I I . S A F E T Y
Figure 2. Correct Curb Approach | Figure 3. Incorrect Curb Approach |
Stairs and Escalators
Power chairs are not designed to travel up or down stairs or escalators. Always use an elevator.
WARNING! Never use your power chair to negotiate steps or escalators.
Doors
Determine if the door opens toward or away from you.
Drive your power chair gently and slowly forward to push the door open. Or drive your power chair gently and slowly backward to pull the door open.
Elevators
Modern elevators have a door edge safety mechanism that, when pushed, reopens the elevator door(s).
If you are in the doorway of an elevator when the door(s) begin to close, push on the rubber door edge or allow the rubber door edge to contact the power chair and the door will reopen.
Use care that pocketbooks, packages, or power chair accessories do not become caught in elevator doors.
Lift Systems/Elevation Products
If you will be transporting your power chair during travel, you may find it necessary to use a
WARNING! Not all lift systems/elevation products are rated for use with an occupied mobility device. Pride recommends that you do not remain seated in your power chair when it is being used in connection with any type of lift system/elevation product unless:
That product is rated for occupied use by the manufacturer.
You are able to occupy your mobility device in strict conformity with the warnings, instructions, specifications, and safety guidelines set forth by the manufacturer.
WARNING! Always turn off the power to the controller when you are being transferred via an elevation product. Failure to do so may result in accidental joystick contact, resulting in unintended movement and personal injury or product damage.
Motor Vehicle Transport
Pride recommends that you do not remain seated in your power chair while traveling in a motor vehicle. The power chair should be stowed in the trunk of a car or in the back of a truck or van with batteries removed and/or properly secured. In addition, all removable power chair parts, including the armrests, seat, front riggings, con- troller, and shrouds should be removed and/or properly secured during motor vehicle transport.
I I . S A F E T Y
WARNING! Pride does not recommend using the power chair as a seat in a motor vehicle. The power chair user should transfer into the vehicle seat and use the
WARNING! Always be sure your power chair and its batteries are properly secured when it is being transported. Batteries should be secured in an upright position and protective caps should be installed on the battery terminals. Batteries should not be transported with any flammable or combustible items.
Positioning Belts
Your Quantum Rehab Provider, therapist(s), and other healthcare professionals are responsible for determining your requirement for a positioning belt in order to operate your power chair safely.
WARNING! If you require a positioning belt to safely operate your power chair, make sure it is fastened securely in order to reduce the possibility of a fall from the power chair.
WARNING! The positioning belt is not designed for use as a seat belt in a motor vehicle. Nor is your power chair suitable for use as a seat in any vehicle. Anyone traveling in a vehicle should be properly belted into seats approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Batteries
In addition to following the warnings below, be sure to comply with all other battery handling information. For more information about your power chair’s batteries, see VI. “Batteries and Charging.”
MANDATORY! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wear goggles and gloves when handling batteries and wash hands after handling.
WARNING! Power chair batteries are heavy. See specifications table. If you are unable to lift that much weight, be sure to get help. Use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting beyond your capacity.
WARNING! Always protect the batteries from freezing and never charge a frozen battery. Charging a frozen battery may result in damage to the battery.
WARNING! Connect the battery harnesses in the proper manner. RED (+) cables must be connected to positive (+) battery terminals/posts. BLACK
Removable Parts
WARNING! Do not attempt to lift or move a power chair by any of its removable parts, including the armrests, seat, front riggings, controller, and shrouds. Pride recommends use of only solid,
Preventing Unintended Movement
WARNING! If you anticipate being seated in a stationary position for an extended period of time, turn off the power. This will prevent unexpected motion from inadvertent joystick contact. This will also eliminate the possibility of unintended chair movement from electromagnetic (EM) sources.
Reaching and Bending
Never reach, lean, or bend while driving your power chair. If it is absolutely necessary to reach, lean, or bend while seated on your power chair, it is important to maintain a stable center of gravity and keep the power chair from tipping. Pride recommends that the power chair user determine his/her personal limitations and practice bending and reaching in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional.
WARNING! Do not bend, lean, or reach for objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees or if you have to reach over the back of the seat. Movements such as these may change your center of gravity and the weight distribution of the power chair. This may cause your power chair to tip.
WARNING! Keep your hands away from the tires when driving. Be aware that loose fitting clothing can become caught in drive tires.
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