4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A CLEAN ROOM CART

Clean room carts come in various designs and are made from several materials depending on a number of factors. It is also important to note the distinctions between clean room carts and other carts available on the internet. When selecting a clean room cart, the factors you have to consider include:

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Whether it is heavy lifting or storage and organization, clean room material handling is a task which can be simplified with the right tools. A clean room cart makes moving materials safer, faster and easier. Clean room carts are built to allow stainless racks to be fit in allowing for better organization. They also make it easier to access sterile equipment and supplies. It also creates maximum room for working within the clean room environment.

• MAXIMUM WEIGHT THE CART WILL CARRY

Clean room carts are built to hold different weight ratings, and it is essential to determine the maximum weight your cart will carry before deploying it. Ideally, the cart should be able to hold three times the expected load it is to take. This means if it’s to hold say 417.25lbs, it should be able to hold 1248Lbs comfortably. This weight test should be done in stationary and mobile positions to ensure they can hold the weights whether they are stationary or in motion.

• CHEMICALS THEY WILL BE EXPOSED TO

Clean room carts are unavoidably exposed to chemicals. Most clean room decontamination chemicals result in rusting especially on steel fork casters, and this can take place overnight. Therefore it is recommended that stainless steel forks, brakes and bearings are utilized. In fact, the wheels should be made of corrosion resistant thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are ideal for steam cleaning and wash down applications. Furthermore, they reject any floor debris which they come in contact with.

• HEAT THEY WILL BE EXPOSED TO

You should also consider the amount of the cart will be exposed to. If your cart is going to be in an autoclave or dry heat oven, you should use phenolic resin wheel with grease-less bearings. These wheels are hard and rigid, making them highly resistant to external heat although the hardness of these wheels makes them a bit rough to ride on especially during temperature changes. However, because they are made of phenolic resins, they can maintain their weight even in extreme heat.

• FLOOR SURFACE TYPE

Clean rooms are usually made of special kind of floorings. Most of them are made of terrazzo or epoxy finish, both of which are smooth floorings. If the cart will be rolling over grating or rough surfaces, an inflatable wheel is an option. This inflatable wheel will ensure you can adjust the friction which will exist between the wheel of the cart and the flooring.