BRODA Elite Chairs
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Note that removing and attaching the footrest may be easier for the caregiver with the brakes applied
Failure to follow these instructions will unnecessarily increase the risk of serious falls by residents, caregivers, or
third parties caused by the chair unintentionally moving.
1.8
Re-Positioning of Resident
“Danger of Clamping”
BRODA chairs offer the benefits of seat tilt, back recline, legrest/footrest elevation, and moveable arms. During the
movement of any of these functions, the following safety measures must be observed:
1)
The resident’s arms must be positioned inside the chair frame with their hands on their body.
2)
The resident’s feet must be correctly positioned on the footrests.
3)
All of the chair’s brakes have been applied.
4)
Only one caregiver at a time attempts to operate the chair’s functions.
5)
Only one chair function is operated at a time.
6)
The rear wheels are in the trailing position, behind the chair frame.
7)
The residents’ and caregivers’ body are clear of all pinch points before operating the chair’s
functions.
Failure to follow these safety measures can put the residents’ or caregivers’ limbs at risk of injury. Residents who
may be unaware of their body position or unable to maintain a safe body position are at the most risk of the danger
from clamping and caregivers should be more cautious with these residents. A second caregiver may be required to
ensure the safety of these residents during these operations.
1.9
Unintended Movement
“Danger of Falling or Collision”
We recommend BRODA chairs for indoor use within a long term care institution and where there is not enough
slope to cause the chairs to move unaided. Chairs used where the surface is uneven or sloped are at risk of
unintended movement and could become a serious danger to the resident, caregiver(s), or a third party. We
recommend that BRODA chairs are located away from stairwells, elevators, and exterior doorways within a long
term care institution.
Outdoor use is appropriate only under the strict supervision and full attention of a caregiver who is physically
capable of preventing any unintended movement over any surfaces that are to be traveled on. We recommend that a
second caregiver assist when the chair is moved over surfaces that could cause significant unintended movement.
1.10 Resident
Clothing
“Risk of Injury to Resident’s Skin”
We recommend that residents only be seated while they are fully dressed in clothing that meets the needs of their
specific condition. If after being fully dressed, a resident’s bare arms, legs, or body could still come into direct
contact with the vinyl straps or vinyl pads, we recommend the use of a covering, such the BRODA terry cloth
covered seat and/or back pad or a folded cloth bed sheet to prevent direct contact. Direct contact of bare skin on the
straps over a period of time could cause moisture on the resident, and/or cause the skin to stick to the straps. Prior to
the operation or movement of a chair with a covering, the caregiver must ensure any covering placed on the chair
does not come into contact with any moving parts and is securely placed, so not to slip.
1.11
Improper Restraint Use
“Risk of Serious Injury”
We recommend that alternatives to physical restraints be used with residents while seated in the chair except under
the specific instructions of the resident’s primary caregiver and with permission of the resident’s family or guardian.
Physical restraints have been identified as a common cause of serious injury to residents while they are seated. We
recommend that the primary caregiver responsible for seating first consider the re-positioning options available in
the chair to reduce the risks of sliding, falling, or self-injury.
