Related Manuals for Drive FLEXI-SEAT
Summary of Contents for Drive FLEXI-SEAT
- Page 1 FLEXI-SEAT SEATING SYSTEM USER’S MANUAL ALL USER’S OF THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS DOCUMENT AND ITS CONTENT CLASS 1 DEVICE ISSUE 1...
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Page 2: Specification Of Seating System
Specification of the Seating System supplied. • Specified below are the details of the equipment supplied. • the list each item ticked is a part of your Seating System and opposite each item is the reference of the relevant section in this user documentation for that item. Seating System Reference No. Date Issued: / / Seating System Type Weight of Seating System Kg User Manual Reference Tick if Item No. of Items Supplied Page Section supplied Flexi Seat Pommel Abductor Pads Fixed - Lat Supp. Full Hip guides Adj - Armrests Adj - Headrest Adj - Footrest Specify any other features; Maximum Client Weight Limit for Seating System... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Index CONTENTS PAGE Specification of Seating System Index Introduction Clinical Review Stability of Wheelchair and Seating Systems Recommendations on Transport 6 - 9 User’s Guide “Fitting the Flexi Seat to the wheelchair” 1.1 Locating the Flexi Seat Frame 10 1.2 Flexi Seat Support Pads 11 1.3 Electric Wheelchair Use 11 1.4 Maintaining the Wheelchair 11 User’s Guide “Lifting and Handling the Client”... -
Page 4: Introduction
FLEXI SEAT MODULAR SEATING SYSTEM (Class 1 Device) Introduction • Flexi Seat Seating System is a Modular Seating System intended for use with Standard Wheelchairs. The Flexi Seat has adjustment on all the primary seating features to keep pace with growth and changes in postural needs. • maintenance and safety instructions described in this manual should be adhered to. By following these instructions you will be ensuring correct use of the Flexi Seat. • assessment as to the level of support required by a client will normally be done through a Special Seating Clinic organised by your Wheelchair Service. • Each system is manufactured for use with a particular wheelchair(s). To make sure using the Flexi Seat does not render the wheelchair unsuitable, the Flexi Seat and wheelchair should be tested for stability with the client seated in the equipment (for more details regarding stability of wheelchair and seating systems, see page 5). • with most Seating Systems it is advisable to monitor a client’s initial use of the Flexi Seat in the early stages of its use. It is recommended that the time a client sits in the system is controlled, this will vary due to circumstances, but where possible periods of sitting in the system should not exceed more than 3 hours at any one time. • Removing the client from the system is advised after such a period to offer a change of posture. By doing this you will improve a clients tolerance to sitting in the Flexi Seat on a daily basis. • is also important to read the ‘Wheelchair User Manual’ with regard to general use, transportation use and maintenance. Basic Components Headrest of the Flexi Seat Abduction... -
Page 5: Clinical Review
Clinical Review • To ensure the Flexi Seat continues to meet the clinical requirements of the client, it is recommended that the system is reviewed by the Special Seating Clinic at least once a year. • This may be done automatically by your District Wheelchair Service. • a client has had a Flexi Seat over 12 months it is recommended that you contact the District Wheelchair Services for a review. This will ensure that the Flexi Seat is maintaining the clinical needs of the client. -
Page 6: Stability Of Wheelchair And Seating Systems
Stability of Wheelchair and Seating Systems • To ensure that the Flexi Seat and wheelchair are safe to use, it is important that fitting the Flexi Seat to the wheelchair does not make the wheelchair unstable during normal daily use. Each Flexi Seat when handed over to the user will be tested for stability to the relevant angle of stability for the chair to be tested. • recommended maximum angle of tilt is 12 degrees for attendant transit wheelchairs and 16 degrees for users of self propelling wheelchairs and 16 degrees for users of electric indoor and outdoor electric wheelchairs. • the client is going to use additional items mounted to the wheelchair or seating system such as communications aids etc., then it is essential that the test be done with these in situ to access their impact 16° on the safety of the wheelchair. Similarly, simple items such as trays need to be in place for the test to take into account all the equipment to be used by the client (see diagram opposite). • stability test is always done with the client seated in the seating system and all equipment to be used by the client on a 12° daily basis when in the wheelchair in situ. The combined client Seating System and wheelchair assembly is tested to the specified maximum angle of tilt. • Once the test has been successfully completed a Stability Certificate will be issued by Specialised Orthotic Services Limited. A copy of this certificate will be handed over when the equipment is supplied and should be kept with the user manual for future reference. -
Page 7: Recommendations On Transport
