052124 Rev. B
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E N G L I S H
V I . WA R N I N G S : FA L LS & T I P - OV E R S
A. CENTER OF BALANCE
WARNING
The point where this chair will tip forward, back or to the side depends on
its center of balance and stability. How your chair is set up, the options you
select and the changes you make may affect the risk of a fall or tip-over.
1.
The Most Important Adjustment Is:
The position of the rear wheels. The more you move the rear
wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.
2.
The Center Of Balance Is Also Affected By:
a.
A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• The distance between the rear wheels.
• The amount of rear wheel camber.
• The seat height and seat angle.
• Backrest angle.
b.
A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c.
Riding your chair on a ramp or slope.
d.
The use of a back pack or other options and the amount of
added weight.
3.
To Reduce The Risk Of An Accident:
a.
Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and
caster position is best for you.
b.
Consult your authorized supplier BEFORE you modify or adjust
this chair. Be aware that you may need to make other changes to
correct the center of balance.
c.
Have someone help you until you know the balance points of
your chair and how to avoid a tip-over.
d.
Use anti-tip tubes.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
B. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
WARNING
Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this
chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
1.
Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
This makes the chair more stable.
2.
Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have anti-tip
tubes, back it up against a wall and lock both rear wheels).
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
C. WHEELIES
WARNING
Doing a “wheelie” means: balancing on the rear wheels of your chair, while
the front casters are in the air. It is dangerous to do a “wheelie” as a fall or
tip-over may occur. However, if you do it safely, a “wheelie” can help you
overcome curbs and obstacles.
1.
Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out if you are a good
candidate to learn to do a “wheelie.”
2.
Do not attempt a “wheelie” UNLESS you are a skilled rider of this
chair, or you have help.
NOTE–
See steps to learn to do a “wheelie.”
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
D. OBSTACLES
WARNING
Obstacles and road hazards (such as potholes and broken pavement) can
damage your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control.
To avoid these risks:
1.
Keep a lookout for danger – scan the area well ahead of your chair
as you ride.
2.
Make sure the floor areas where you live and work are level and free
of obstacles.
3.
Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
4.
Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop
off at the bottom of the ramp.
5.
To Help Correct Your Center Of Balance:
a.
Lean your upper body FORWARD slightly as you go UP over an
obstacle.
b.
Press your upper body BACKWARD as you go DOWN from a
higher to a lower level.
6.
If your chair has anti-tip tubes, lock them in place before you go UP
over an obstacle.
7.
Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obsta-
cle.
8.
Never push or pull on an object (such as furniture or a doorjamb) to
propel
your chair.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
E. REACHING OR LEANING
WARNING
If you reach or lean it will affect the center of balance of your chair. This
may cause you to fall or tip over. When in doubt, ask for help or use a
device to extend your reach.
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 your-
self to prevent a fall if the chair tips).
4.
NEVER reach or lean to the rear unless your chair has anti-tip tubes
locked in place.
5.
DO NOT reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may
damage one or both backrest tubes and cause you to fall.
6.
If You Must Reach Or Lean:
a.
Do not lock the rear wheels. This creates a tip point and makes
a fall or tip-over more likely.
b.
Do not put pressure on the footrests.
NOTE–
Leaning forward puts pressure on the footrests and may cause the
chair to tip if you lean too far.
c.
Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to
reach.
d.
Do not try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down
between your knees. You are less likely to tip if you reach to the
side of your chair.
e.
Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
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 forward.
f.
Firmly grasp a rear wheel or an armrest with one hand. This will
help to prevent a fall if the chair tips.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
