Hills/Slopes/Ramps; Stairs; Escalators - TiLite Rigid TR Series Owner's Manual

I. HILLS/SLOPES/RAMPS
WARNING
The center of balance of your chair is affected by the slope of the surface over which you are
riding. Because your center of balance will be affected, your chair will be less stable when it is at
an angle. This is especially true when riding on a slope sideways. Furthermore, do not assume
anti-tippers will prevent a fall or tip-over under these conditions. The following rules may help to
avoid a fall or tip-over:
1. ALWAYS go up or down a slope, hill or ramp as straight as possible. If you try to cut the corner,
you will be traversing the slope, hill or ramp sideways to the slope and your risk of tipping over
sideways will increase.
2. NEVER use your chair on a slope greater than 10%—a slope with an elevation greater than one
foot in height for every ten feet in length.
3. NEVER stop on a steep slope. If you stop on a steep slope, you may not be able to maintain
control of the chair.
4. NEVER use rear wheel locks as a brake to slow or stop your chair. Wheel locks are NOT brakes.
Doing so will most likely cause the chair to veer out of control.
5. NEVER try to turn around or change direction when going up or down a slope.
6. ALWAYS stay in the CENTER of a ramp.
7. NEVER start up or down a ramp unless you are certain the ramp is wide enough for its entire
length so your wheels will not fall off the edge.
8. In order to control your speed, ALWAYS keep pressure with your hands on the handrims when
going down a hill, slope or ramp. If you go too fast, you may lose control of your chair.
9. ALWAYS lean or press your body in the UPHILL direction. This will help shift your weight to
counteract the change in the center of balance caused by the hill, slope or ramp.
10. ALWAYS ask for assistance if you have any concerns at all about your ability to maintain safe
control of your chair on a hill, slope or ramp.
11. ALWAYS be alert for wet or slippery conditions or surfaces, any changes in the grade of the
slope (such as a lip, bump or depression), and any drop-off or lip at the bottom of a slope. For
example, even a 3/4 inch lip at the bottom of a ramp can cause the front casters to stop and
cause the chair to tip forward.
12. Ramps at your home and work must meet all legal requirements for your area, including building
codes. If you are having a ramp installed at your home or work, ALWAYS make sure it complies
with local legal requirements.
If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose control of the wheelchair and seriously
injure yourself or others or damage the wheelchair.
J. STAIRS
WARNING
NEVER use your wheelchair on stairs without the assistance of at least two (2) able-bodied
assistants or attendants and ONLY AFTER such assistants or attendants have read and
understand the Warnings "Climbing a Flight of Stairs" and "Descending a Flight of Stairs" on
pages 6-7.
If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose control of the wheelchair and seriously
injure yourself or others or damage the wheelchair.
K. ESCALATORS
WARNING
NEVER use your wheelchair on an escalator, not even with an assistant or attendant.
If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose control of the wheelchair and seriously
injure yourself or others or damage the wheelchair.
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TiLite ® OM000007 - Rev. B