Greencare DB1J 13, User Manual

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GETTING AROUND SAFELY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Many buildings will have wheelchair lifts. Access
ramps built according to current building
regulations should be safe for wheelchair
access. Local authority or public buildings, and
employers should conform to regulations. A
safe slope of up to 8 degrees is recommended.
Such guidance advice, test data and regulations
do not convey actual feel of a wheelchair in the
intended environment. With supervision present
for advice and possible fine tuning adjustment
trails are recommended.
Use of Castors
The DB1 castor is a very adaptable. Wheel
position and diameter can be set to suit needs
of occupant and environment. Wheel positions
that improve forwards stability are available.
Forward stability setting may be suitable for
seating adaptations or addition of accessories,
such as elevated leg or stump support.
Castors are generally maintenance free, users
are recommended to keep them clean,
occasionally checking security of the fitting
points for trouble free and safe operation.
Rough Terrain
Use on rough terrain can cause occupant
discomfort and impact damage to a wheelchair.
Driving over cobble stones and similar surfaces
should be avoided. Reducing speed over rough
terrain is recommended, frequent use over
rough terrain increases the need for service
maintenance and worn part replacement.
Greencare supply castors which improve
occupant comfort performance over a range of
outdoor surfaces. These may be fitted if the
assessment or review highlights such use, or
after a period should the users find that the front
castors are frequently dropping down gaps in
the pavement.
If the wheelchair is crashed, forwards, into a
kerb or similar impact, castors should be
checked for security and damage. If in doubt
users should contact the service department.
Accessories and additional equipment
Greencare DB1 is a modular wheelchair
system. It can be originally built and
customised or adapted with additional
operating or comfort and support features,
such as a reclining backrest or one handed
operation. When additional accessories or
fittings are used, or when more functionality
is built into the wheelchair, any user
additional information provided should also
be read, before attempting to use.
When accessories are fitted the number of
factors for consideration increases. Use is
more complex, and safe routines should be
practiced. Additions such as an elevating leg
support, or a carry bag hanging from the push
handles may have an adverse affect on
stability. Shopping bags or other additional
heavy loads should not be carried in a
wheelchair unless specifically designed for
the purpose. This particularly applies to
hanging items over the push handles, which
can overload the chair and affect stability
resulting in injury if the occupant tips out of
the chair when it is left unattended.
The installation of postural support or seating
system will inevitably change the position of
the occupant centre of gravity. Greencare
DB1 frame and wheelbase system allows
repositioning of the backrest and both front
and rear wheels to optimise centre of gravity
and combined stability of the adapted
wheelchair and occupant.
When a major adaptation has been carried
out a supervised stability assessment test,
using purpose built measuring equipment, in
a clinical rehabilitation environment is
recommended, so that the effect of
wheelchair adjustments can be assessed.
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