4.
To prevent injury to your back, use good posture and proper body
mechanics. When you lift or support the rider or tilt the chair, bend
your knees slightly and keep your back as upright and straight as you
can.
5.
Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.
6.
When you descend a curb or single step, slowly lower the chair in
one easy movement. Do not let the chair drop the last few inches to
the ground. This may damage the chair or injure the rider.
7.
To avoid tripping, unlock and rotate anti-tip tubes up, out of the way.
8.
Whenever you aren’t attending the wheelchair, ALWAYS use the
wheel-lock to secure the rear wheels, and lock the anti-tip tubes in
place.
If you fail to ask for help when in doubt, you run a high risk of a fall, tip-
over or loss of control that may occur and cause severe injury to the rider
or others.
M. WHEN YOU NEED HELP
WARNING
For The Rider:
Make sure that each person who helps you reads and fol-
lows all warnings and instructions that apply.
For Attendants:
1.
Work with the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe meth-
ods best suited to your abilities and those of the rider.
2.
Tell the rider what you plan to do, and explain what you expect the
rider to do. This will put the rider at ease and reduce the risk of an
accident.
3.
Make sure the chair has push handles. They provide secure points for
you to hold the rear of the chair to prevent a fall or tip-over. Check
to make sure push handle grips will not rotate or slip off.
VI. SAFETY WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
E NG LI S H
7
930360 Rev. F
A. CENTER OF BALANCE
WARNING
The point where this chair will tip forward, back or to the side depends on
its center of balance and stability. How your chair is set up, the options you
select and the changes you make may affect the risk of a fall or tip-over.
1.
The Most Important Adjustment Is:
The position of the rear wheels. The more you move the rear
wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.
2.
The Center Of Balance Is Also Affected By:
a.
A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• The distance between the rear wheels.
• The amount of rear wheel camber.
• The seat height and seat angle.
• Backrest angle.
b.
A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c.
Riding your chair on a ramp or slope.
d.
A back pack or other options and the amount of added weight.
3.
To Reduce The Risk Of An Accident:
a.
Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle
and caster position is best for you.
b.
Consult your authorized supplier BEFORE you modify or adjust
this chair. Be aware that you may need to make other changes
to correct the center of balance.
c.
Have someone help you until you know the balance points of
your chair and how to avoid a tip-over.
d.
Use anti-tip tubes.
If you fail to heed these warnings, you are at a high risk of a fall, tip-over or
loss of control that could cause severe injury to the rider or others.
B. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
WARNING
Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this
chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
1.
Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
This makes the chair more stable.
2.
Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have anti-tip
tubes, back it up against a wall and lock both rear wheels).
If you fail to heed this warning, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss
of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
C. OBSTACLES
WARNING
Riding over curbs or obstacles can cause tipping and serious bodily harm.
If you have any doubt that you can safely cross any curb or obstacle,
ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP. Be aware of your riding skills and personal limi-
tations. Develop new skills only with the help of a companion.
To avoid the risk of traversing obstacles:
1.
Keep a lookout for danger – scan the area well ahead of your chair
as you ride.
2.
Make sure the floor areas where you live and work are level and free
of obstructions.
3.
Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
4.
Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop
off at the bottom of the ramp.
5.
To Help Correct Your Center Of Balance:
a.
Lean your upper body FORWARD slightly as you go UP over an
obstacle.
b.
Press your upper body BACKWARD as you go DOWN from a
higher to a lower level.
6.
If your chair has anti-tip tubes, do not go over an obstacle without
help.
7.
Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obsta-
cle.
8.
Never push or pull on an object (such as furniture or a doorjamb)
to propel your chair.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
D. FRONT CASTER LIFT
WARNING
Front caster lift can occur when the front wheels, ordinarily in contact with
the ground, are either intentionally, or unintentionally caused to lift from
the ground while the rear wheels remain in contact. Pitch control (partial
or full) should NEVER be attempted without consulting your healthcare
advisor and making sure that anti-tips are installed.
If you fail to heed this warning, you are at a high risk of damage to your
chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control that may occur and cause severe
injury to the rider or others.
V. GENERAL WARNINGS
