V I . | G E N E R A L W A R N I N G S |
|
|
Q.OBSTACLES
Obstacles you may have to overcome in daily use include door thresholds, lifts, ramps and hazards such as potholes and broken pavement.These can damage your chair and may cause a fall,
1.Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a small change in height may stop a caster wheel and cause your chair to tip). You may need to:
•Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
•Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2.Keep your eyes moving when you ride; scan the area well ahead of your chair.
3.Make sure the floor areas where you use this chair are level and free of obstacles.
4.To help correct your center of balance:
•Lean your upper body forward slightly as you go up over an obstacle.
•Press your upper body backward as you go down from a higher to a lower level.
R. DRIVING IN REVERSE
Use extra care when you drive your chair in reverse.You may lose control or fall if one of the rear wheels hits an object.
1.Operate your chair slowly and at an even speed.
2.Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear of obstacles.
S.RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
The center of balance of your chair changes when you are on a slope.
Note: “Slope” includes a ramp or sidehill.Your chair is less stable when it is at an angle. Never use this chair on a slope unless you are sure it is safe.
When in doubt, have someone help you.
Beware Of:
1.Steep slopes. Do Not use this chair on a slope steeper than 10%. (A 10% slope means: One foot in elevation for every ten feet of slope length).
2.Wet or slippery surfaces (such as when ice, snow, water or oil film is present).A loss of traction may cause a fall or
3.A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may cause a fall or
4.A
V I . | G E N E R A L W A R N I N G S |
|
|
T.TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL,TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF
CONTROL:
1.Never use your chair on a slope unless you are sure you can do so without los-
ing traction.
2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can.
• Do not “cut the corner” on a slope or ramp.
•Do not turn or change direction on a slope.
3.Always stay in the center of the ramp. Make sure ramp is wide enough that you are not at risk that a wheel may roll off the side.
4.Lean or press your body uphill.This will help adjust for a change in the center of balance caused by the slope. (Figure 1)
5.Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed. Keep control over the chair at all times.
•On a descent, do not let your chair accelerate beyond its normal speed.
•If the chair picks up speed, center the joystick to slow down or stop.
Note: The solid state controller of your chair has a logic system that will help control
your speed when driving on a slope or uphill.
• If you stop,
U.RAMPS AT HOME & WORK
Make sure ramps meet all Building Codes for your area.
1.For your safety, have a licensed contractor build or remodel ramp to meet all standards.
2.Note: The proper design will vary, depending on such things as: the length and height of the ramp; the need for an intermediate platform; landing size; doors and the direction of swing; and whether the ramp includes a turn or angle.
At A Minimum:
1.Open sides of ramp must have side rails to prevent your chair from going over the edge.
2.Slope must not be steeper than one inch in height for every one foot of slope length.
3.Ramp surface must be even, and have a
4.You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to avoid a lip or
5.Ramp must be sturdy. Add bracing if needed, so ramp does not “bow” when you ride on it.
930484 Rev. A | 18 | 19 | 930484 Rev. A |