MK-100151 Rev. A
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E NG LI S H
VI. SAFETY WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
G. ESCALATORS
WARNING
NEVER use this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. If you do, a fall or tip-over is likely.
If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and
cause severe injury to the rider or others.
H. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
WARNING
Whenever possible, avoid riding on a slope, which includes a ramp or sidehill. This will change the cen-
ter of balance of your chair. Your chair is less stable and more difficult to manuever when it is at an
angle. When moving up a hill, anti-tip tubes may not prevent a fall or tip-over. Always ask for help when
riding on slopes.
1.
Do not use your chair on a slope steeper than 10°.
2.
Avoid Sidehills. Do not use your chair on a sidehill with a slope steeper than 6°.
3.
Always go straight up or straight down a slope. Do not “cut the corner” on a slope or ramp.
4.
Do not turn or change direction on a slope.
5.
Do not stop on a steep slope. If you stop, you may lose control of your chair.
6.
NEVER use rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop your chair. This is likely to cause your chair
to veer out of control.
7.
ALWAYS be aware of:
a.
Wet or slippery surfaces.
b.
A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may cause a fall or tip-
over.
c.
A drop-off at the bottom of a slope or ramp. A drop-off as small as 3/4 inch can stop a
front caster and cause the chair to tip forward.
8.
To Reduce The Risk Of A Fall Or Tip-Over:
a.
Lean or press your body UPHILL. This will help adjust for the change in the center of balance
caused by the slope or sidehill.
b.
Keep pressure on the handrims to control your speed on a down slope. If you go too fast
you may lose control.
c.
Ask for help any time you are in doubt.
9.
Ramps at home & work– For your safety, ramps at home and work must meet all legal require-
ments for your area:
a. Avoid a drop off. You may need a section at the top or bottom to smooth out the transition.
b.
Stay in the center of the ramp and control your speed.
10. When you have to use a ramp, always stay in the CENTER of the ramp. Make sure the ramp is
wide enough so that you have no risk of going off the edge.
If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and
cause severe injury to the rider or others.
I. TRANSFER
WARNING
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be aware that there is a
point during every transfer when the wheelchair seat is not below you. To Avoid A Fall:
1.
Work with your health care advisor to learn safe transfer methods
a.
Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a transfer.
b.
Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on your own.
2.
Lock the rear wheels before you transfer.
3.
Be aware that the chair can still slide and/or tip. The wheel lock keeps the rear wheels from
rolling while you are perforrming the transfer.
4.
Make sure that the pneumatic tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure may allow the rear
wheel locks to slip. (see table in Section G “Pneumatic Tires”
5.
Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to.
If possible, use a transfer board.
6.
Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
7.
If you can, remove the footrests, or swing them out of the way.
a.
Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.
b.
Avoid putting weight on the footrests as this may cause the chair to tip.
8.
Make sure armrests are removed, or out of the way and do not interfere with the transfer.
9.
Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can. This will reduce the risk that the chair will
tip or move away from you.
If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and
cause severe injury to the rider or others.
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4
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Downslope less than 10°
Straight down
Control Speed
Go Slow
No Turns
Upslope less than 10°
Lean Forward
Straight up
Don’t stop
No Turns
Sidehill less than 6°
Don’t stop
No Turns
Ramps
Straight Down
Stay centered
No Drop-offs
Go Slow
GET READY
TRANSFER
ADJUST
1.
2.
3.
Before transferring, remove the arm-
rests, and footrests, and make sure the
wheel lock is set.
Optimum Transfer position
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5
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