932208 Rev. A
V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s
19
V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s
932208 Rev. A
18
P. OBSTACLES
Obstacles you may have to overcome in daily use include door thresholds, lifts, ramps
and hazards such as potholes and broken pavement. These can damage your chair and
may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control.
1. Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a small change in height
may stop a caster wheel and cause your chair to tip). You may need to:
•Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
•Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2. Keep your eyes moving when you ride; scan the area well ahead of your chair.
3. Make sure the floor areas where you use this chair are level and free of obstacles.
Q. DRIVING IN REVERSE
Use extra care when you drive your chair in reverse. You may lose control or fall if one
of the rear wheels hits an object.
1. Operate your chair slowly and at an even speed.
2. Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear of obstacles.
R. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
The center of balance of your chair changes when you are on a slope.
Q-NOTE–
“Slope” includes a ramp or sidehill. Your chair is less stable when it is
at an angle. Never use this chair on a slope unless your are sure it is
safe. When in doubt, have someone help you.
Beware Of:
1. Steep slopes. Do Not use this chair on a slope steeper than 10%. (A 10% slope
means: One foot in elevation for every ten feet of slope length).
2. Wet or slippery surfaces (such as when ice, snow, water or oil film is present). A
loss of traction may cause a fall or tip-over.
3. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may cause a
fall or tip-over.
4. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. (A drop-off of as small as 3/4 inch (19 mm)
can stop a front caster and cause the chair to tip forward).
N. REACHING OR LEANING
Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of your chair. If done improperly, a fall
or tip-over is likely. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to extend your reach.
To Reduce the Risk of injury and/or Damage to the Chair:
1. Never reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up off the seat.
2. Never reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so. Always keep
your buttocks in contact with the backrest.
3. Never reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch yourself to prevent
a fall if you lose your balance).
4. Never try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
5. Never put pressure on the footrests while reaching.
6. Never reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may damage the backrest
and cause you to fall.
IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN; DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Remember to:
1. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This makes the
chair more stable.
Q-NOTE–
To do this: Move your chair past the object you want to reach, then
back up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.
3. Turn off all power to your chair. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick
and cause your chair to move when you do not expect it.
O. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Be aware that your weight will shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this
chair. To make the chair more stable, rotate the front casters until they are
forward
.
