Sunrise Medical V-100 N e r a l W a r n i n g s, Loss of Control, Ramps AT Home & Work

18	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 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.	Fig. 1
	•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. (Fig. 1)
	5. Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed.
	Keep control over the chair at all times.
	•On a descent, do not let your chair
	accelerate beyond its normal speed.
	•If the chair picks up speed, center the
	joystick to slow down or stop.
	NOTE– The solid state controller of your chair has
	a logic system that will help control your
	speed when driving on a slope or uphill.
	•If you stop, re-start slowly.
	6. Never use rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop
	your chair. This is likely to cause the chair to
	veer out of control.

V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s 19

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 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 LIFTS

Wheelchair 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 when you are on a lift. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick by accident and cause your chair 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 position the rider securely in the chair to help prevent falls while on a lift.

4.Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of the ramp. Backup, reposition the caster for a more direct approach. Slowly try again.

930482 Rev. A 930482 Rev. A