Recommendations for the Transportation of SOS Seating Systems The following information is intended to give guidance with regard to the use of SOS Seating Systems by wheelchair users and carers during transportation. • Specialised Orthotic Services Ltd have carried out extensive investigations into the suitability of our Special Seating Systems for transportation use and has established clear guidelines for users. • Following these investigations the following user information is intended to give guidance to users of SOS Seating Systems regarding the use of the equipment during... - Page 8 General Safety Guidelines for Wheelchair User Transportation • Wheelchair users should transfer to vehicle seats whenever possible. • Wheelchair users should not travel with the wheelchair at an angle or facing sideways to the direction of travel. • There should be sufficient free space around the wheelchair and user to avoid the user making contact with other vehicle occupants, unpadded parts of the vehicle, wheelchair accessories or W.T.O.R.S. anchor points. • Wheelchairs should have the parking brakes applied and their power units switched off during vehicle movement. Powered wheelchairs should not be left in free wheel mode. • Wheelchairs should not block gangways and exits for other passengers in the vehicle. • headrest should be provided for a wheelchair user when travelling in a vehicle where other seated passengers have headrests. • not place / hang any additional items onto the wheelchair during transportation such as shopping bags and holdalls. • Trays should be removed for transportation whenever possible. If it is necessary for a tray to be used on transportation, then a risk assessment should be done. Wheelchair Tie Down and Occupant Restraint System (W.T.O.R.S.) •...
- Page 9 Use of Seating System in a Wheelchair for Transportation To make sure that the seating system and wheelchair are used effectively and safely for transportation use, the following recommendations are provided for: The Seating System - Wheelchair Interface • The Wheelchair Tie down System • The Occupant Restraint System • 1. WHEELCHAIR TIE DOWN SYSTEM •...
- Page 10 Stowage of the Seating System and Wheelchair • During use of your Special Seating System it may be necessary for you to remove the Seating System and stow this along with the wheelchair in a vehicle. • is important to realise that these items pose a risk if not adequately restrained whilst in transit. • is not adequate to simply place the items into a car boot or the floor of an open vehicle such as an MPV or estate car as in a collision these unsecured items could cause serious injury to occupants of the vehicle. • Various retention methods are available to secure such equipment during transit, and once again the list of Wheelchair Restraint System Manufacturers in this booklet will be happy to advise on this matter (see below). W.T.O.R.S MANUFACTURERS Below are details of some Wheelchair Tie down and Occupant Restraint Systems manufacturers. UNWIN SAFETY Unwin House TEL: 01935 827740 SYSTEMS...
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Page 11: Locating The Flexi Seat Frame
USER GUIDE 1.0 THE SEATING SYSTEM WHEELCHAIR INTERFACE • Flexi Seat will have been configured to suit the wheelchair specified at the assessment. The method of interfacing the seat will vary depending on the type of wheelchair the seating system is interfaced to. • standard Flexi Seat consists of a backrest and cushion assembled into a 1 piece system. To attach the Flexi Seat to the appropriate wheelchair, please follow the instructions. 1.1. LOCATING THE ‘FLEXI SEAT’ SEAT FRAME QUICK RELEASE (Quick-Loc) INTERFACE METHOD • Whilst holding the Flexi Seat, place this into the wheelchair making sure that the front of the interface frame locates into stops as shown (Fig.1.1a). • Lower the back of the seat into the wheelchair until the interface locates into the rear catches as shown and it clicks into position (Fig.1.1b). • Secure the Seat Retention Straps around the back of the wheelchair frame (if fitted). -
Page 12: Flexi Seat Support Pads
1.2. FLEXI SEAT SUPPORT PADS • the support pads fitted to the Flexi Seat are attached by Velcro. The pads have fitted covers and these can be removed by simply unzipping the cover. 1.3. ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRS • When fitting the Flexi Seat to an electric wheelchair, the fitting procedures are the same as in 1.1. • However it is also necessary to make sure that any electric cables etc., are not trapped or jammed by the Flexi Seat during placement into an electric wheelchair. 1.4. MAINTAINING THE WHEELCHAIRS • is important that the wheelchair manufacturers guidelines for maintenance are carried out. • Under inflated tyres or faulty brakes etc. can render a wheelchair dangerous if used with such faults. • new wheelchairs are supplied with a copy of the manufacturers user instructions. • should have a copy of the Wheelchair Manufacturers User Information. • you do not have a copy, contact your Wheelchair Service to obtain a copy. Always maintain your wheelchair as per manufacturers instructions. - Page 13 USER GUIDE 2.0 2.1. LIFTING & HANDLING THE CLIENT IN & OUT OF THE FLEXI SEAT SYSTEM • Most users of Flexi Seat will need to be hoisted into the equipment. Manually lifting the client is not recommended, however with some clients it may not be possible to hoist them safely by conventional means and in instances such as this you are recommended to carry out a ‘RISK ASSESSMENT’ to assess the risks involved in any such action. • is important that all carers are aware of the Health & Safety guidelines for ‘Lifting and Handling’. • Before lifting the client make sure all straps are placed out of the Flexi Seat. This will avoid the straps becoming trapped under the client when seated. • using the hoist, make sure that you follow the hoist manufacturers When instructions regarding correct use. • lowering the client into the Flexi Seat make sure that the client’s hips / pelvis are located as far back as possible into the seat.
