How-to

    Preventative maintenance checklist for medical equipment

    June 7, 2026 6 min read

    Every device has its own OEM PM procedure — and you should follow it. But across thousands of PMs, the same five-phase workflow holds up: visual, electrical, functional, calibration, documentation.

    This checklist works as a baseline you can adapt per device family. Print it, save it in your CMMS, or load it as a template in your report tool.

    1. Visual and physical inspection

    • Housing intact — no cracks, missing panels, sharp edges
    • Labels legible — model, serial, asset tag, recall stickers
    • Power cord and strain reliefs in good condition
    • Cables and connectors free of fraying, kinking, exposed conductors
    • Accessories present and matched to the device (correct cuffs, leads, probes)
    • Wheels, brakes, mounting hardware secure
    • Filters, batteries, and consumables within service life

    2. Electrical safety testing

    Per IEC 60601-1 / NFPA 99, using a calibrated electrical safety analyzer (e.g., Fluke ESA620, Rigel 288+). Log the analyzer model and calibration date.

    • Ground wire resistance — typically ≤ 0.2 Ω (verify per OEM)
    • Chassis leakage current — typically ≤ 100 µA normal condition (verify per device class)
    • Patient applied part leakage — per device classification (Type B, BF, CF)
    • Insulation resistance where applicable

    3. Functional / performance testing

    This is the device-specific phase. Reference the OEM service manual and record actual measured values, not just pass/fail.

    • Power-on self-test passes with no error codes
    • All modules / channels initialize (ECG, SpO2, NIBP, etc. for monitors)
    • Alarms audible at minimum required volume (≥ 45–60 dB depending on device class)
    • Battery capacity ≥ OEM minimum runtime
    • Device performance verified against a calibrated reference (test lung, simulator, analyzer)
    • Touchscreens, controls, and indicators all functional

    4. Calibration and verification

    • Calibration verified per OEM (intervals and tolerances)
    • Calibration adjustments documented with before / after values
    • Test equipment calibration date logged on the report
    • Software / firmware version recorded; updates applied if required

    5. Cleaning and reassembly

    • Exterior cleaned with hospital-approved disinfectant per OEM IFU
    • Internal cleaning per OEM (fans, filters, sensors)
    • Reassembled with correct torque on fasteners where specified
    • Accessories reattached and inventoried

    6. Documentation and return to service

    • Reason for service: scheduled PM
    • Findings logged with measured values
    • Parts replaced with PN and lot number
    • Test equipment IDs and calibration dates logged
    • Outcome: returned to service / removed from service
    • Next PM date set per program (OEM or AEM strategy)
    • PM sticker applied if used by your facility

    Adapting the checklist per device

    Pull the OEM PM procedure for each device family and overlay it onto this five-phase structure. A defibrillator PM adds discharge energy verification; an infusion pump PM adds flow accuracy and occlusion alarm testing; an anesthesia machine PM adds gas calibration and leak tests.

    The structure stays the same. The specifics change.

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