![G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s](/images/new-backgrounds/56893/5689319x1.webp)
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, |
| |
| 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, |
|
| 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
4.You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to avoid a lip or
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
2.Make sure there is not a lip or
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 |