Safety Precautions/Safe Operation - Invacare Mirage User Manual

2.4

Safety Precautions/Safe Operation

IMPORTANT WARNING
• The day-to-day activities and the more advanced Powerchair techniques depend, on your
physical capabilities and your own specific circumstances. Our recommendations may occa-
sionally differ from those of your Therapeutic Adviser or Physician, as they have a better
understanding of your abilities. Where this is the case, you MUST FOLLOW THEIR advice,
they are better placed to tell you what is suitable for you and what is not.
• DO NOT use your Powerchair when your driving ability is impaired by medication or alcohol.
CAUTION
• Avoid using your powerchair on rough ground or in adverse weather conditions (snow or ice),
always steer clear of obstacles where possible, ensure your clothing and hands are kept clear
of all moving parts, ask for assistance when descending or ascending steep gradients. Never
attempt to negotiate stairs. Never use an escalator to move a powerchair between floors. Due
to both the weight of a powerchair and its occupant it is not advisable to attempt to be assisted
up and down stairs whilst the powerchair is occupied.
If you are a user with limited mobility we advise that in the case of adverse weather conditions
•
i.e. extreme cold, DO NOT attempt a journey without an accompanying attendant. In the event
of a power failure you could become stranded in an isolated area, where there is the strong
possibility you will be unable to get immediate assistance.
• Braking of your powerchair is dependent on electromagnetic motor brakes. When these are
disengaged by declutching the motor gear box drive system, the chair is in freewheel mode,
this mode is for emergency use only and motor gear boxes should remain engaged at all other
times.
• To avoid the powerchair free-wheeling, special care must be taken to engage motor brakes.
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