Even though the “CTA System” improves manoeuvrability and stability, this does not negate the effect or take into account, circumstances, which put the wheelchair outside the specified operating conditions for which it was designed and tested.
It is important that the user takes due care and understands the limitations within the environment that the chair will be operated.
As a guide only, the following is a brief list of scenarios that could affect the stability of the chair and need to be considered when driving chair: -
•Traction could be lost on inclined, wet, grassy surfaces. Take extra care and drive slowly on these surfaces.
•Never drive your chair on a wet, oily or icy covered ramp or slope
•Stop if one or both drive wheels lose traction
•Never traverse railway lines without someone in attendance
•Chair should not be driven in heavy rain
•Never use your chair in a shower, swimming pool, sauna, ocean or lake
•If your environment has many steep obstacles, always have someone in attendance to assist you.
•Never drive your chair in sand or over rough surfaces. Doing so may cause damage to wheels, bearings, gearboxes and motors.
•Chairs fitted with Tilt and Recline features should be driven with these features in the down and upright position. Driving in a Tilted or Reclined position can affect stability and your vision.
•Maximum safe slope – facing up slope 12 degrees
•Maximum safe slope – facing down slope 15 degrees
Ramps and Inclines WARNING!
When your chair is on a ramp or incline the centre of balance of your chair will change. Your chair is less stable when on ramps or inclines and should not be used unless you feel it is safe to do so. If in doubt have someone with you.
Do not use the chair on a slope of greater than 10 degrees. When going up an incline or ramp you must:
•Make sure power tilt and recline features are in the down and upright position
•Approach the ramp or incline straight on. Do not approach on an angle (cut the corner)
•Make sure that you are in the centre of the ramp and that the ramp is wide enough for your wheelchair
•Not use ramp if you feel that a wheel may drop off the side
•Not veer or turn while on ramp. This may cause chair to tip and a fall may result.
•Drive chair at a slow, steady speed. Keep chair moving.
When going down a ramp or descent you must:
•Raise the power seat tilt, to compensate for the ramp angle, so that the seat is in a near level position.
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•Always use the centre of the ramp or descent
•Not veer or turn while on ramp or descent.