In 2009, Health Association Nova Scotia worked with an engineering firm to design and build an appropriate test cart for loading tracks and lifts.
The cart utilizes 150-pound “pumpkin” weights filled with concrete and recycled steel. The secondary plates, “wafer weights,” are plate steel at 12.5 pounds which in conjunction with the pumpkins allow the weight to be varied from 75 pounds (weight of the cart) up to 1,250 pounds. The design ensures that operators of the cart do not exceed 75 pounds while straight lifting and 35 pounds while twisting. The cart handle easily lifts the weights in place for securing to the cart. The cart can be disassembled in less than 1 minute. The cart is for internal use, however recognizing the value to other clinical engineering and facility departments, the decision was made to promote and sell the lift load device and accessories upon request.
For more information, visit www.healthassociation.ns.ca.