VI.
T. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL,
TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF CONTROL
WARNING
1. Never use your chair on a slope unless you are sure you can
do so without losing traction.
2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can.
• Do not “cut the corner” on a slope or ramp.
• Do not turn or change direction on a slope.
3. Always stay in the center of the ramp. Make sure ramp is
wide enough that you are not at risk that a wheel may roll
off the side.
4. Lean or press your body uphill. This will help adjust for a
change in the center of balance caused by the slope.
5. Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed. Keep control
over the chair at all times.
• On a descent, do not let your chair accelerate beyond its
normal speed.
• If the chair picks up speed, center the joystick to slow
down or stop.
NOTE–
The solid state controller of your chair has a logic system that will
help control your speed when driving on a slope or uphill.
• If you stop, re-start slowly.
U. RAMPS AT HOME & WORK
WARNING
Make sure ramps meet all Building Codes for your area.
1. For your safety, have a licensed contractor build or remodel
ramp to meet all standards.
2. NOTE– The proper design will vary, depending on such
things as: the length and height of the ramp; the need for an
intermediate platform; landing size; doors and the direction
of swing; and whether the ramp includes a turn or angle.
At A Minimum:
1. Open sides of ramp must have side rails to prevent your
chair from going over the edge.
2. Slope must not be steeper than one inch in height for every
one foot of slope length.
3. Ramp surface must be even, and have a non-skid surface.
4. You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to
avoid a lip or drop-off.
5. Ramp must be sturdy. Add bracing if needed, so ramp does
not “bow” when you ride on it.
V. WHEELCHAIR LIFTS
WARNING
Wheelchair lifts are used in vans, buses, and buildings to help
you move from one level to another.
1. Always turn off all power to your chair when you are on a
lift. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick by accident
and cause your chair to drive off the platform. (Be aware that
a “roll-stop” at the end of the platform may not prevent this).
2. Make sure there is not a lip or drop-off at the top or bot-
tom of the platform. These may cause a fall or tip-over. When
in doubt, have someone help you.
3. Always secure the rider with a positioning belt to help pre-
vent falls during transfers.
4. Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of
the ramp. Backup, reposition the caster for a more direct
approach and slowly try again.
W. CURBS & SINGLE STEPS
WARNING
1. Your chair is not designed to drive up or down a curb or
step more than two and a half (2.5) inches high. Doing so
may:
• Result in a fall or tip-over.
• Damage the frame, wheels, axles or other chair parts, or
loosen fasteners.
2. To prevent a fall or tip-over, use wheelchair access ramps or
have someone help you.
3. If you must climb or descend a curb or step alone do so at
your own risk and use extreme care.
• Go as straight up or straight down as you can. Never
turn or climb or descend at an angle as a fall or tip-over
is likely.
• Proceed slowly, at a steady speed.
4. Avoid driving along curb edges and drop-offs. A minimum dis-
tance from the edge of 18” is recommended.
X. STAIRS
WARNING
Never use this chair to go up or down stairs, even with an
attendant. Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over.
Y. ESCALATORS
WARNING
Never take this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant.
Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over.
E N G L I S H
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