O. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
WARNING
Be aware that your weight will shift if you dress or change clothes
while seated in this chair. To make the chair more stable, rotate
the front casters until they are in the
forward position
.
P. OBSTACLES
WARNING
Riding over curbs or obstacles can cause tipping and serious bodily
harm. If you have any doubt that you can safely cross any curb or
obstacle, ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP. Be aware of your riding skills
and personal limitations. Develop new skills only with the help of
a companion.
1. Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a small
change in height may stop a caster wheel and cause your
chair to tip). You may need to:
• Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
• Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2. Keep your eyes moving when you ride; scan the area well
ahead of your chair.
3. Make sure the floor areas where you use this chair are level
and free of obstacles.
Q. DRIVING IN REVERSE
WARNING
Use extra care when you drive your chair in reverse. You may
lose control or fall if one of the rear wheels hits an object.
1. Operate your chair slowly and at an even speed.
2. Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear of
obstacles.
R. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
WARNING
Your center of balance changes when you are on a slope.
NOTE –
“Slope” includes a ramp or sidehill. Your chair is less sta-
ble when it is at an angle. Never use this chair on a
slope unless your are sure it is safe. When in doubt,
have someone help you.
Beware Of:
1. Steep slopes. Do Not use this chair on a slope steeper than
6%. (A 6% slope means: One foot in elevation for every ten
feet of slope length).
2. Wet or slippery surfaces (such as when ice, snow, water or
oil film is present). A loss of traction may cause a fall or tip-
over.
3. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression).
These may cause a fall or tip-over.
4. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. (A drop-off of as small
as 3/4 inch (19 mm) can stop a front caster and cause the
chair to tip forward).
M. TRANSFERS
WARNING
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance
and agility. Be aware that there is a point during every transfer
when the wheelchair seat is not below you. To prevent a fall:
1.
Always
turn off power before you transfer to or from your
chair. If you fail to do so you may touch the joystick and
cause your chair to move when you do not expect it.
2. Make sure motor brakes are engaged. This keeps the chair
from moving when you transfer.
3. Work with your health care professional to learn all safe
methods for transfers.
• Learn how to position your body and how to support
yourself during a transfer.
• Have someone help you until you are sure you can do a
safe transfer on your own.
4. Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are
transferring to. If possible, use a transfer board.
5. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
6. Be careful of the footrests. If you can, remove or swing
them out of the way.
• As a standard rule, never stand on footrests when you
transfer. Doing so may damage them or cause your chair
to tip. If the footplate is in contact with the ground, it is
possible to use the footplate for a transfer.
• Make sure your feet do not “hang up” or get caught in the
space between the footrests.
7. Make sure armrests do not interfere.
8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can. This
will reduce the risk that you will miss the seat or fall.
N. REACHING OR LEANING
WARNING
Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of your chair. If
done improperly, a fall or tip-over is likely. When in doubt, ask for
help or use a device to extend your reach.
To Reduce the Risk of injury and/or Damage to the Chair:
1.
Never
reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or
rise up off the seat.
2.
Never
reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat
to do so. Always keep your buttocks in contact with the
backrest.
3.
Never
reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch
yourself to prevent a fall if you lose your balance).
4.
Never
try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
5.
Never
put pressure on the footrests while reaching.
6.
Never
reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may
damage the backrest and cause you to fall.
IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Remember to:
1. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish
to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as pos-
sible. This makes the chair more stable.
NOTE
–To do this: Move your chair past the object you want to reach,
then back up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters for-
ward.
3. Turn off all power to your chair. If you fail to do so, you
may touch the joystick and cause your chair to move when
you do not expect it.
VI. GENERAL WARNINGS
Q UI C KI E PU LS E
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