ABSTRACT
Safe equipment operation often depends on keeping the equipment in place, which, in turn, might require brakes. Some applications call for users to apply the brakes as needed to maintain a desired velocity or to secure an item in place. If a product must remain stationary or move slowly to be operated safely, ensure it has brakes that are visually conspicuous and physically accessible. Many airport luggage carts feature handles that also function as the braking mechanism. When the user releases the handle, the brakes engage automatically. In April 2016, a fully-stocked beverage cart on an American Airlines flight zoomed down the aisle during take-off and struck a passenger in the head, causing bleeding, loss of consciousness, and alleged “chronic traumatic brain injury and post-concussive syndrome.”.
