
- 14 -
2.0
2.0
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION
DANGER! Risk of Damage, Serious Injury or Death if the wheelchair is operated when judgement
or ability is impaired
• NEVER operate your wheelchair under the influence of medication or alcohol or other substances
that impair judgement.
• Changing medications may affect your ability to operate the wheelchair. Discuss the ability to operate
the wheelchair with a healthcare professional when changing medications.
• DO NOT operate the wheelchair under conditions where judgement or function may be impaired.
This may include, but is not limited to lack of sleep or poor vision.
DANGER! Driving the wheelchair outdoors or in areas of poor lighting may result in damage,
serious injury, or death.
• DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
• Use caution when operating the wheelchair outdoors at night or in areas with poor lighting.
WARNING! Risk of Damage or Serious Injury
Loss of traction or stability on rough or unstable terrain may cause damage or serious injury
• ALWAYS ensure the wheelchair is on a smooth level surface when driving or operating the system
in a tilted or elevated or standing position (even at reduced speed).
• DO NOT operate the wheelchair on rough or unstable terrain. This would include, but is not limited to
areas of rock, gravel, sand, mulch, mud, uneven pavement, roots and similar conditions.
• ALWAYS be aware of surroundings & conditions that might affect the ability to operate the wheelchair.
WARNING! Risk of Damage, Serious Injury or Death
Improper wheelchair operation may cause a loss of traction which can result in damage, serious
injury or death
• Travelling at high speeds reduces traction and increases stopping distance.
• DO NOT make sudden direction changes at high speed. Allow the wheelchair to come to a full stop
before changing direction.
• ALWAYS shift your weight in the direction you are turning. Shifting your body weight in the opposite di-
rection of the turn may cause the inside drive wheel to lose traction.
WARNING! Risk of Damage or Serious Injury when travelling over curbs or on inclines
• When approaching a curb or incline, return the seating system to a stable, seated/upright driving
position, and ALWAYS drive your power wheelchair straight up the curb or incline (not on an angle).
This greatly reduces the possibility of tipping.
• ALWAYS reduce speed and proceed with caution when negotiating a curb/incline (see also
Section
2.2: Travelling on Inclines
).
IMPORTANT!
The following section identifies several important safety warnings hat are critical to the
safe operation of your power wheelchair. Prior to operating your wheelchair, please read and understand
the warnings provided below, and be certain to read the complete safety warnings and transport
guidelines in the
Power Wheelchair Base Owners Manual
(provided separately)
DANGER! Driving the wheelchair near motor vehicles may result in damage, serious injury or death.
• ALWAYS be aware of motor vehicles when using the wheelchair.
2.3.2
WARNINGS WHEN DRIVING YOUR POWER WHEELCHAIR!
WARNING! Changes to the wheelchair drive program can adversely affect the driving characteristics
of the wheelchair and may result in serious injury or damage
• It is the Dealer/Service Provider’s responsibility to select a suitable wheelchair drive program, and to
ensure that appropriate and safe operating limits are established for the end user.
• Changes to the drive program (maximum acceleration and deceleration of the wheelchair) must only
be carried out by qualified service technicians. Unauthorized adjustments beyond safe operating
limits may cause serious injury or damage, and will compromise the limited warranty.