Blatchford Kato Plus User manual

KATO Plus
Instructions for Use
blatchford.co.uk

2938407/2-0917

KATO Plus Instructions for Use
Contents
Introduction 4
Safety Information 4
Pre-use Checks 5
Installing the Kato Plus on a Wheelbase 6
Adjusting the Head Support 9
Thoracic Supports and Hip Supports 9
Installing the Medial Thigh Support (Pommel)
or the Anterior Knee Supports (Knee Blocks) 10
Adjusting the Seat Depth 10
Adjusting the Foot Support 11
Adjusting the Posture Belt and the Posture Harness 11
Adjusting the Moulded Tray 12
Adjusting Moulded Sandals and Foot Straps 12
Travelling in a Motor Vehicle 13
Maintenance and Safety Checks 14
Cleaning 14
Important Reminders 15
Further Information 15
QA Inspection Check List 20

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Introduction
These instructions for use provide important information for the safe use and maintenance of the
Kato Plus seating system.
Please give these instructions for use to the user or the carer and make sure that they are
understood.
The Kato Plus is a body support system, which provides postural support and stability to both
children and adults.
Application
The Kato Plus is for use with a wheelbase.
The Kato Plus is intended for a single user.
Please read all of these instructions for use, paying particular attention to the sections regarding
safety and maintenance.
Features
• Overall postural support and stability
• Adjustable head support
• Adjustable lateral thoracic supports
• Medial thigh support (pommel)
• Anterior knee supports (knee blocks)
• Posture belt and posture harness (see the instructions for use).
Safety Information
This warning symbol highlights safety information which must be followed carefully.
The Kato Plus should be installed and adjusted only by a qualied clinician or seating
engineer.
Do not attempt to install the Kato Plus in any wheelbase other than the one installed in the
clinic.
Before using the Kato Plus, check that all secondary support devices are secure and
function correctly. Secondary support devices include the following:
• Lateral supports
• Posture belts and posture harnesses (see the instructions for use).
• Medial thigh support (pommel)
• Anterior knee supports (knee blocks)
• Moulded tray
Beware of nger trap hazards when adjusting any part of the Kato Plus.
If there is any indication that the user’s head could become trapped, either behind or under
the head support, stop using the Kato Plus and contact the wheelchair service provider.
If the user shows any continued signs of distress or discomfort, stop using the Kato Plus
and immediately contact the wheelchair service provider.
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938408

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Do not drill holes into the top of the moulded tray.
Maintenance and adjustments (other than those described in these instructions for use)
must be carried out only by a qualied clinician or seating engineer.
Take particular care on slopes, uneven surfaces or other obstacles. If you have any
concerns about the stability of the seating system or the wheelbase, stop using it and
contact the wheelchair service provider.
Transportation
Posture belts, posture harnesses, and foot straps provide only postural support and should
not be used as a passenger restraint in a motor vehicle. Instead, always use a separate
passenger restraint system that is attached to the motor vehicle.
If the Kato Plus is installed in a wheelbase with a reclining back support, the back support
should be in an upright position during travel.
Do not use the Kato Plus as a separate car seat.
Always use the Kato Plus with the wheelbase that it was supplied with. For information on
using the wheelbase in a motor vehicle, refer to the instructions for use that are supplied
with the wheelbase.
Always remove the moulded tray before using the Kato Plus in a motor vehicle.
In the event of a vehicle impact, knee blocks could cause damage to the hips and knees.
Therefore, unless advised not to do so by the prescribing clinician, remove the knee blocks
before travelling.
Always use a head support in a motor vehicle.
Posture belts and posture harnesses
Posture belts and posture harnesses can be dangerous if they are not used correctly.
The instructions for use for the posture belt and posture harness contain important safety
information. If you do not have this document, please contact Blatchford.
Always refer to the instructions for use (938408) before installing a posture belt or posture
harness.
Pre-use Checks
Before using the Kato Plus, always check that the retaining straps are securely fastened (see
both g.1 and ‘Installing the Kato Plus on a Wheelbase’). This check must be carried out every
time any Kato Plus equipment is assembled or disassembled.
All postural support devices should be securely fastened.
938408
For information on fastening the posture belts and posture harnesses, refer to the
instructions for use.

