AME • PROFESSIONAL USE GUIDANCE • MAINTENANCE SERIES

Mortuary Cot Maintenance Guide

The official 2026 quarterly maintenance sheet for American Mortuary Equipment mortuary cots and first-call stretchers — protect your investment, preserve performance, and keep your warranty intact.

American Mortuary Equipment 2026 Mortuary Cot Maintenance Sheet — quarterly inspection checklist covering frame, straps and buckles, mattress, casters, brakes, lift operation, pedals, accessories, cleaning, storage environment, remove-from-service conditions and the signed inspection log

⬇ DOWNLOAD THE 2026 COT MAINTENANCE SHEET

Print it, post it where cots are staged, and log every quarterly inspection — dated, printed name, and signed.

The Quarterly Inspection Checklist

1. Frame & structure: inspect frame, welds, and joints for cracks, bends, or damage; verify all fasteners and hardware tight and secure; check for corrosion, rust, or loose components. Structurally, the cot frame is warranted 5 years against failure. 2. Nylon straps & buckles: inspect all straps for fraying, cuts, or excessive wear; check stitching tightness and integrity; inspect buckles for proper locking, cracks, or damage; ensure straps adjust and release smoothly. Straps and buckles are soft components warranted 1 year from purchase. 3. Mattress & pad: inspect completely for rips, tears, punctures, or seam separation; ensure the mattress lies flat and is properly secured; clean and disinfect after each use with approved products. Soft components — warranted 1 year. 4. Casters: inspect for chips, cracks, flat spots, or wear; confirm smooth roll and free swivel; check bearings; tighten mounting bolts as needed. Casters and all soft components are warranted 1 year from purchase. 5. Braking system: inspect engagement and release; brakes must lock wheels securely; test each wheel brake individually; report loose or damaged components — proper braking is critical to safe operation and stability. 6. Height & lift operation: operate the lift system through its full range (if applicable); ensure smooth, even lifting and lowering; listen for unusual noises or binding; report irregular operation immediately. 7. Pedal & release operation: inspect foot pedals for proper movement, return, and engagement; keep pedals secure, undamaged, and unobstructed — pedal function directly impacts safety and operator control. 8. Accessories & attachments: inspect side rails, handles, IV poles, and other accessories for wear or damage; ensure everything is securely attached and operates as designed; replace damaged or worn components. 9. Cleaning & care: clean and disinfect after each use with approved products; avoid harsh chemicals that damage finishes or soft components; wipe down frame, wheels, and mattress; dry completely to prevent moisture and corrosion.

Environmental Guidelines

Never store a cot in a garage or walk-in cooler environment. Extreme temperatures and humidity damage components and finishes. Store in a clean, dry, indoor environment when not in use — the proper environment protects your investment and ensures reliability.

REMOVE FROM SERVICE — mandatory stop-use safety mark

⛔ REMOVE FROM SERVICE — MANDATORY

Remove the cot from service immediately if any of the following are present: structural cracks, bends, or breaks in frame or components • caster damage that affects safe operation • brake system failure • lift system failure or leaks (if applicable) • strap or buckle failure • unsafe or unstable operation. Do not return the cot to service until repairs are completed and verified safe by qualified personnel.

The purchasing facility is solely responsible for inspection, removal from service, and operator safety; continued use of a damaged or failed cot constitutes misuse at the facility's own risk, voids applicable warranty coverage under WR-1.0, and falls under the assumption-of-risk terms of our Product Liability, Assumption of Risk & Release and the stop-use conditions in TP-1.0.

✍ QUARTERLY INSPECTIONS & SIGNED LOGS — CONDITION OF WARRANTY

You must perform inspections quarterly during the warranty period. Every inspection must be recorded on the maintenance record — date, inspection type, inspector's printed name, signature, and notes/actions taken — along with the facility name, model/serial number, and date placed in service, exactly as laid out on the downloadable sheet. Full, dated, and fully verified maintenance records are required for any warranty claim; failure to perform quarterly maintenance or to provide detailed, fully dated and signed logs voids the warranty claim. Follow all manufacturer guidelines and weight capacity limits, immediately report and repair any safety concern, and use only genuine replacement parts. Full terms: Warranty Policy (WR-1.0).

Part of the Mortuary Cooler Maintenance Center series — visit mymortuarycooler.com/maintenance for all manuals, guides, and checklists. Related: Shop mortuary cots & stretchersHydraulic embalming table maintenanceRack & handling system maintenanceOSHA complianceStandards Center™. B2B professional use only; buyer is responsible for OSHA, state OSHA, funeral-board, health-department, local code, employee training, safe operation, installation, maintenance, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Always reference the latest manufacturer manuals and startup documentation for specifications, limits, and proper maintenance.

Need service, parts, or have questions about your cot?

Model ready — we'll walk the quarterly checklist with you and supply genuine replacement parts.

Call 1-888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com

American Mortuary Equipment • Built for Life's Critical Work • Johnson City, TN