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Page 14: Client Straps, Harnesses
2.2. CLIENT STRAPS / HARNESSES • Secure all straps / harness supplied. Straps and harness must be tightened to work correctly. • is dangerous to have straps too loose or ‘X’ not in place on the client. • the Flexi Seat has been fitted with a ‘Butterfly X Harness’, it is important that it is correctly adjusted to maintain safe clearance at the top of the harness as illustrated in the diagram opposite at ‘X’. Keep bottom straps of harness tight. 2.3. FOOTREST ADJUSTMENT • is recommended that feet be supported on the foot supports provided to ensure that the client is seated with optimum comfort. • Leaving the clients feet unsupported is not recommended as this can lead to great discomfort and abnormal pressure being generated at the pelvis and other weight bearing areas. • is therefore essential that the footrests of the wheelchair be adjusted correctly (see Wheelchair User Manual for details). -
Page 15: Adjustment Location Points
USER GUIDE 3.0 ADJUSTMENTS OF THE FLEXI SEAT SYSTEM 3.1 ADJUSTMENT LOCATION POINTS Headrest Height Lat Pad Width/Height Backrest Backrest Height Height Hip Width Fig.3.1a ~ View on rear of seat Knee Width Lat Pad Release Footbox Depth Armrest Depth Seat Seat Armrest Width... -
Page 16: Adjusting The Backrest Height & Angle
3.2. BACKREST HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT • Height: Undo the grub screw on the rear upright and repeat for other side (Fig.3.2a), raise or lower the backrest to the required height and re-tighten the two grub screws (Fig.3.2a). • Angle: Undo the screw on the upright joint (Fig.3.2b), but DO NOT remove, repeat for other side. Adjust the backrest to the required angle and re-tighten the two screws (Fig.3.2b). • the back cushion is tight this can be manually pushed/pulled to the desired position. Fig.3.2a Fig.3.2b 3.3. BASE LENGTH ADJUSTMENT • Undo the grub screw in the lower legs and repeat for other side (Fig.3.3a), extend or retract the base to the required length and re-tighten the two grub screws (Fig.3.3a). • the base cushion is tight then squeeze the rear of the base cushion so that it clears the back cushion. Fig.3.3a... -
Page 17: Adjusting The Lateral Pad Height/Width
3.4. HIP/KNEE WIDTH ADJUSTMENT • Hip Pads: Undo the two nuts on each hip pad (Fig.3.4a), slide the hip pad to the desired position and re-tighten the nuts. • Abduction Pads: Undo the two screws on each abduction pad bracket (Fig.3.4b), but DO NOT remove. Slide the abduction pad to the desired position and re-tighten the screws. Fig.3.4a Fig.3.4b 3.5. LAT PAD HEIGHT & WIDTH ADJUSTMENT • lateral pads will automatically raise/lower with the backrest but can also be further adjusted on there own. • Undo the knob (Fig.3.5a), raise/lower the lateral pad or slide the lateral pad in/out to the required position and re-tighten the knob (Fig.3.5a), repeat for other side. • swing the lateral pads out of the way for access, press the button (Fig.3.5b), swing the lateral pad to the side and release the button. To fix back in place just swing the lateral pad back towards the client until it to clicks into place. Fig.3.5a Fig.3.5b... -
Page 18: Cleaning The Flexi Seat
USER GUIDE 4.0 MAINTENANCE OF THE FLEXI SEAT SYSTEM To make sure that the Flexi Seat remains satisfactory it is necessary to carry out simple maintenance. 