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Installing the Kato Plus on a Wheelbase
Wheelbases complete with base and back canvas (g. 1)
1. Remove the armrests from the wheelbase to improve access.
2. Place the Kato Plus onto the wheelbase canvas.
3. Pass the two retaining straps around the
wheelbase uprights. Make sure that the retaining straps are not
tangled or obstructed.
4. Push both ends of the buckle together.
5. Tighten both retaining straps by pulling the loose end
of the webbing away from the buckle.
6. If the Kato Plus has a tube on the rear of the
back support (g. 2) make sure that the U-shaped
brackets (A) fasten around the push handles of
the wheelbase (B).
Reverse this process to remove the Kato Plus from a wheelbase.
g. 1
g. 2
Note: The
seating
system
might have
only one
strap.
A
B

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To remove the Kato Plus from the interface:
1. Undo or disconnect the back support xings.
2. Firmly pull the D-ring (g. 8), which is located under the front
of the seat, then lean the Kato Plus forward.
3. Lift the Kato Plus upward and clear from the wheelbase.
To attach the Kato Plus to the interface:
1. Taking care when lifting, position the
seating attachment on the interface.
2. Locate the front hook
of the seating attachment
onto the front bar of the interface (g. 7).
3. Allow the seat to tilt both back and
down, pressing it rmly into place.
You will hear a click when the locks engage.
4. Pull the seat forward to check that the pins are fully located. A small amount of
movement is normal, however the seat should not lift forward.
5. Repeat stages 1–3 if the seat lifts out of the interface.
To install the interface on a folding wheelbase:
Components:
CInterface
DLatch Clamps
ESeating Attachment
Blatchford adaptive interface
system (BAIS)
g. 3
g. 4g. 5
g. 6
g. 8
g. 7
C D E
1. Make sure that the wheelbase is fully open.
2. Check that the latch clamps are open (g. 3).
3. Position the hooks of the interface so that, on each side, one hook is behind the latch clamps
and that one hook is in front of the latch clamps (g. 4 and g. 5).
4. Slide the latch clamps so that the tongue is over the top of the hooks (g. 6).
5. Check that the interface is correctly located by trying to lift it out of the latch clamps (a small
amount movement is normal).
6. To remove the interface, slide back the latch clamps, and lift the interface upward.

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F G H
These components should not be adjusted in any way by either the user or the carer.
Components Fand Gscrew together with the supplied ttings and attach to either the back of
the back support (g.9) or the bottom of the seat base (g.13).
Component Hattaches to either the back support posts or the seat rail tubes of the wheelbase.
To attach the seat to the wheelbase:
1. Press the hook onto the tube next to the VERSAlock securing clips (H), as shown in g.10
and g.11.
2. Once correctly located, slide the VERSAlock securing clips over the hooks to prevent them
from being removed, as shown in g.13.
The back support or the seat base is now securely attached to the wheelbase.
Components:
FL-Bracket
GJ-Hook
HVERSAlock® Securing Clip
AEL mounting kit
g. 9g. 11 g. 10 g. 13 g. 12

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Adjusting the Head Support
The height and depth of the head support (g. 14) are
adjustable.
To adjust the height of the head support:
1. Turn the locking knob (I) anticlockwise.
2. Adjust the height to suit the user.
3. Re-tighten the locking knob.
To adjust the depth of the head support:
1. Turn the locking knob (J) anticlockwise.
2. Adjust the depth to suit the user.
3. Re-tighten the locking knob.
To adjust the angle of the head support (K), contact the wheelchair service provider.
The head support must be in place when travelling in the Kato Plus. See page 12 for more
information.
Thoracic Supports and Hip Supports
Thoracic support adjustments
The thoracic supports are positioned to suit the postural needs of the user. If you feel that the
position of these supports is no longer suitable, contact the wheelchair service provider.
To rotate the thoracic support (g. 15):
1. Lift the support upwards as far
as it will go (L).
2. Rotate the support outward
and away from the user, as shown (M).
3. Rotate the support inward and
toward the user.
Changing the foam in a hip support:
1. Detach the hook-and-loop fasteners
on each side of the support.
2. As required, remove or add foam
on each side, making sure that both
sides are even.
3. Re-attach the hook-and-loop fasteners.
g. 15
I
L
J
M
K
g. 14

