Mortuary Fridge price in South Africa
No doubt, if you’ve ever faced the gruelling task of sourcing prices for mortuary fridges in South Africa, you’ve experienced what marketing professionals call – Buyer overload. The companies that supply these products locally might be few and far between, but the price differential is vast. Therefore, it is important to understand what you are paying for and why.
4 things you need to be asking yourself which will be covered;
- Why the disparity between the various mortuary cabinet manufacturers?
- What is the total cost of ownership?
- What do you need to take into consideration when evaluating prices?
- What is the expected life of the fridge?
Difference between manufacturers
Firstly, when it comes to mortuary refrigeration it is not a like for like comparison. You don’t expect to pay the same for German engineering and a Chinese knock-off. The quality of a product will always come down to the materials used and the engineering processes followed. For mortuary, in particular, the fridge would be designed to withstand higher ambient temperatures to adjust for the African climate. Stainless steel casting is always a better alternative to galvanized steel, making it easier to clean, preventing rust and ensuring better hygiene.
The true quality comes through in the refrigeration system and its implementation. The refrigeration systems would ensure temperature stability and consistency. Air forced ventilation is key. (need more here)
The total cost of ownership
This implies the direct implications of badly manufactured equipment on the business that uses it. In particular, dealing with matters of hygiene and decomposing bodies, both of which have high implications for the organization and those responsible for it. For this reason, reliable solutions with higher levels of temperature stability can ensure not only reduced risk of damage to stored goods but also organizational reputation. Sadly, in recent months, there have been news articles on numerous mortuaries operating with poor functioning equipment and these facilities are getting scrutinized heavily in light of the current pandemic.
International standards for mortuary refrigeration require a temperature range of 2°C to 4°C which is ideals for many types of cells and reagents. In addition, a stable Mortuary fridge prevents the spread of pathogens and bacteria in the surrounding environment of the dead body. There should be a numerical code display in the mortuary refrigerators, which allows the users to accurately control the temperature inside the fridge. The latest technology used for the construction of these refrigerators makes sure the inside temperature remains stable. Due to these features, these refrigerators offer more protection to the surrounding environment.
Consider this before purchase
- Temperature control
International standards for mortuary refrigeration require a temperature range of 2°C to 4°C which is ideals for many types of cells and reagents. In addition, a stable Mortuary fridge prevents the spread of pathogens and bacteria in the surrounding environment of the dead body. There should be a numerical code display in the mortuary refrigerators, which allows the users to accurately control the temperature inside the fridge. The latest technology used for the construction of these refrigerators makes sure the inside temperature remains stable. Due to these features, these refrigerators offer more protection to the surrounding environment.
- Design
When it comes to selecting the right refrigeration system for a mortuary environment, it often comes down to the space available. Ensure that the design of the fridge take minimum space at the floor and give maximum space for storage.
- Materials
As highlighted, in cases where poor quality materials are used, rust will form within the fridge, which prevents the necessary cleaning to ensure proper hygiene. It also reduces the lifespan of the fridge significantly. For short term mortuary storage, stainless steel grade 430 is considered adequate by local regulations. For longer-term storage, often used within universities or laboratory conditions, stainless steel 304 is advised. This higher grade of the steel ensures lowered rates of erosion, higher hygiene and polished steel is easier to clean. The quality of the materials used will affect the cost, however, it also ensures longer product life under regulated standards, which translates to a better return on investment.
- Safety
Safety is also an important factor in choosing a fridge. Many people do not consider a fridge to be a safety hazard, but sparks from a fan, compressor or internal light can ignite in the presence of oxygen or volatile chemicals. Fridges that are located in rooms with those substances should be spark-free or explosion-proof.
- Alarms and Monitoring
And finally, before purchase, it is vital to review the alarm system associated with the unit. Temperature data logging and alarms are important features for mortuaries that are involved in research activities. A data logger and temperature alarm can prevent the loss of valuable samples by tracking temperature variations inside the fridge and sounding an alarm if it goes out of a prespecified range.
The expected life of your mortuary fridge
Maintenance and servicing can increase the lifespan of any fridge, and with the right amount of care, these fridges should last over 20 years. When sourcing for prices, the service and maintenance of the products are as important as the products themselves. There are numerous repair services around the country, but very few specialize in refrigeration of this nature.
Final thought
If tasked with the responsibility of acquiring a mortuary fridge for your institution, the ultimate deciding factor should be this: If one of your loved ones pass away, would you trust the equipment to keep them stored safely?
