery operation fails, low battery indicator remains unresolved, table cannot be charged, or table movement is unreliable on battery power.

17. Check Table Motion Ranges and Safety Interlocks

Action: Verify major table motions operate correctly, including Trendelenburg / reverse Trendelenburg, lateral tilt, back section, elevation, leg section, flex / reflex, kidney lift, and return to level. Observe for interlock behavior involving kidney lift and back section.

Expected outcome: Functions operate smoothly, stop appropriately, and do not create unsafe interference.

Remove from service if: Any powered motion fails, moves unexpectedly, bypasses expected interlock behavior, or creates unsafe interference.

18. Check Cleaning Condition

Action: Verify table is clean and dry after PM. Confirm no cleaning fluid has entered electrical connectors, receptacles, or micro switches.

Expected outcome: Table is clean, dry, and ready for clinical use.

Manual-supported cleaning cautions: Follow OSHA blood-borne pathogen precautions when cleaning. Do not use cleaners containing phenolics. Do not spray cleaners directly into electrical receptacles or micro switches. Make sure pads and mating surfaces are completely dry before reinstalling pads.

Electrical Safety Testing

The manual’s electrical specification section lists:

• Power requirements: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 450 watts.
• Current leakage: Less than 100 microamps.
• Power cord: 15 ft with hospital-grade connector.

Perform electrical safety testing according to facility policy and applicable electrical safety standard.

Ground Resistance

Ground resistance measured in ohms, expected ≤ 0.5 Ω or facility/NFPA 99 criteria if different.

Touch / Chassis Leakage

Touch/chassis leakage measured in microamps:

Manufacturer-listed leakage specification: Less than 100 µA

Facility limit used =

Result =

Pass / Fail =

Pass / Fail Criteria

PM Pass Criteria

• No hydraulic leaks found.
• No loose, damaged, or unsafe structural components.
• Pads and patient-support surfaces are intact, clean, and dry.
• Brake/floor lock system locks and releases properly.
• Pendant functions operate correctly.
• Emergency brake release is present and closes properly.
• Emergency back-up controls are acceptable per facility policy.
• Hydraulic functions operate smoothly without drift or abnormal movement.
• Mechanical locks and leg section engagement are secure.
• Battery operation and charging are acceptable, if equipped.
• Electrical safety testing passes facility criteria.
• Leakage current is documented against the manufacturer-listed less than 100 µA specification and facility limit.

Remove From Service Criteria

Remove the table from service if any of the following are found:

• Hydraulic leak.
• Brake/floor lock failure.
• Uncontrolled, jerky, drifting, or failed table motion.
• Damaged power cord, plug, pendant cord, or electrical enclosure.
• Failed electrical safety test.
• Leakage current above manufacturer-listed or facility limit.
• Leg section, head section, or table top does not lock securely.
• Top rotation lock does not secure the top.
• Emergency brake release cannot be closed and tightened.
• Battery system failure affecting reliable use.
• Any condition that could create patient, staff, or equipment safety risk.

Use the manufacturer service manual, facility policy, and approved AEM program to determine the final PM interval and return-to-service requirements.