Reaching For Objects; Driving On Falling, Rising Or Transverse Gradients - Meyra Ortopedia 9.050, Budget Operating Manual

Reaching for objects

Avoid an extreme forward or backward in-
clination of the upper body when picking
up or placing heavy objects. – Danger of
wheelchair tipping over, especially in the
case of narrow seat widths and high seat
heights (seat cushion)!
Driving on falling, rising or trans-
verse gradients
For safety reasons, the maximum permitted
gradient is limited because the tip-over sta-
bility and the braking and steering behav-
iour are impaired by a reduced floor/road.
☞ Observe chapter Technical data on
page 35.
For your own safety, we recommend that
you use the assistance of an accompany-
ing person for driving slopes of more than
1% tilt.
☞ This low gradient value is valid for per-
sons that are not able to effect even
the smallest centre of gravity change
by changing the position of their upper
body.
The accompanying person should be aware
that the control of the wheelchair requires
more strength on a downward slope/ hills
than on a level driving surface and that
there is an increased danger of slipping.
Never lean towards the downhill direction
when driving on rising, falling or transverse
gradients.
Avoid jerky changes of the driving condition
(especially with critically adjusted driving
parameters as for example an active wheel
position).
Never drive faster than walking speed.
There is an increased danger of tilting while
driving backwards.
While driving in curves and when turning
on inclinations and slopes there is a danger
of tilting.
The braking force transferred to the driving
surface is much less on a downward slope
than on a level driving surface and is fur-
ther reduced by poor road conditions (e.g.
rain, snow, grit, dirt). A dangerous slipping
of the wheels due to excessive braking and
an associated unwanted course deviation
must be avoided by way of a careful dosed
braking.
At the end of the downward slope, take care
that the foot plates do not make contact
with the ground and endanger you through
a sudden braking effect.
Transverse surfaces to the driving direction
(e.g. transversely sloped pavements) effect
a turning of your wheelchair in the downhill
direction. You or an accompanying person
must compensate for this drift by a coun-
ter-steering.
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