Invacare Wheelchair

WARNING

CAUTION: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS INFORMATION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS

OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ON YOUR POWERED WHEELCHAIR.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) From Radio Wave sources

Powered wheelchairs and motorized scooters (in this text, both will be referred to as powered wheel-

chairs) may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering electromagnetic

energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters,

two way radios, and cellular phones. The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the pow-

ered wheelchair to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can also perma-

nently damage the powered wheelchair's control system. The intensity of the interfering EM energy can

be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered wheelchair can resist EMI up to a certain intensity.

This is called its "immunity level." The higher the immunity level, the greater the protection. At this time,

current technology is capable of achieving at least a 20 V/m immunity level, which would provide useful

protection from the more common sources of radiated EMI. This powered wheelchair model as shipped,

has an unknown immunity level.

There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic fields in the everyday environment.

Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not apparent and exposure is unavoid-

able. However, we believe that by following the warnings listed below, your risk to EMI will be minimized.

Reaching, Leaning, Bending and Bending -

Forward

1. Perform one (1) of the following:

A. Front Wheel Drive Wheelchairs - Position the

rear casters so that they are extended as rear-

ward as possible.

B. Rear Wheel Drive Wheelchairs - Position front

casters as far forward as possible.

2. Engage clutches and, if applicable, wheel locks*. DO

NOT ATEMPT TO REACH OBJECTS IF YOU HAVE

TO PICK THEM UP FROM THE FLOOR BY REACH-

ING DOWN BETWEEN YOUR KNEES.

Reaching, Bending - Backward

WARNING

DO NOT lean over the top of the back uphol-

stery. This will change your center of gravity and

may cause you to tip over.

1. Position wheelchair as close as possible to the de-

sired object.

2. Perform one (1) of the following:

A. Front Wheel Drive Wheelchairs - Point rear

casters rearward to create the longest possible

wheelbase.

B. Rear Wheel Drive Wheelchairs - Point front

casters as far forward as possible to create the

longest possible wheelbase.

3. Reach back only as far as your arm will extend with-

out changing your sitting position.

WARNING

*Wheel locks are an OPTION on RWD wheelchairs,

(you may order with or without wheel locks). Trans-

fer to and from the wheelchair in the presence of

a qualified healthcare professional to determine

individual safety limits. Invacare strongly recom-

mends ordering the wheel locks as an additional

safeguard for the wheelchair user.

GENERAL GUIDELINES PROCEDURE 1