Table of Contents
Advertisement
!
WARNING
N. REACHING OR LEANING
Reaching or leaning affects the center of gravity of your
power wheelchair. If done improperly, a fall or tip-over
is likely. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to
extend your reach.
To reduce the risk of injury and/or damage:
1. NEVER reach or lean if you must shift your weight
sideways or rise up off the seat.
2. NEVER reach or lean if you must move forward in your
seat to do so. ALWAYS keep your buttocks in contact
with the backrest.
3. NEVER reach with both hands (you may not be
able to catch yourself to prevent a fall if you lose
your balance).
4. NEVER try to pick up an object from the floor by
reaching down between your knees.
5. NEVER put pressure on the footrests while reaching.
6. NEVER reach or lean over the top of the seat back.
This may damage the backrest and cause you to fall.
IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Remember to:
1. Move your wheelchair as close as you can to the
object you wish to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward
as possible. This makes the wheelchair more stable.
NOTE -
To do this: Move your power wheelchair past
the object you want to reach then back up alongside
it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.
3. Turn off all power to your wheelchair. If you leave it on,
you may touch the joystick and cause your wheelchair
to move when you do not expect it.
12
!
WARNING
O. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Be aware that your weight will shift if you dress or change
clothes while seated in the wheelchair. To make
the power wheelchair more stable, rotate the front casters
until they are forward.
!
WARNING
P. OBSTACLES
Obstacles you may have to overcome daily include door
thresholds, lifts, ramps and hazards such as potholes and
broken pavement. (See Fig.2 below). These can damage
your power wheelchair and may cause a fall, tip-over or
loss of control.
1. Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a
small change in height may stop a caster wheel and
cause your wheelchair to tip). You may need to:
• Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
• Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2. Keep your eyes moving when you move around; scan
the area well ahead of your wheelchair.
3. Make sure the floor areas where you use the
wheelchair are level and free of obstacles.
3"
3"
(7.5 cm)
(7.5 cm)
Figure 2. Never try to climb an obstacle greater
than 3" (75 mm) with 8" (205 mm) casters.
10° (17.6%)
!
WARNING
Q. DRIVING IN REVERSE
Use extra care when you operate your power wheelchair
in reverse. You may lose control or fall if one of the rear
wheels hits an object.
1. Operate your wheelchair slowly and at an even speed.
2. Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear
of obstacles.
!
WARNING
R. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
The center of gravity of your power wheelchair changes
when you are on a slope.
NOTE
- "Slope" includes a ramp or hillside. Your wheelchair
is less stable when it is at an angle. NEVER use it on a slope
unless you are sure it is safe. When in doubt, have someone
help you.
Beware of:
1. Steep slopes. DO NOT use this power wheelchair on
a slope steeper than 10° (17.6%). See Fig.3 below.
2. Wet or slippery surfaces (ice, snow, water or oil film).
A loss of traction may cause a fall or tip-over.
3. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or
depression). These may cause a fall or tip-over.
4. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. (A drop-off of as
small as 0.75" (20 mm) can stop a front caster and
cause the wheelchair to tip forward).
10° (17.6%)
10° (17.6%)
Figure 3. Do not use power wheelchair on
slope steeper than 10°.
&
!
WARNING
S. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL,
TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF CONTROL:
1. NEVER use your power wheelchair 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. (See Fig.4).
• 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. Keep your power wheelchair moving at a slow,
steady speed. Keep control at all times.
• On a descent, DO NOT let your power wheelchair
accelerate beyond its normal speed.
• If the power wheelchair picks up speed, center the
joystick to slow down or stop.
NOTE
- The solid state power module has a logic
system that will help control your speed when
driving on a slope or uphill.
• Should you be required to stop on a slope,
please re-start slowly.
10° (17.6%)
Figure 4. Do not turn on a slope.
13
Advertisement
Table of Contents
