R Healthcare Technical Information Manual - Dash November 2013 Revision B
11
5.0
Introduction and Service Need Assessment
Economic Service Life
Recycling a wheelchair between users is a significant aspect of the NHS wheelchair service. The
basic utility type wheelchair is capable of continual recycling over an economic life period.
For safety and economic reasons, it is recommended that the service life and requirement for
spare parts is planned.
Service check and method of use
We recommend that wheelchairs and their method of use are service checked on a regular basis,
irrespective of maintenance free features, because accidental damage can never be ruled out.
A scheduled preventive visit by a service technician may find a problem which would otherwise go
unnoticed, preventative action by component replacement or repair is a reduction of potential risk
to users.
Below is a general guide to assist Healthcare professionals inspect wheelchairs, with a view to
Potential fault finding, it is best practice to change any damaged or suspect components with new
parts.
Preservation and Storage
Where ever possible as a minimum store the wheelchair in garage type conditions, away from wet
or damp areas.
During the course of general use, the wheelchair may become wet, due to rain and such events.
When practical the wheelchair should be wiped down with a dry cloth, this is to reduce the risk of
corrosion.
Where wheelchairs are stored in the back of cars and similar transportation vehicles, there are
occasions especially in hotter climatic conditions such as summer, it is advisable to cover the
wheelchair with a suitable cover. This will reduce the risk of the wheel becoming hot, having an
effect on user or carer handling the chair out of the vehicle.
When a doubt exists, where the wheelchair has suffered constant miss use of storage, the
wheelchair should be removed from the client, and disposed of.
