Invacare User guide manual Safety Precautions/Safe Operation, Important Warning

2.4Safety Precautions/Safe Operation

IMPORTANT WARNING

•The day-to-day activities and the more advanced Powerchair techniques depend, on your physical capabilities and your own specific circumstances. Our recommendations may occa- sionally differ from those of your Therapeutic Adviser or Physician, as they have a better understanding of your abilities. Where this is the case, you MUST FOLLOW THEIR advice, they are better placed to tell you what is suitable for you and what is not.

•DO NOT use your Powerchair when your driving ability is impaired by medication or alcohol.

CAUTION

•Avoid using your powerchair on rough ground or in adverse weather conditions (snow or ice), always steer clear of obstacles where possible, ensure your clothing and hands are kept clear of all moving parts, ask for assistance when descending or ascending steep gradients. Never attempt to negotiate stairs. Never use an escalator to move a powerchair between floors. Due to both the weight of a powerchair and its occupant it is not advisable to attempt to be as- sisted up and down stairs whilst the powerchair is occupied.

•If you are a user with limited mobility we advise that in the case of adverse weather conditions i.e. extreme cold, DO NOT attempt a journey without an accompanying attendant. In the event of a power failure you could become stranded in an isolated area, where there is the strong possibility you will be unable to get immediate assistance.

•Braking of your powerchair is dependent on electromagnetic motor brakes. When these are disengaged by declutching the motor gear box drive system, the chair is in freewheel mode, this mode is for emergency use only and motor gear boxes should remain engaged at all other times.

•To avoid the powerchair free-wheeling, special care must be taken to engage motor brakes.

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