BS EN 50637:2017 - Medical Electrical Equipment: Ensuring Safety and Performance for Children's Medical Beds

In the realm of healthcare, the safety and well-being of patients, especially children, are of paramount importance. The BS EN 50637:2017 standard is a crucial document that addresses the specific requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical beds designed for children. This standard is an indispensable resource for manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies who are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance in pediatric medical care.

Overview of BS EN 50637:2017

The BS EN 50637:2017 standard, released on November 28, 2017, is a comprehensive document that spans 92 pages. It is identified by the ISBN 978 0 580 87946 3 and is currently recognized as a standard in the field of medical electrical equipment. This document provides detailed guidelines and requirements that are essential for the design, manufacturing, and testing of medical beds specifically intended for use by children.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Focused on Pediatric Safety

Children have unique needs and vulnerabilities, especially in medical settings. The BS EN 50637:2017 standard is tailored to address these specific needs, ensuring that medical beds for children are designed with their safety as a top priority. This includes considerations for size, weight, and the physical and psychological comfort of young patients.

2. Comprehensive Safety Requirements

The standard outlines rigorous safety requirements that medical beds must meet. This includes electrical safety, mechanical stability, and the prevention of entrapment and falls. By adhering to these guidelines, manufacturers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, providing peace of mind to healthcare providers and parents alike.

3. Essential Performance Criteria

Beyond safety, the BS EN 50637:2017 standard also emphasizes the essential performance of medical beds. This ensures that the beds not only protect but also support the therapeutic needs of children. The standard covers aspects such as adjustability, ease of use, and compatibility with other medical equipment, ensuring that the beds contribute positively to the overall treatment and recovery process.

4. Compliance and Quality Assurance

Adhering to the BS EN 50637:2017 standard is a mark of quality and compliance. It assures healthcare providers and regulatory bodies that the medical beds meet the highest standards of safety and performance. This compliance is crucial for gaining trust and credibility in the healthcare industry.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 50637:2017 standard is an essential resource for a wide range of stakeholders in the healthcare industry, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies involved in the design and production of medical beds for children will find this standard invaluable for ensuring their products meet the necessary safety and performance criteria.
• Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities can use this standard to evaluate and select medical beds that provide the best care for their young patients.
• Regulatory Bodies: Organizations responsible for setting and enforcing healthcare standards can rely on BS EN 50637:2017 to guide their policies and inspections.

Conclusion

The BS EN 50637:2017 standard is a vital document that plays a critical role in enhancing the safety and performance of medical beds for children. By providing detailed requirements and guidelines, it helps ensure that these essential pieces of medical equipment are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. Whether you are a manufacturer, healthcare provider, or regulatory body, this standard is an indispensable tool for promoting the well-being and safety of children in medical settings.

Investing in compliance with the BS EN 50637:2017 standard is an investment in the future of pediatric healthcare, ensuring that young patients receive the care and protection they deserve.

BS EN 50637:2017

This standard BS EN 50637:2017 Medical electrical equipment. Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical beds for children is classified in these ICS categories:

• 11.140 Hospital equipment

201.1 Scope, object and related standards Clause 1 of EN 60601-1:2006, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance, applies, except as follows: 201.1.1 * Scope Replacement: This Standard applies to the BASIC SAFETY and ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE of MEDICAL BEDS, hereafter referred to as MEDICAL BEDS as defined in 201.3.218, intended for CHILDREN as defined in 201.3.207, and ADULTS with atypical anatomy (ADULTS ranging outside the definition for ADULTS in 201.3.201). This standard applies to medical beds with nonadjustable and electrical / mechanical adjustable functions. This Standard applies to MEDICAL BEDS with an internal length of up to 180 cm suitable to a body length of 155 cm. NOTE 1 The limitation of 180 cm is in order to minimize the foreseeable misuse, of a parent sharing the bed with the child or that the bed will be used by an ADULT. If a manufacturer wishes to make a bed that can be used by both a child and an ADULT, e.g. length of 180 cm or more, then it will fulfil both EN 60601-2-52 and this particular standard. This Standard does not apply to MEDICAL BEDS intended for ADULTS as defined in 201.3.201 (covered by EN 60601-2-52). This Standard does not apply to : - incubators covered by EN 60601-2-19 ; - beds for children, covered by EN 716-1 and EN 716-2 ; - cribs and cradles covered by EN 1130 (all parts) ; - bunk beds and high beds, covered by EN 747-1 and 747-2. If a clause or subclause is specifically intended to be applicable to a MEDICAL BED only, or to ME SYSTEMS only, the title and content of that clause or subclause will say so. If that is not the case, the clause or subclause applies both to MEDICAL BEDS and to ME SYSTEMS, as relevant. HAZARDS inherent in the intended physiological function of MEDICAL BED or ME SYSTEMS within the scope of this standard are not covered by specific requirements in this standard except in 7.2.13 and 8.4.1 of EN 60601-1:2006. NOTE 2 See also 4.2 of EN 60601-1:2006. NOTE 3 Body length is measured from crown to sole.