9
8
•
The sides of the cover are elasticated so it can be pulled over the edges of the seat to take it off.
•
Carefully pass the straps and buckles through the slots in the cover.
•
Pull the cover away from the seat carefully – make sure it is not caught on the seat or wheelchair.
•
The cover can now be hand or machined washed
(no more than 30˚C).
•
Do not tumble dry or use bleach (bleach will damage the material and tumble drying may
cause it to shrink).
Reverse the process to refit the covers.
Make sure that:
•
The covers are completely dry.
•
The straps are passed through the correct slots in the cover.
•
The cover is fitted evenly to the seat to prevent any creases as these could cause localised
skin marking and discomfort.
Maintenance by Carer
The following checks should be carried out by the carer on a continuous basis to make
sure that the Moulded Seat Insert is both safe and comfortable:
•
Check there is no damage to the retaining straps and that the buckles are working properly.
•
Check there is no damage to any postural straps and harnesses and that the buckles on
these are working properly.
•
Check that all adjustable parts of the seat operated by the carer, as previously described,
adjust freely and are not damaged.
•
Check there is no damage to the foam lining resulting in raised or sharp surfaces.
If the user should suffer any form of marking on the skin or if they appear to be in
discomfort this should be reported to the Wheelchair Service immediately.
Maintenance by Seating Specialist
The following checks are important and must only be carried out by the Wheelchair
Service or by Blatchford Clinical Services:
The Wheelchair Service should decide how often these checks should be made taking
into account the needs of the user and the intended usage level of the seat. In order to
ensure continuing safety of the MSI, it is recommended that the interval between these
checks is no longer than 24 months.
•
Checks to make sure that the user’s shape is still accommodated properly by the shape of
the Moulded Seat Insert.
•
Checks to make sure that the Moulded Seat Insert is not too tight for the user as a result of
growth or weight gain.
•
Checks to make sure that there is no structural damage to the plastic shell or metal
framework and that all securing bolts are still in place.
•
Checks on the condition of any pressure relieving inserts (where fitted).
•
Checks to make sure that all locking knobs on the brackets are in place and working properly.
•
Checks to make sure that all straps are undamaged and buckles are working properly.
Posture Belt & Posture Harness - User Instructions
Using a harness:
•
Do the bottom straps up first ensuring the harness
is away from the user’s neck.
•
Do the top straps up by clicking the male buckle into the
attached female buckle of the harness.
•
Adjust the top straps by pulling the ‘D’ loop forward
and down whilst holding the shoulder of the user in
the desired position.
For Belts & Harnesses, always make sure that:
•
Straps are not twisted.
•
Buckles are adjusted so that when they are fastened together there is no slack in the strap.
•
Buckles are fully locked together.
•
Each end of the belt or harness is still securely attached to the seating system or wheelchair.
•
Buckles or webbing do not show signs of excessive wear –
if you are concerned about the condition of any items contact the wheelchair service.
Cleaning
These items should be wiped clean using a damp cloth using only a mild detergent.
(PLEASE DO NOT use bleach or products containing bleach).
A soft brush can be used to remove heavier soiling.
Safety Instructions
Blatchford posture belts and harnesses are designed to provide postural support and are
intended to be used as part of a specialised seating system. The belt or harness should be fitted
to the seat and adjusted at the time of delivery. Replacements must only be fitted by Blatchford
or a Wheelchair Service representative.
Important Safety Warnings
POSTURAL HARNESSES AND BELTS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED AS
SAFETY DEVICES AND MUST NOT BE USED AS VEHICLE RESTRAINTS FOR USE IN
TRANSPORTATION.
A suitable, separate, 3-point passenger seat belt (fastened into the vehicle) must be used
to secure the seated occupant during travel in order to provide protection in the event of an
accident. The seatbelt should have both pelvic and upper body sections, with the upper section
fastened into the vehicle at the upper level. This should be in accordance with Medical Device
Report –
Guidelines for transporting children in special seats.
ALWAYS CHECK THAT THE BELT IS A SNUG FIT. CHEST BELTS SHOULD ALWAYS BE
FASTENED AROUND THE OCCUPANT’S BODY AND UNDER THE ARMS. IT IS NOT
INTENDED THAT THE ARMS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE BELT.
If the hip belt is incorrectly adjusted there is a risk of the wheelchair occupant slipping down in
their seat and could result in occupant’s upper body and neck coming into contact with the belt.
If you are unsure about any of these instructions or if you are worried about the
adjustment of the belt contact your Wheelchair Service.
