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E n g l i s h

 

V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s

T.TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL, TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF CONTROL

1.Never use your chair/scooter on a slope unless you are sure you can do so without losing traction.

2.Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can.

Do not “cut the corner” on a slope or ramp.

Do not turn or change direction on a slope.

3.Always stay in the center of the ramp. Make sure ramp is wide enough that you are not at risk that a wheel may roll off the side.

4.Lean or press your body uphill. This will help adjust for a change in the center of

balance caused by the slope. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

 

5.Keep your chair/scooter moving at a slow, steady speed. Keep control over the chair/scooter at all times.

On a descent, do not let your chair/scooter accelerate beyond its normal speed.

If the chair/scooter picks up speed, center the joystick to slow down or stop.

NOTE– The solid state controller of your chair (Ruby/Ruby 11 only) has a logic system that will help control your speed when driving on a slope or uphill.

If you stop, re-start slowly.

U. RAMPS AT HOME & WORK

Make sure ramps meet all Building Codes for your area.

1.For your safety, have a licensed contractor build or remodel ramp to meet all standards.

2.NOTE– The proper design will vary, depending on such things as: the length and height of the ramp; the need for an intermediate platform; landing size; doors and the direction of swing; and whether the ramp includes a turn or angle.

At A Minimum:

1.Open sides of ramp must have side rails to prevent your chair/scooter from going over the edge.

2.Slope must not be steeper than one inch in height for every one foot of slope length.

3.Ramp surface must be even, and have a non-skid surface.

4.You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to avoid a lip or drop-off.

5.Ramp must be sturdy. Add bracing if needed, so ramp does not “bow” when you ride on it.

V.WHEELCHAIR/SCOOTER LIFTS

Wheelchair/Scooter lifts are used in vans, buses, and buildings to help you move from one level to another.

1.Always turn off all power to your chair/scooter when you are on a lift. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick by accident and cause your chair/scooter to drive off the platform. (Be aware that a “roll-stop” at the end of the platform may not pre- vent this).

2.Make sure there is not a lip or drop-off at the top or bottom of the platform. These may cause a fall or tip-over. When in doubt, have someone help you.

3.Always secure the rider with a positioning belt to help prevent falls during transfers.

4.Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of the ramp. Backup, reposi- tion the caster for a more direct approach and slowly try again.

930705 Rev. B

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Sunrise Medical Ruby 11 To Reduce the Risk of a FALL, TIP-OVER or Loss of Control, Ramps AT Home & Work, At a Minimum