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10
If you ignore these Warnings or fail to inspect or maintain your
wheelchair as directed in the manual , you may fall, tip over or lose
control of the wheelchair and seriously injure yourself or others or
damage the wheelchair.
8.2.4
Getting Dressed
When dressing or undressing on the wheelchair, rotate the front
casters forward and lock anti-tippers in the lower position.
If your wheelchair is not equipped with anti-tippers, back it
against a wall and lock the rear wheels.
8.2.5
Reaching/Leaning/Bending
The balance point may shift when you are putting on
clothes and/or reaching for objects while sitting in the
wheelchair.
If at all possible, use a reaching device
or ask for assistance when reaching for
objects.
Move the wheelchair as close as possible
to the required object. Rotate the casters
as far forward as possible from the rear
wheels.
NEVER
reach for objects between your
legs, but rather position yourself to the side
of these objects. Do no shift your weight
sideways, but rather rise up from the seat
or move forward in the seat. Always use
both hands and grab the opposite side
wheel or armrest if you are capable of
reaching sideways.
Never
reach to the rear of the wheelchair
unless it is equipped with anti-tippers Never reach for objects
over the seat back: reach only as far as your arm naturally
extends without moving on the seat.
DO NOT
lock the rear wheels if you are reaching backwards.
Avoid putting pressure on the footrests.
8.2.6
Moving backwards
Lock both anti-tippers in lower position. Move slowly: the
wheelchair is designed to provide you with more stability when
moving forward. Look around as often as possible to avoid
obstacles in your path.
8.2.7
Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills
Ramps of 10 feet (3 meters) or less in
length
If you need to use a short ramp 10 feet
(3 meters) or less, the angle of the slope
should not exceed 10 degrees, which
corresponds to a slope of 17.63%, a
rise of 1.74 feet (0.53 meters) over a
distance of 10 feet (3 meters).
Make sure to be assisted by a caregiver who has the physical
ability to retain the wheelchair and its occupant. The wheelchair
must always point facing up the slope.
The caregiver should always remain in the bottom of the slope
to retain the wheelchair.
Always lock the anti-tip in the safe position.
Follow the same words of caution for a hill or a slope of 10% or
less.
Do not use your wheelchair on a ramp under 3 mete
rs in length if
the slope angle is greater than 10 degrees (17.63%)
Ramps of 10 feet (3 meters) or more in
length
If you must go through a slope or a
vertical rise of 10 feet (3 meters) or
more, the angle of the slope should not
exceed 5.7 degrees, which corresponds
to a 10% slope is a rise of 1 meter for a
distance of 10 meters.
Make sure to be assisted by a caregiver if you have trouble on
the slope or if the slope is between 5.7 and 10 degrees.
Try to move straight up or down the slope. Avoid turning on a
downhill slope.
Stay in the center of sidewalks and ensure that there is enough
space for the wheels.
Avoid stopping on slopes and never use the wheel locks to slow
yourself on a downhill slope. Maintain your speed by holding the
hand rims.
Do not ride on wet or slippery surfaces. Be cautious for
changes in terrain height or stairs at the end of a slope (front
casters may lock from simply hitting a small bump).
Ask for help should any situations arise.
Incline yourself while moving down a slope as to adjust your
center of gravity.
Do not use your wheelchair on your own on slopes or hill of
more than 10 feet (3 meters) in length if the angle of the slope
is greater than 5.7 degrees (10%).
8.2.8
Obstacles
Always look for obstacles or road hazards (potholes, broken
surfaces, etc.). Clear your own environment (work, home)
of any obstacles. Never use objects (furniture, ramps, and
doorknobs) to push yourself out of the wheelchair.
Lean your upper body slightly forward as you move up an
obstacle. Do the reverse while moving down an obstacle. Keep
both hands on the hand rims while passing over the obstacle.
8.2.9
Curbs and Steps
Curbs and steps are extremely dangerous obstacles.
NEVER attempt to go up or down a single curb or step
without an assistant unless you are a very skilled rider
of your chair. You need to have previously learned to
safely do a wheelie in your chair and you are sure you
have the strength and balance to control your chair
during any such maneuver.
ALWAYS unlock and rotate anti-tippers up and out of
the way so they do not prevent you from executing this
maneuver.
NEVER attempt to climb or descend a curb or step
more than 4” high.
ALWAYS go straight up or down a curb or step. NEVER
climb or descend at an angle.
ALWAYS be aware that the impact of dropping down
from a curb or step can damage your chair or cause
components to become loose. If you perform such
maneuvers, inspect your chair more frequently.
ALWAYS Rotate and lock the anti-tippers back to ride
safely.
8.2.10
Moving with Assistance
Caregivers should read the “Caregiver” section of this manual.
SECTION 8.1.3
8.2.10.1
Climbing a curb or single step
1.
NEVER
attempt to negotiate a
curb or single step without
assistance.
2. Instruct your assistant to stand
at the rear of your wheelchair,
with the front of the wheelchair
facing the obstacle.
3.
NEVER
attempt to negotiate any such obstacle backward.
