Issue: 3 / 310317
Page
6
of
22
4. Wheelchair Safety
Before operating the wheelchair, you should be aware that under certain circumstances, it could
become unstable and tip over. The wheelchair has been designed to operate on paved, even
surfaces and should not be used on rough terrain.
Warning: Read this before using the wheelchair! Failure to do so may cause damage to
you, a third party or the wheelchair.
Before you set out,
do check the weather forecast. We suggest you make sure you are
wearing suitable clothing, whether your journey is long or short.
If you are taking medication, or have weakness in your hands or arms,
check with your
doctor or physician that your ability to control the wheelchair will not be impaired by
medication or infirmity.
Do not drink alcohol and use this wheelchair.
Only use the wheelchair for the purpose it is intended.
Try not to drive through water or
on slippery surfaces. Do not use the wheelchair to transport more than one person. Do not
carry excess weight on the wheelchair.
Wear gloves.
To aid the control of the wheelchair, wear gloves. Make sure they provide you
with a good grip on the hand rim and that they are in good condition.
Before getting into the wheelchair,
check that both brakes are firmly on and that the
wheelchair does not move.
Check armrests and backrest for security.
When in the wheelchair place your feet firmly on the footrests and make sure they are
secure.
Make sure the way ahead is clear
and that you are not on a steep hill.
Release the brakes and practice going forwards, backwards and turning.
4.1 Stability
To ensure that the wheelchair remains stable and is manipulated correctly, you must always maintain
good equilibrium. Many actions cause the user of a wheelchair to reach out, lean over or move about
within the wheelchair and outside it. These actions will change your centre of gravity and weight
distribution of the wheelchair. The wheelchair has been designed to remain stable for normal
everyday use if it is used correctly taking the precautions recommended in this
User Manual
.
4.2 Weight limit
The maximum user weight limit is 150kg / 24 stone for the Ultimate Healthcare chairs with seat widths
of 370mm - 580mm.
The wheelchair user's degree of activity is important. For example, a very active user weighing 75kg
may subject the wheelchair to more stress than a less active user weighing 115kg. We recommend
very active wheelchair users to choose an appropriate design of wheelchair.