Bins and Totes for CSSPD Supply Management
Maximize Space in Central Services
In order to maximize storage, Central Service departments need to be able to have a bin system that supports the many different sizes and shapes of the various medical supply items. CS managers also need to understand that supply storage is determined by cubic feet not square footage.
The more flexible the the system the easier it will be to add new items keeping categories together while utilizing front-to-back and side-to-side shelving space. Generally speaking most shelving used in healthcare today is 24 inches deep by 48 inches wide.
Two bins one system
There are two bins that address most if not all the medical supply needs, both available from Caster of Oklahoma.
Lewis Systems Bins
REF# - SH2409-9, 23.25x9x8.5
The larger bin can be devided from front to back allowing for additional sizes of smaller items
The height of the shelving sections are 80 inches with a max height of 92 inches. In order to maximize your cubic foot storage you need to utilize a bin that fits the depth of the shelf that will also utilize space side-to-side.
Using a bin that is 18 inches deep in a shelving section that is 24 inches deep results in wasted cubic space. By maintaining standard bin sizes and keeping them to a minumim cubic space becomes more flexable. Expanding the storage space of a single item is as easy as adding a second bin for the same item while expanding to the width of the shelf.
Bins can also be ran through a cart wash to insure proper disinfection if required
Inventory counts are easier to manage when dealing with bins in that the bin can be pulled out, dumped on a cart, counted, and returned to the bin/shelf slot.
The average distance between shelves remains consistent to the taller bin reducing shelf adjustments for new products.
