Safety - Karman Healthcare MVP 502 series Owner's Manual

2. SAFETY

2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the chair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on
the push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to force
yourself over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to
pull yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause you to
lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Navigating Inclines
Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway, walk backwards until user is on level ground. (See
Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
Avoid stopping on an incline; it can potentially cause you to lose control of the chair.
Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair; this could cause it to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of
the chair.
Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while navigating inclines.
2.4 Curbs
Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have assistance make sure that your chair is equipped with push
handles).
Avoid hard impacts when descending a curb. A hard impact could adversely affect the chair.
Never try to scale or descend curbs that exceed a normal height. (30-50cm)
Always be careful when climbing curbs and never move up or down a curb in reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium. One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair
up against the first step, gripping the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts the
wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first attendant place one foot on the following step and repeat the operation. (See
below figure)
Never go down steps forwards.
Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2.6 Streets
Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the chair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to
drivers.
Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become stuck.(See Figure 2.4)
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