Battery-powered medical carts have exploded or burst into flames in numerous hospitals, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday in a warning letter to health care providers.
The FDA reported that the carts typically contain high capacity lithium or lead acid batteries that can power workstations and medical devices for many hours. Although convenient, these battery-powered carts can spark, overheat, emit noxious fumes, and cause other hazards. The agency urged hospitals and clinics to pay greater attention to preventive maintenance.
