7
1.4
Position of Chair “Danger of Falling” WARNING
After a patient is transferred into a chair, assess the amount of tilt required. We recommend that
the chair’s seat be tilted sufficiently to prevent the patient from sliding or falling forward off the
chair. The amount of seat tilt used should be determined by the patient’s caregiver who is
responsible for seating.
We recommend that the patient’s legs be correctly positioned on the calf support to prevent the
patient from sliding or falling forward off the chair. The amount of elevation used should be
determined by the patient’s caregiver who is responsible for seating.
1.5
Position of Seat Tilt “Danger of Tipping” WARNING
In an attempt to prevent agitated patients from falling out of the chair or tipping the chair forward,
the caregiver may decide to tilt the chair. The amount of seat tilt used should be determined by
the patient’s caregiver who is responsible for seating. Always ensure the patient is properly
positioned in the chair before tilting.
Before operating the seat tilt, carefully read through section 1.8 Repositioning of Patient “Danger
of Pinching.”
1.6
Chair Placement “Danger of Tipping” WARNING
We recommend that when a patient has been moved to their destination, the chair is placed so
the patient cannot reach handrails or other objects, fixed or moveable. This is to prevent the
patient from pulling the chair over or pulling themselves off the seating surface, and to prevent the
patients from pulling moveable objects onto the chair and onto themselves.
We recommend that the chair be used in a supervised area to prevent untrained patients,
caregivers, or third parties from unauthorized operation, movement, or unsafe actions such as
sitting, standing or leaning on the tilted back, footrest, or the armrests. Individuals should not
stand on the seat. These actions, if not prevented, could put the chair at risk of tipping or may
damage the chair.
Any adjustments or modifications to the chair must only be performed by individuals qualified to
do so.
We recommend that a chair only be used on a level surface to minimize the risk of tipping over.
1.7
Locking Casters “Danger of Falling” WARNING
The caster locks must always be applied when:
•
The chair is not in use.
•
A patient is being transferred (moved) into or out of the chair.
•
The patient in the chair is not being moved by a caregiver, however,
It is important to note that if the caster locks are applied while the patient is in the chair, the
caregiver does not leave the patient unattended, especially those patients who have the
capability or tendency to propel the chair on their own, and/or those who may be agitated. This
could cause harm to the patient if they attempt to propel the chair while the caster locks are
applied.
Failure to follow these instructions will unnecessarily increase the risk of serious falls by patients,
caregivers, or third parties caused by the chair unintentionally moving.
