Project Description

Client was looking to replace 13 trolleys used for transporting food products from a central store area to individual ward kitchens within a large hospital.

Objectives / Requirements:

• Each trolley is to be loaded with all food products needed for a single day’s catering for a specific ward / area.
• Items to be transported are picked from a list provided to the central stores loading area.
• Trolley materials are to be compliant with food safety and hygiene.
• Trolleys are to be in most cases “single person operation” so therefore need to be safe and easy to manoeuvre.
• Trolleys must be robust enough to carry large loads whilst maintaining ease of movement.
• Trolleys will be used in public areas and walkways so need to incorporate buffers to protect internal walls, doors & fittings and also need to be fitted with an emergency braking system to reduce the risk of collision.

Investigation and Research:

• Liaise with client to determine where improvements could be made in comparison with the existing process. Request input from regular operators.
• Measure the required capacity and loading of the new trolleys based on the current system and calculate sizes and weights accordingly.
• Check the routes taken within the building to ensure overall sizes are compatible for access through doorways and any restricted spaces.

Summary:

The trolleys were manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel with large, heavy duty castors with “non marking” soft rubber tyres to protect floors. The front castors were fixed in position whilst the rear castors were fully swivel and fitted with a brake for loading and unloading.  A custom made braking system operated by a hinged lever and concealed linkages was fitted to the front wheels. Three heavy duty Polymer hinges were fitted to each door. The doors were closed by means of a “three point” locking system operated by a single external “T” handle.

The base frame of the trolley was wider than the body and was fitted with rubber buffers to ensure this was the first and only point of contact with doorways.

Each trolley was fitted with three internal shelves which were positioned to best suit the range of different sized products carried within.

Note:

A prototype trolley was manufactured initially to be trialled by the operators. Feedback was gathered and any improvements were incorporated into the final design prior to manufacture.