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When approaching a ramp be sure of your own ability and your limitations in terms of
strength and endurance. You and your carer should first consult a qualified specialist as
to the correct techniques for ramp negotiation.
Before attempting a ramp the following basic safety rules should be considered:
1.
Surface of the ramp: Is it too slippery ?
2.
Degree of incline: Is it too steep to attempt alone ?
3.
Length of ramp: Is it too long for your endurance ?
4.
Obstacles: Are there any obstacles on the ramp that would necessitate an
attendants assistance ?
Assistance is always recommended when going up or down steep inclines.
In order to prevent loss of steering control, or the possibility of tipping over backwards,
an attendant is recommended when going up inclines greater than 10%
( 30cm elevation on a 300cm ramp).
If it becomes necessary to stop when going up an incline, special care must be taken to
avoid abrupt or sudden forward movement when you resume propelling the chair so as
to avoid forces which could tip the chair backwards.
Always keep the chair under control when going down a ramp or incline. Speed should
be controlled at all times. When using a manual chair speed can be controlled by
holding the push rims. Do not use the wheel locks to slow your descent. Attempting to
use the wheel locks could cause one to accidentally lock and induce a sudden movement
either to one side or a sudden stop. Such movement could cause the chair to tip.
Sudden directional changes should also be avoided on an incline to prevent instability.
When a chair is being attended by a carer and a kerb is encountered, care should be
taken to prevent the user being thrown forward:
1.
Go down the kerb rear wheels first, making sure that the user is square to the
kerb so that the rear wheels go down together.
2.
Go up a kerb frontward with both front wheels up together.
3.
Avoid going up multiple steps.
4.
Avoid using escalators. Use the elevator.
Note: As with all adjustable wheelchairs, operation at the extremes of adjustment
may affect handling and performance.
CAUTION: This is a finely balanced chair where limited stability
(tipping) could occur on a slope of less than 10 degrees.
Invacare Coastlite Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual – page 6. May 2003
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