When folding the chair after use, place a foot on one of the tipping levers, and grip the push bar with both hands. Pull the push bar upwards and the front and back frames will fold together.
Release the backrest lock using one hand to operate the pull cord, and allow the backrest to fold, pivoting it slowly downwards, against the lower frames. For ease of handling, a carry bag is provided for the folded chair. Do not place heavy objects on the folded chair.
1.3 SIDE ACCESS AND OCCUPANT TRANSFER
Preparation is important, if assistance is required it should be planned and available before attempting to use the Avanti with the intended occupant. The Avanti is suitable for occupant weights of up to 90 Kg. Direct lifting of the occupant should be avoided.
The occupant requirements should first be considered. Some practice with an able bodied person will be useful before actually attempting the operation with the intended occupant. Assistance should be sought when it is assessed that the intended occupant would have difficulty in standing and getting into position.
Before occupying the chair, take care to ensure that the brakes are on. The seat belt should be unbuckled and the armrests swivelled upwards away from the seat so as not to restrict side access. An attendant should grip the push handle bar whilst the occupant is being located in the chair.
The simplest way to transfer into the Handling chair is for the occupant to stand with the feet firmly on the ground and then lowered slowly with assistance slowly into the seat, initially facing sideways. Then, once seated, swivelled to face forwards, with the feet resting on the footrest frame. A range of different handling equipment is available to make this operation easier for all concerned. A hoist may be appropriate in many instances where the occupant cannot stand and be lowered.
Sideways sliding access by the occupant may also be possible from a sitting chair into the Avanti. If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may be necessary to use a transfer board.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
Once seated in the Avanti the lap strap should secure the occupant. These come as standard equipment on the Avanti. They have tensioning adjustment and a quick release buckle. Use of a strap gives confidence to both occupant and attendant when the chair is being manoeuvred.
When using the Avanti outdoors at night, ensure that chair occupant and attendant are visible, preferably carry out all transfers in a well lit area. Consider wearing light reflective clothing.
Page 6 | March 2005 Revision B |