6
ar
t.nr
.bruk-S3-eng, Rev
. 2016-02
Panthera
AB reserves the right to make technical changes if required
SAFETY REGULATIONS
Wheelchair skills
It is important to test your
wheelchair comprehensively and take the time required to hone
your wheelchair skills.
If you have any questions on wheelchair technique, contact the per-
son who prescribed the wheelchair or your therapist. You are also welcome to get in touch
with the team at Panthera AB.
Brakes
Your wheelchair is equipped either with brakes for each rear wheel (
high brakes
)
or a one-
hand brake
. The one-hand brake can be applied by gripping with one hand rather than
two. The brakes are designed as parking brakes and not for braking while in motion.
Please note.
In order for the brakes to function correctly, the tyres must
contain the correct
air pressure
.
See Technical facts.
The brakes will operate less effectively if the tyres are worn or contain insufficient air pres
-
sure. If changing to a different type of tyre, always check the brakes as dimensions may
vary.
If you have a high brake, be careful that your fingers do not make contact with the brake
when driving with the rear wheel. When transferring sideways in and out of your Panthera,
make sure you can lift yourself over the brake so that you do not sit on or get caught on it.
If you use the one-hand brake and can stand up, be careful not to open the brake by acci-
dent with the back of your legs.
Driving
Before using your wheelchair outdoors, spend plenty of time honing your driving technique
in a secure indoor environment with a flat surface.
Always use the anti-tip devices or ensure someone is behind you as you practise. Do not
attempt to drive outdoors until you feel completely confident in your wheelchair.
Watch out for obstacles such as doorsteps and gutters in which the small castors could
become jammed, causing the user to
fall forwards
.
If the distance between the lowest point of the footrest and the surface is small (less
than 40 mm) the footrest could get caught on bumps in the surface and cause you to
fall
forwards
.
If you drive down a curb with the anti-tip devices folded out, they may become jammed
and cause you to
fall forwards
. If you feel unsafe, fold away the anti-tip devices and ask
for help. The wheelchair can also be fitted with push handles which enable the user to be
driven by an assistant.
Shopping or groceries can be hung on the backrest in a bag or rucksack, but you must be
fully aware that
this substantially increases the risk of the wheelchair tipping backwards
. In
this case, the anti-tip devices must be folded out.