FDA Warns Providers About Mobile Medical Cart Fires

Battery-powered mobile medical carts could pose a fire risk at your ASC according to a recent warning issued by the FDA.

Although the popular carts are a convenient way to provide bedside care to patients, the lithium and lead acid batteries that commonly power them have been known to spark, overheat, release harmful fumes, and in some cases explode.

To safeguard your facility, the FDA recommends taking the following steps:

• Check each cart’s battery for bulging, swelling, cracks or other signs of damage.

• Report damaged batteries to the manufacturer.

• Inspect battery chargers as well for overheating components.

• Vacuum away any dust and lint from battery chargers and carts containing chargers.

• Make sure batteries are replaced in a timely manner in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Keep flammable and explosive objects away from battery chargers and charging carts.

For more information, including what to do in the event of a mobile medical cart fire, read the FDA’s full warning here.