T. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL, TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF CONTROL
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. (Figure 1)
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
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
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 plat-
form. (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 bottom 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 prevent falls during transfers.
4. Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of the ramp. Backup, reposi-
tion the caster for a more direct approach and slowly try again.
W. CURBS & SINGLE STEPS
1. Your chair is not designed to drive up or down a curb or step more than two (2)
inches high. Doing so may:
• Result in a fall or tip-over.
• Damage the frame, wheels, axles or other chair parts, or loosen fasteners.
930583 Rev. D
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E n g l i s h
V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s
Figure 1
