Greencare DB1J 13, User Manual

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Use of Hand rims and Tyres
The fitting of polyurethane puncture free
Greentyres eliminates punctures, and provides
reassurance of the user and wheelchair not
being stranded a distance from a service
centre.
Use of polyurethane tyres demands that
spoked wheel condition is maintained to the
specified standard with spoke tension checked
at recommended service intervals. Hand rims
are provided for the occupant to grip and push
round to propel the wheels. Best results will be
obtained by a long pushing stroke that gives a
continuous and smooth forward motion.
Wheels on lightweight DB1 models have
aluminium hand rims and are best for active
users with gloves, who apply hand pressure to
the smooth surface revolving, as a means of
retarding the wheelchair on a downhill slope.
Many users find that gripping across the tyre
and hand rim at the same time gives better
control. This is the required operating mode
when the hand rim is set close to the wheel, to
keep the overall width of the wheelchair down.
We recommend that when operating in this
way, wheelchair gloves are worn.
Hand rims can be removed to reduce overall
width typically for door access. However this
reduces wheel strength. Hand rim removal is
acceptable for indoor use, if occupant is under
150Kg, provided that a carer is present, and
alternative wheels are available as a back up.
Users with hand gripping difficulties may find
larger comfortable section of the optional
Greenrim, a practical feature which improves
safety and confidence in use. Alternatively
propelling wheel builds which reduce overall
width of the wheelchair, using inwards
mounted aluminium hand rims are often a
solution to tight space access.
When using a hand rim to turn a chair round in
a tight space, the occupant should push one
wheel forward, whilst pulling the other wheel
backwards, making sure that there are no
obstructions or bystanders in the turning
space required.
Use of Seatbelts (also posture belts)
DB1 seat belts can be positioned to locate
correctly across the lap of the seated
occupant. They are released and fixed with a
buckle similar to that used in aircraft seats.
Seat belts and harnesses are a precaution for
use outdoors, or for an occupant who needs to
be positioned correctly.
Occupants who are unaware of their
surroundings are more at risk of fall out during
a journey, compared to those who see or react
to a dynamic environment, with expected
changes of speed and direction. Carers
should understand that a seat belt does not
allow irresponsible pushing of the wheelchair
over uneven ground.
Seat belts should not be used to restrain
someone without supervision. A seat belt that
is never used and left to dangle and obstruct
can become a hazard. In such circumstances,
removal of the belt should be agreed and
noted in an assessment report
Where additional support is part of the
assessed need, a specialised belt or support
adaptation may be fitted. Correct use of these
should be individually assessed and
separately advised.
GETTING AROUND SAFELY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
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