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The economic service life of a wheelchair is dependent upon several factors, and the Critical
Component Replacement Schedule included with this manual, suggests a Framework for
management of this type of service plan.
The service life of a wheelchair is dependant upon frequency of use, environment and occupant
characteristics as indicated in previous examples.
Preventive maintenance and repair to parts which become worn out by normal usage will ensure
that the service life of the wheelchair is economically and safely extended over several years.
It is not uncommon for heavy or active users to require a replacement chair after 18 months hard
use. The level of activity which such a chair has undergone may mean that recycling is not a viable
or safe option.
During the lifetime of the chair, service and repair may take the form of a major parts replacement
process, which involves a total rebuild and repainting.
This work should be carried out in
accordance with the recommendations of this manual and the original factory built product
performance specification.
R Healthcare encourages the use of computer data as a means of improving the effectiveness of
wheelchair service providers in keeping a track of wheelchairs and the users.
Comprehensive records of the service history of the wheelchair together with occupant information
will allow more accurate planning of the economic service life.
Recycle or Replace
When deciding whether to recycle or replace with new, consideration should be given to the usage
history of the chair. In the event of historical usage information not being available, or upon
reaching the maximum service life of five years, wheelchairs should be replaced.
Recycling and Quality Standards
A full range of R Healthcare approved spare and accessories are available. Revised spares lists will
continue to be issued, separate to this manual as we extend and improve what is available.
Approved spare parts
Approved spare parts specifications from R Healthcare incorporate continuous improvement and
best practice developments were possible.
When R Healthcare Manufactured spare parts are fitted to R Healthcare chairs, R Healthcare fully
support their function, quality, workmanship and reliability.
The fitting of third party (industry standard) spare parts should be authorised by qualified
rehabilitation engineer and fitted to an authorised procedure. R Healthcare have no control on
spares manufactured by outside organisations, and therefore cannot support the quality and
reliability of third party spares.
We have made reference to functional checks on wheelchairs, which in a service workshop
situation, are more practical than complex measurements which demand calibrated inspection
equipment and detailed part drawings. Service departments and maintenance workshops carrying
out repairs, adaptations and routine checks on wheelchairs, as outlined in this manual, are
expected to have all the facilities required and a quality system in line with ISO 9000 2008.
R Healthcare Technical Information Manual - Dash
Page 14
March 2007 Revision B
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