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medline.com 5
4 Translator Manual (PIC-00270)
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Revision: 08/15/16
CENTER OF GRAvITY, BALANCE AND STABILITY
The Translator has been designed to be safe and stable during normal transport activity as long as proper balance is
maintained. The point at which a Translator will tip forward, backward, or to the side depends on its center of balance.
To assure stability and proper operation of the Translator, the center of gravity must be maintained in the chair.
Center of gravity is the point at which all the weight of an object can be considered to be concentrated and represents
the balance point.
Most activities such as transferring in and out of the Translator, bending, and reaching affect the center of gravity
and weight distribution of the Translator. Loss of proper balance may cause the chair to tip over. Use of the seat belt
is advised to help maintain stability by minimizing movement within the Translator seat. The use of anti-tip devices
especially when maneuvering on ramps or inclines will also enhance safety.
REAChING / LEANING / BENDING – FORWARD, BACkWARD OR SIDEWAYS
The Translator has been designed to be safe and stable during normal transport activity as long as proper balance is
maintained. The point at which a Translator will tip forward, backward, or to the side depends on its center of balance.
To assure stability and proper operation of the Translator, the center of gravity must be maintained in the chair.
Center of gravity is the point at which all the weight of an object can be considered to be concentrated and represents
the balance point.
Most activities such as transferring in and out of the Translator, bending, and reaching affect the center of gravity
and weight distribution of the Translator. Loss of proper balance may cause the chair to tip over. Use of the seat belt
is advised to help maintain stability by minimizing movement within the Translator seat. The use of anti-tip devices
especially when maneuvering on ramps or inclines will also enhance safety.
REAChING / LEANING / BENDING – FORWARD, BACkWARD OR SIDEWAYS
• Position the Translator as close as possible to the object.
• Make sure the wheel locks are engaged before activity.
• Make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position. This extends the wheel base and will help
stabilize the chair.
OBSTACLES
Obstacles such as floor threshold strips, uneven floors, cords or items on the floor, or cracks in pavements can damage
your Translator and may cause loss of control or a tip over. Be alert! Scan your path and avoid any items that may cause
instability.
Do not
operate, maintain, or adjust the Translator without reading and understanding all instructions in the manual.
Footrests must be at least 2 ½ inches from the floor.
Do not
modify or alter the Translator in any way not instructed by Medline or detailed in the owners guide.
Make sure the chair rolls easily and that all parts work smoothly.
Check for noise, vibration, or any change in use. Changes may indicate loose parts or Translator damage.
Check to ensure wheel locks are in good working order.
Make sure hand grips are not loose and cannot be moved or twisted.
ADjUSTmENTS
BEFORE EACh USE
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GUIDELINES: SAFETY & HANDLING OF TRANSLATORS
IF UNIT IS DAmAGED OR BROkEN DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL COmpLETELY REpAIRED.
RAmpS / INCLINES
The assistant must know their capabilities and limitations in terms of strength and endurance before attempting to go up
or down a ramp. Slopes will change the center of gravity.
DO NOT
attempt to negotiate steep inclines greater than 10%
(6 degrees, or one foot of rise or fall for every ten feet of ramp length) without an experienced assistant. Training and
practice negotiating ramps with a healthcare professional is recommended.
• Go as straight up or down the incline as possible.
• Check the ramp for any obstacles, bumps, depressions, or wetness before beginning. Ask for additional assistance
if necessary.
• Stay in the center of the ramp if possible.
• Avoid changing direction while on the ramp as this may cause loss of control of the Translator.
• Avoid stopping on a ramp. Stopping may cause loss of control of the Translator. If stopping is necessary, avoid sudden,
abrupt forward movement when you resume propelling the chair as that could cause instability.
• When going up an incline, the occupant should lean forward. This will adjust the center of gravity to counteract the
tendency of the Translator to tip backward.
• When going down a ramp, the occupant should face forward and lean backward into the seat. Descent should always be
done slowly.
DO NOT
use wheel locks as brakes to slow down or stop the chair. Attempting to use the wheel locks could
result in accidental locking, veering or tipping to one side, or suddenly stopping.
• When going down a steep incline, the assistant should turn the chair and go down backwards to avoid tipping the
occupant out of the chair.
BASIC INFORmATION FOR TRANSLATOR ASSISTANTS / TRANSpORTERS
Work with the Translator user’s healthcare professional or your institution to learn safe ways to assist that are within
your capability and comfort level. To prevent injury to yourself or the chair occupant use good body mechanics:
• Always tell the rider what you intend to do so he/she is ready for your actions and can assist with maintaining a
balanced center of gravity for stability.
• Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep knees bent, not locked straight.
• Use legs for strength, not the weaker muscles of the back or arms. This will help prevent back strain.
•
Do not
twist at the waist. Keep the torso facing the same direction as the hips and move the feet to turn. This will help
prevent back strain.
• Maintain a straight back. Hunching or rounding the shoulders can cause back strain.
•
Do not
hesitate to call for additional assistance if needed.
• If you do not feel comfortable with an activity you are requested to assist with (such as negotiating a step or a steep
incline), you may decline to assist and should help find appropriate assistance for the occupant.
