EN 12531:1998

Overview

EN 12531:1998 is a CEN European standard titled "Castors and wheels - Hospital Bed Castors". It specifies the technical requirements, appropriate dimensions and test requirements for swivel castors intended for hospital beds. The standard covers castors with a wheel diameter of 100 mm or more and requires a central locking device. National adoptions (for example SIST EN 12531:2000) reproduce this standard for local use.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to swivel castors used on hospital beds where wheel diameter is ≥ 100 mm and a central locking system is provided.
• Technical requirements: Defines functional and safety-related characteristics that castors must meet (materials, load capacity and performance expectations are addressed in the standard framework).
• Principal dimensions: Specifies the appropriate dimensional parameters so that castors are compatible with common hospital bed fittings and can be interchanged or specified consistently.
• Testing requirements: Includes requirements for testing performance and durability to ensure safety and reliable operation in clinical environments.
• Documentation and marking: Requires identification and records to support traceability and conformity (marking, technical data sheets and test reports are typically part of compliance).
• Classification focus: Emphasises swivel castors with central locking to meet mobility, steering and locking performance suitable for patient handling environments.

Applications

• Manufacturers of hospital beds and medical-grade castors use EN 12531 to design and certify castors that meet European expectations for safety and interchangeability.
• Procurement and specification teams in hospitals and healthcare facilities reference the standard when selecting beds or replacement castors to ensure compatibility and safe operation.
• Maintenance and biomedical engineering staff use the standard to choose compliant replacements and verify performance during servicing.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors carry out the specified tests to confirm compliance for product certification or supplier validation.

Related standards

• National adoptions (e.g., SIST EN 12531:2000) reproduce EN 12531 content.
• EN 12531 should be used alongside other medical equipment and hospital furniture standards and general castor/wheel standards when specifying complete systems.

Using EN 12531 helps ensure safety, interchangeability and consistent performance for hospital bed castors - essential keywords: EN 12531, hospital bed castors, swivel castors, central locking device, castors and wheels, medical equipment standards.