Safety Tips - Otto Bock Avantgarde T Instructions For Use Manual

8 Safety Tips

To avoid potentially dangerous situations such as tipping, you should become familiar with your
new wheelchair on level ground first. If possible, make use of the experience of other active
wheelchair users.
Do not use the footplate as a step when getting into or out of your wheelchair. This
component is designed to flip up and swing away.
Get to know how the wheelchair reacts when the center of gravity is shifted; for
example on slopes or inclines or when clearing obstacles, like steps and curbs.
This should be carried out only with assistance from another person. Using the
anti-tipper is strongly recommended for untrained wheelchair users and children,
and also in the case of extreme rear wheel adjustments.
The anti-tipper is a component that has been designed to prevent the wheelchair
from tipping over backwards. The anti-tipper should never be used as a support
for the wheelchair with the rear wheels removed.
The wheelchair might tip on even ground if extreme adjustments have been made
(e.g. rear wheels have been fitted in their most forward position) and if the body
has not been appropriately positioned!
Ensure the footplate is correctly locked into the receiver (with single-panel
footrest).
When ascending inclined slopes, ensure the upper body is lent forwards.
When reaching for objects in front, to the side or behind the wheelchair, be sure
you do not lean out of the wheelchair too far since the shift in the center of gravity
might cause the chair to tilt or tip over.
Use your wheelchair appropriately. For instance, do not "jump" the chair down
from higher surfaces and do not drive against obstacles (including steps, curbs)
without braking.
Stairs should be ascended/descended only with assistance from an attendant.
If devices such as ramps or elevators are available, they should be used. If such
devices are missing, two attendants must carry the wheelchair over the obstacle.
If only one helper is available, this person should adjust the anti-tipper (if mounted)
in such a way that the anti-tipper does not contact the steps during transport.
This will help avoid a potential fall. Afterwards, the anti-tipper should be correctly
readjusted.
Ensure the attendants lift your wheelchair only by components which are firmly
attached (for example not at the footrest or the flip-up side panels).