930482 Rev. A
V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s
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U. RAMPS AT HOME & WORK
Make sure ramps meet all Building Codes for your area.
1. For your safety, have a licensed contractor build or remodel ramp to meet
all standards.
2.
NOTE–
The proper design will vary, depending on such things as: the length and
height of the ramp; the need for an intermediate platform; landing size; doors
and the direction of swing; and whether the ramp includes a turn or angle.
At A Minimum:
1. Open sides of ramp must have side rails to prevent your chair from going
over the edge.
2. Slope must not be steeper than one inch in height for every one foot of
slope length.
3. Ramp surface must be even and have a non-skid surface.
4. You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to avoid a lip or drop-off.
5. Ramp must be sturdy. Add bracing if needed, so ramp does not “bow” when you
ride on it.
V. WHEELCHAIR LIFTS
Wheelchair lifts are used in vans, buses, and buildings to help you move from
one level to another.
1. Always turn off all power to your chair when you are on a lift. If you fail to do
so, you may touch the joystick by accident and cause your chair to drive off the
platform. (Be aware that a “roll-stop” at the end of the platform may not pre-
vent this).
2. Make sure there is not a lip or drop-off at the top or bottom of the platform.
These may cause a fall or tip-over. When in doubt, have someone help you.
3. Always position the rider securely in the chair to help prevent falls while on a lift.
4. Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of the ramp. Backup,
reposition the caster for a more direct approach. Slowly try again.
V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s
930482 Rev. A
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T. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL, TIP-OVER OR
LOSS OF CONTROL
1. Never use your chair on a slope unless you are
sure you can do so without losing traction.
2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as
you can.
•Do not “cut the corner”on a slope
or ramp.
•Do not turn or change direction
on a slope.
3. Always stay in the center of the ramp. Make sure
ramp is wide enough that you are not at risk
that a wheel may roll off the side.
4. Lean or press your body uphill. This will help
adjust for a change in the center of balance
caused by the slope. (Fig. 1)
5. Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed.
Keep control over the chair at all times.
•On a descent, do not let your chair
accelerate beyond its normal speed.
•If the chair picks up speed, center the
joystick to slow down or stop.
NOTE–
The solid state controller of your chair has
a logic system that will help control your
speed when driving on a slope or uphill.
•If you stop, re-start slowly.
6. Never use rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop
your chair. This is likely to cause the chair to
veer out of control.
Fig. 1
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