ABSTRACT
Medical equipment designers can find specific guidance on preventing tip-overs in the standard IEC 60601-1 Edition 3.1, which describes how to test a medical cart’s stability when positioned on a typical horizontal surface during normal use. When devices could crush or injure a person if they tip or roll over, incorporate features that will protect the user and/or employ preventative measures. When there is a potential for equipment carrying a person to roll over, it probably needs a roll-over protection structure—referred to as ROPS in many industries. In fact, the law requires it in some cases, such as with certain agricultural tractors and material-handling equipment in the United States. Many sports cars and off-road vehicles also have a ROPS. A ROPS is what gives some of these vehicles a tough look that some owners seek.
