The Convaquip Model 1326SC is strictly rated for a maximum weight capacity of 600 lbs, utilizing a reinforced heavy-duty frame designed to prevent structural fatigue in high-use clinical environments. This rating is specifically engineered to accommodate bariatric patients who require a stable, wide-base platform for both transport and hygiene tasks. The frame’s geometry is optimized to distribute weight evenly across the 5-inch industrial casters, ensuring that the chair does not tip or deflect during patient ingress or egress. For procurement officers, this high-capacity rating ensures the equipment meets the safety margins required by risk management departments for bariatric-specific care. This structural durability directly translates to a longer product lifecycle compared to standard-duty mobility aids.

The 1326SC is designed with an overall width of 30.5 inches, allowing it to pass through standard 32-inch to 36-inch clinical doorways and most ADA-compliant institutional shower stalls. While providing a spacious 26-inch seat for the patient, the external footprint remains compact enough for staff to maneuver in the relatively confined spaces of a patient bathroom. The four 5-inch total-locking casters offer a tight turning radius, which is essential for positioning patients accurately over floor drains or under shower heads. Facility managers should verify their specific shower entry clearances, but the 1326SC is widely considered the industry standard for balancing bariatric seating requirements with facility architectural constraints. This maneuverability reduces the need for difficult patient handling in wet, slippery environments.

The Model 1326SC is equipped with industrial-grade 5-inch casters that feature a total-locking mechanism, which simultaneously secures both the wheel rotation and the swivel direction. When engaged, this creates a completely immobile platform, providing the patient with a stable base for standing up or sitting down without the risk of the chair "skimming" or sliding. This is a critical safety feature in wet-room environments where floor friction is often compromised by water or soap film. For clinicians, the total-lock system provides peace of mind that the chair will remain exactly where it is placed during the transfer process. By stabilizing the chair in all directions, the risk of caregiver and patient injury during manual handling is significantly mitigated.

The 1326SC features a heavy-duty steel frame treated with a high-performance, water-resistant coating and a seat made of high-density blow-molded polyethylene. These materials are specifically selected for their ability to withstand constant exposure to moisture and the aggressive chemical disinfectants required by institutional infection control protocols. The non-porous seat surface prevents the absorption of bioburden, while the drainage holes ensure that water and cleaning agents do not pool in the seating area. The backrest is removable, allowing EVS staff to reach and sanitize the frame-to-seat interfaces where bacteria often accumulate. This construction ensures that the chair remains a hygienic and professional asset throughout its operational life in a high-moisture ward.

The TCO for the Convaquip 1326SC is exceptionally low for a bariatric asset because its reinforced design and industrial casters are built for years of service without the need for frequent part replacements. By functioning as both a transport chair and a shower seat, it reduces the amount of specialized equipment a facility needs to purchase and maintain. The simplified mechanical design means there are no complex electronics or hydraulics to fail, which minimizes maintenance downtime and technical labor costs. Furthermore, the durability of the frame coating reduces the likelihood of rust-related decommission, a common issue with lower-quality hygiene seating. For government and institutional buyers, this chair represents a high-value investment that lowers the long-term cost per patient use.