R Healthcare
Modular
User Guide
Page
29
August 2013 Revision E
www.rhealthcare.co.uk
If stabilisers are removed for ascending or descending a flight of steps
additional carers and handlers should be present, and they should be
refitted when the manoeuvre has been completed.
Outdoor Safety Hints
Most pavements slope slightly towards the kerb and the wheelchair
may have a tendency to pull towards the road
.
Occupant controlled
Active User wheelchairs with cambered wheel setting reduce this
tendency.
The fitting of polyurethane tyres eliminates punctures, and provides
reassurance of not being stranded some distance from a service
centre, but the use of these tyres imposes a harder ride and the
wheels must be checked more frequently, to ensure that there is no
deterioration of spoke tension and security. Polyurethane tyres have
slightly less grip than pneumatic tyres, therefore, self propelled chairs
fitted with polyurethane tyres are also fitted with a high friction brake
shoe grip.
When out at night, ensure that both you and your wheelchair are
visible, consider both clothing, and light reflective trim features.
Movement & Stability
A little journey forward planning can eliminate difficult manoeuvres
such as steps. Modern public buildings should provide permanent
wheelchair ramps, with a practical slope angle, built according to
regulations, for safe access.
Technical Test data on stability of wheelchairs should be seen as a tool
for comparison. Data does not convey actual feel of the wheelchair in
the intended environment. Initial supervised user training and
assessment by a rehabilitation professional, with the wheelchair in the
intended usage environment is recommended, and users should
ensure that they are confident with regard to this aspect of use.
An important factor in considering accessibility and slopes is the effort
demanded from the occupant or attendant using the chair. Pushing up
a steep slope which extends over a distance, may create a need to
stop and rest, which in turn demands additional and undesirable effort
to start back upwards again. Stopping a wheelchair on a steep
downward slope also demands effort and control, and surface
conditions need to be taken into account when deciding what outdoor
route to take. Manoeuvres, which demand over exertion, may create
risk of injury to the user and should be avoided. However, if in
temporary difficulty, wheelchair users should not hesitate in asking for
assistance from people nearby, someone will usually be happy to help.
Modern buildings should have slopes built to a required standard
angle, but this is not the case with all access areas. Learning the
geography of an area is important. As an all round guide, a maximum