7310--ENCLOSED TRANSPORT CART

Standard of Work (SOW) for Use of the Aladdin Convect-Rite® 3 Mini Retherm Cart (24-Meal, Flat Tray) 1. General Scope This Standard of Work (SOW) defines the minimum requirements for safe operation, daily use, and routine care of the Aladdin Temp-Rite Convect-Rite 3 Mini Cart, 24-Meal, Flat Tray, at VA Long Beach . The cart is used to rethermalize and transport up to 24 patient/resident meals on flat trays in conjunction with the Convect-Rite docking station. This SOW applies to Food & Nutrition Services (FNS), Nursing, Environmental Services, and Biomedical/Facilities staff who operate, clean, or maintain the Convect-Rite 3 carts and related docking stations. 2. Equipment Description • Equipment: Aladdin Temp-Rite Convect-Rite 3 Mini Cart, 24-Meal, Flat Tray (e.g., models CR3C24002010 / CR3C24012010 / CR3C24102010 / CR3C24112010, as equipped at the facility). • Function: Holds and transports up to 24 undivided meal trays; mates with a Convect-Rite docking station for hot-and-cold rethermalization cycles of approximately 45–60 minutes. • Construction features: • Durable stainless steel tank, frame, doors, and center panel. • High-impact, non-marking plastic top and base with molded-in galley rail. • Lift-out removable tray guides for flat trays with 3.1 in tray spacing. • Thermal and airflow features: • Insulated walls, top, base, doors, and center panel. • Directed airflow technology to promote uniform temperatures at each tray level. • Gravity-operated Auto-Therm seal that closes when no tray is present to maintain chamber separation. -- 1 of 6 -- • Mobility and hardware: • Four 6.25 in non-marking casters (two fixed, two swivel with locks) for maneuverability. • Flush-mounted paddle latches for hands-free slam-latch door closing. • Optional directional-lock casters and tow hitch depending on facility configuration. • Sanitation and listing: • ETL Sanitation listed; cabinet may be hose-rinsed or placed in an automatic cart washer per Owner’s Manual (P/N 98893). 3. Roles and Responsibilities 3.1 Operators (FNS / Nursing) • Complete facility retherm-cart training and be authorized by supervision before operating or loading carts. • Perform pre-use checks, operate carts in a safe manner, and immediately report defects, malfunctions, or incidents to a supervisor. • Follow this SOW, posted procedures, and manufacturer instructions for loading, docking, and cleaning. 3.2 Supervisors / Managers • Ensure only trained and authorized staff operate and clean Convect-Rite 3 carts and docking stations. • Provide and maintain written procedures at docking areas and dish rooms. • Coordinate with Facilities/Biomed for preventive maintenance (PM), repairs, removal from service, and documentation. 3.3 Facilities / Biomedical / Maintenance • Perform scheduled PM and repairs in accordance with Aladdin Temp-Rite documentation and facility policy. • Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and parts replacement. -- 2 of 6 -- • Verify proper function of doors, latches, seals, casters, electrical interfaces, and docking connections during PM. 4. Operator Qualifications • Staff must complete initial training that covers cart components, docking station operation, retherm cycle parameters, safe pushing techniques, and cleaning procedures. • Staff must demonstrate competency via a skills checklist before independent operation and complete refresher training at intervals defined by [Facility Policy]. 5. Pre-Use Inspection (Each Shift or Before Use) Before loading or moving a Convect-Rite 3 cart, the operator will: • Verify cart exterior is intact (no sharp edges, loose trim, damaged top, or cracked plastic base). • Check doors for proper alignment, smooth opening/closing, and positive latch engagement. • Confirm tray guides are correctly seated, clean, and not bent or missing. • Inspect casters for damage; ensure all four roll freely and that swivel locks and wheel brakes engage/release. • Confirm cart interior is clean and free of food debris, standing water, or foreign objects. • Check that cart labeling (asset tag, “HOT”/“COLD” side, maximum capacity, and any electrical warnings) is legible. • If equipped for towing, verify tow hitch hardware is secure and not deformed. Any condition that may affect safe use or sanitary service requires tagging the cart “OUT OF SERVICE,” notifying a supervisor, and contacting Maintenance/Biomed. 6. Normal Operation – Loading, Docking, and Transport 6.1 Loading Trays -- 3 of 6 -- • Verify tray type and tray spacing match the cart design (24 flat trays, 3.1 in spacing). • Load trays starting from the lowest tray slides upward to maintain cart stability. • Ensure each tray is fully inserted and level; do not overload trays beyond menu design or weight guidelines. • Keep hot-side and cold-side menu placement consistent with facility tray assembly diagrams to support proper rethermalization. 6.2 Docking and Retherm Cycle • Position the loaded cart squarely in front of the assigned Convect-Rite docking station and set caster brakes. • Engage the docking mechanism per Owner’s Manual, ensuring the cabinet is snugly mated to the docking station. • Start the programmed rethermalization cycle; typical cycles are 45–60 minutes to fully heat and chill meals as specified by the manufacturer. • Do not attempt to move the cart or open doors while a cycle is in progress, except in an emergency using facility procedures. • At cycle completion, undock the cart following the control panel prompts and confirm indicator lights show “cycle complete” or equivalent. 6.3 Transporting Meals • Release caster brakes and move the cart using handle locations provided by the manufacturer; do not push on doors or latches. • Push, do not pull, whenever possible; reduce speed on ramps, in tight hallways, or on uneven surfaces. • Use wheel locks when parked for tray removal on nursing units. • Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, or impacts with walls, elevators, or other equipment. 7. Restricted Uses • Do no…