Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

5.7.1.1 Lift Compatibility Clearance in Base for Stretchers (M301)

The Committee recommends the equipment base provide a clearance of 39 inches wide minimum.

Rationale for the recommendation

The recommendation for stretchers is for a smaller clearance width than the 44-inch minimum for other equipment. The change harmonizes this provision with the international standards. IEC 60601-2-52 provides requirements for stretchers and includes a lift clearance at the 39 inch width.

For stretchers with a shorter wheelbase than “standard,” the clearance for a lift may use both the clearance in the base and the clearance around the base to position the lift around the stretcher for patient transfers. With a short wheelbase, one leg of a portable lift can extend through the base and the second leg can extend around the base. The size of the clearance is still consistent with the proposed recommendation but this illustrates a different use of the space configuration.