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3
INSPECTION AND FUNCTIONAL TESTING
Safety measures as described in Section 1 must be observed when inspecting or testing a chair. Only authorized
caregivers or maintenance staff should attempt to inspect or test a chair.
3.1
Inspection
Visual inspection is recommended for signs of wear, damage, loose or missing fittings, and other safety concerns. If
a breakage, defect, or operational problem is detected, the chair must be repaired, inspected and tested for function
before it is returned to service.
We recommend that the chair be inspected as often as each use if there is any reason to be concerned about the
possibility of increased wear or loose or missing fittings.
At a minimum, in regular use the chair should be
inspected on a bimonthly basis.
The visual inspection procedure should include at least the observation of all the
fittings (fasteners):
The visual inspection procedure should include at least the observation of the following parts:
1)
The vinyl straps used in the seat and back
2)
The cushions
3)
The caregiver lock and pin that engages the locking plate
4)
The armrest height adjustment pins (applies on certain models)
The visual inspection procedure should include the observation of any installed accessories. The visual inspection
should be performed by the facility, or if in a private residence, by the individual responsible for the chair.
3.2
Functional Testing
It is recommend that the chair be tested for operation of the chair’s functions while it is unoccupied.
The
testing may be as often as each use if there is any reason to be concerned about the possibility of increased wear or
damage to the chair’s components. At a minimum, in regular use the chair should be tested for functions as
described in Section 3.
If the caregiver or maintenance department performing the functional testing believes that any function is not
operating correctly, the chair should be taken out of service until a satisfactory functional test can be completed.
