Sunrise Medical M6 W a r n i n g s F a l l s & T i p O v e r s, Transfer, Curbs & Steps, Stairs

16 V I . W a r n i n g s : F a l l s & T i p - O v e r s

9.Ramps At Home & Work - For your safety, ramps at home and work must meet all legal requirements for your area. We recommend:

a.Width. At least four feet wide.

b.Guardrails. To reduce the risk of a fall, sides of ramp must have guardrails (or raised borders at least three inches high).

c.Slope. Not more than a 10% grade.

d.Surface. Flat and even, with a thin carpet or other non-skid material. (Make sure there is no lip, bump or depression.)

e.Bracing. Ramp must be STURDY. You may need bracing so ramp does not “bow” when you ride on it.

f.Avoid A Drop-Off. You may need a section at the top or bottom to smooth out the transition.

If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

G. TRANSFER

It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be aware that there is a point during every transfer when the wheelchair seat is not below you. To avoid a fall:

1.Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods.

a.Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a transfer.

b.Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on your own.

2.Lock the rear wheels before you transfer. This keeps the rear wheels from rolling.

NOTE– This will NOT keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping.

3.Make sure to keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may allow the rear wheel locks to slip.

4.Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to. If possible, use a transfer board.

5.Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.

6.If you can, remove or swing footrests out of the way.

a.Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.

b.Avoid putting weight on the footrests as this may cause the chair to tip.

7.Make sure armrests are out of the way and do not interfere.

8.Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can. This will reduce the risk that the chair will tip or move away from you.

If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of con- trol may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

V I . W a r n i n g s : F a l l s & T i p - O v e r s 17

H.CURBS & STEPS

1.Each person who helps you should read and follow the warnings “For Safe Use” (Section VII).

2.Do not try to climb or descend a curb or step alone UNLESS you are a skilled rider of this chair and:

a.You can safely do a “wheelie”; and

b.You are sure you have the strength and balance to do so.

3.Unlock and rotate anti-tip tubes up, out of the way, so they do not interfere.

4.Do not try to climb a high curb or step (more than 4 inches high) UNLESS you have help. Doing so may cause your chair to exceed its balance point and tip over.

5.Go straight up and straight down a curb or step. If you climb or descend at an angle, a fall or tip-over is likely.

6.Be aware that the impact of dropping down from a curb or step can damage your chair or loosen fasteners.

If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

I.STAIRS

1.Do not use this chair for going up or down stairs.

2.Persons who help you should read and follow the warnings “For Attendants” (p. 11) and “For Safe Use” (Section VII).

If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of con- trol may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

J. ESCALATORS

NEVER use this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. If you do, a fall or tip-over is likely.

If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

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