R Healthcare Technical Information Manual - Dash Page 26 March 2007 Revision B
which engages with this hole. This is a departure from previous R Healthcare risk assessment
policy which maintained the anti tip stabiliser in a fixed position.
The Dash anti tip release feature allows it to be swivelled to a non active position for storage or to
prevent interference with manoeuvres when negotiating kerbs. If this anti tip releasable facility is
thought to be unsuitable for a particular user, it is possible to revert to the previous R Healthcare
practice of securing the anti tip in position using a more permanent M6 screw fixing.
The anti tip construction has a telescopic rear section secured in
position by an M6 screwed fixing. This allows it to be set permanently
at different heights such that the chair can be operated effectively with
different wheel configurations and in different environments. As a
general rule the fitting of an anti tip should still allow the front castor
wheel to rise 125mm from the ground. This will allow the wheelchair to
climb a kerb.
The use of anti tip stabilisers is an important safety feature and
permanent removal should not be taken lightly, but it should
nevertheless be an objective for a fully competent and independent
user.
PUSH HANDLE
The backrest tube has a folding push handle feature which is
an injection moulded assembly incorporating a locking hinge
with sprung loaded release latch. The lower element of the
hinge is fixed to the lower back frame, and the upper element
to the push handle.
This hinge to tube assembly involves
plain rivets with a push on star-cap
fixing, to facilitate service part
replacement.
The upper push handle tube material is
lightweight aluminium. This locates into
a recess in the upper hinge moulding
providing strength to the assembly by
distributing the applied load of an
attendant manoeuvring the chair.
With a heavy occupant it is possible that extremely high loads can be applied to the push handle
area as an attendant tips the chair to overcome obstacles such as kerbs. Service staff should check
the folding push handle frequently, particularly in heavy occupant use, or misuse, situations.
THE CORRECT USE OF TIPPING LEVERS MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO THE CARER OR
USER – IMPROPER USE COULD CAUSE ADDITIONAL STRAIN ON THE PUSH HANDLE HINGE
SECTION.