4.1. CLEANING THE FLEXI SEAT SYSTEM • During use the Flexi Seat will require cleaning. This can be done by simply applying a warm damp cloth with a mild detergent to the inside surface of the seat to remove any soiling and towel dry. Note: The covers/pads MUST be removed prior to any cleaning of the seat. • the Flexi Seat remains slightly damp simply leave for a short period at room temperature to dry. • inner Foam pads on the Flexi Seat are made from an open cell foam, which will absorb water. DO NOT get these excessively wet as the foam will be a problem to dry. • cushion foam is sealed in a special water proof clear plastic protective skin which although waterproof is air permeable to assist daily management. Under no circumstances is the clear protective skin to be removed as the foam will have no protection against contamination and will need to be replaced. If the plastic skin becomes seriously damaged contact SOS immediately. To clean the cushion pad, simply wipe down with mild detergent and a damp cloth and towel dry and leave at room temperature to dry thoroughly. Under no circumstances use excessive heat to try to dry the foam as this could damage the protective skin. • NOT PUT THE FLEXI SEAT NEXT TO A HOT FIRE OR USE EXCESSIVE HEAT TO DRY AS EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD AFFECT THE COMPONENTS OF THE SEAT. -
Page 19: Cleaning The Flexi Seat Covers
4.2. REMOVABLE COVERS • cleaning of removable covers please refer to wash label on the inside of the padded cover. • remove the covers simply remove the pads from the Flexi Seat and unzip the cover on each pad. • NOT REMOVE THE FOAM FROM THE WATERPROOF LINER OR TRY TO WASH IT AS THIS FOAM WILL ABSORB WATER AND WILL BE A PROBLEM TO DRY OUT. • DEVIATIONS FROM THE ABOVE MAY AFFECT THE FIRE RETARDANCY OF THE COVER(S). -
Page 20: Adjustable Headrest
USER GUIDE 5.0 OPTIONAL FEATURES .1. ADJUSTABLE HEADREST • the Flexi Seat has been fitted with an adjustable headrest, the headrest will have been adjusted when the Flexi Seat was originally supplied. • any adjustments need to be carried out this can be done by releasing the locking knobs and adjusted for height (Fig.5.1a) and depth (Fig.5.1b), re-tighten locking knobs when finished. • PLEASE NOTE THAT SOS RECOMMEND THE HEADREST IS USED AT ALL TIMES WHENEVER THE CLIENT IS BEING TRANSPORTED IN THEIR WHEELCHAIR AND SEATING SYSTEM. Fig.5.1a Fig.5.1b... -
Page 21: Adjustable Footrest
5.2. ADJUSTABLE FOOTREST • the Flexi Seat has an adjustable footrest, it is important that the feet are well supported (Fig.5.2a) and the footrest positioned correctly. The footrest will have been correctly adjusted when the equipment was handed over in clinic as opposite. • footrest is adjustable for height (Fig.5.2b), reach (Fig.5.2c) and angle (Fig.5.2d). • the Flexi Seat has been set up for use with the standard wheelchair footrests, then these will be adjusted correctly when the equipment is handed over in clinic. Adjustments can easily be done Fig.5.2a to the footrests if necessary (see the wheelchair manufacturers user information for more details). • the Flexi Seat has been set up to use an integral footrest (Fig.5.2a), then the wheelchair footrests are not to be used. Fig.5.2b Fig.5.2c Fig.5.2d... -
Page 22: Adjustable Armrests
5.3. ADJUSTABLE ARMRESTS • the Flexi Seat has adjustable armrests, they are adjustable for height (Fig.5.3a), depth (Fig.5.3b) and width (Fig.5.3d), this can be carried out this can be done by releasing the locking knobs and adjusting them to the required position and re- tightening the locking knobs when finished. • the Flexi Seat has been set up to use an integral armrest (Fig.5.3a), then the wheelchair armrests are not to be used. Fig.5.3a Fig.5.3b Fig.5.3c... -
Page 23: If You Detect A Fault Or Breakage
IF YOU DETECT A FAULT OR BREAKAGE IF YOU DETECT A FAULT OR BREAKAGE OF THE EQUIPMENT THEN REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE ANY MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS TO BE DONE BY ANYONE OTHER THAN SPECIALISED ORTHOTIC SERVICES LTD (see contact details enclosed). - Page 24 If you require further copies of this handout or require further details relating to any of its content, then please contact us (Copyright applies): Units 127/128, Fauld Industrial Park, Tutbury, Staffordshire. DE13 9HS Tel: 0044 (0)1283 520400 Fax: 0044 (0)1283 520401 E-mail: enquiries@specialorthotic.com Web: www.specialisedorthoticservices.co.uk...
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