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Installing the Medial Thigh Support (Pommel) or the
Anterior Knee Supports (Knee Blocks)
• Slide the end of the square tube into the bracket
until it will not go any further (g. 16). Knee blocks
should not contact the user’s knee caps.
• Hold the support and push the
button on the right of the square tube.
• Push the support into the bracket until the button
locates into the hole of the location
bracket. The knee block should now be in full
contact with the user’s knees.
• Reverse this process to remove the support.
Pommels and knee blocks are adjusted to meet the clinical needs of the user. If you feel that the
position of these supports is no longer suitable, contact the wheelchair service provider.
A risk assessment should be carried out in order to determine whether or not these supports
should be removed before travelling in a motor vehicle.
Adjusting the Seat Depth
The seat depth can be adjusted (g. 17) to accommodate the
growth of the user.
To adjust the seat depth:
1. Remove the front back pad (N), which is
attached with a hook-and-loop fastener.
2. If present, remove the sacral pad (O).
3. Remove the remaining back pad from
the plastic back support. The back
pad is attached with a hook-and-loop
fastener.
4. Re-attach the sacral pad and the front
back pad (N) to the plastic back
support.
The seat is now 25mm deeper. The other
pad is no longer needed.
If you feel that the seat depth is still not suitable, contact the wheelchair service provider to
arrange further adjustments.
g. 16
g. 17
N
O

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Adjusting the Foot Support
Foot support 1(g. 18) is for seating systems that are used with a
standard wheelbase
To adjust the height of foot support 1:
1. Undo the two locking knobs that are behind the foot support (P).
2. Adjust the height of the foot support, then re-tighten both of the
locking knobs.
To remove foot support 1:
1. Use both hands to push and hold the two securing buttons (Q).
2. Gently pull the foot support towards you to remove it.
Foot support 2 (g. 19) is for seating systems that are used with
either Shadow wheelbases or buggies
To adjust the height of foot support 2:
1. Undo the locking knobs at the rear of the foot support (R).
2. Adjust the height of the foot support, then re-tighten both of the
locking knobs.
To remove foot support 2:
1. Loosen the locking knob (S) and pull the foot support away from
the seat.
2. Reverse the process to re-attach the foot support.
Adjusting the Posture Belt and the
Posture Harness
Posture belts and posture harnesses can
be dangerous if they are not used correctly.
The instructions for use for the posture belt
and posture harness contain important
safety information. If you do not have this
document, please contact Blatchford.
Always refer to the instructions for use
(938408) before installing a posture belt or
posture harness.
g. 18
g. 19
R
S
P
Q

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Adjusting the Moulded Tray
Moulded trays provide both a work and play surface with support and control for any seating
arrangement.
To adjust the distance between the tray and the user:
1. Make sure that the two vertical stems that are on the underside of the tray are securely
located in the wheelbase location points.
2. Loosen the locking knobs that are on the underside of the tray, and adjust the position of the
tray.
3. Re-tighten the locking knobs.
To adjust the width of the tray:
1. Turn the tray over, and loosen the four screws with a large, at-bladed screw driver.
Do not remove the screws completely.
2. Slide the adjustment tubes either in or out to the desired
width, ensuring that they remain parallel.
3. Re-tighten the screws.
To clean the tray:
Use a damp, soapy cloth.
Adjusting Moulded Sandals and Foot Straps
Moulded sandals and foot straps provide support and control with any seating arrangement.
Make sure that the following conditions are true:
• The straps are not twisted.
• The buckles are adjusted so that when they
are fastened, there is no slack in the strap.
Care
Check that both the buckles and the straps are neither
excessively frayed nor excessively worn. If you are concerned
about the condition of either the buckles or the straps, contact the wheelchair service provider.
Cleaning
Use a damp, soapy cloth to clean the moulded sandals and foot straps. Use a soft brush to
remove heavier soiling.

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Travelling in a Motor Vehicle
Notes:
• Before travelling, install the Kato Plus in a forward-facing position in the motor vehicle.
• Install the Kato Plus only in a suitably equipped motor vehicle.
• The Kato Plus has been tested in accordance with ISO 7176-19.
• Please give this information to anyone who makes transport arrangements, for example
schools and other organisations.
Safety information
Use the Kato Plus only with a wheelbase that has been tested as part of a wheelchair
system that conforms to ISO 7176-19 performance requirements, and that has
securement points for use with four-point, strap-type tiedowns.
Posture belts and posture harnesses that are supplied as part of the seating system
give only postural support. Where posture belts and posture harnesses are installed
they should be used during travel, but they must not be used as the only safety
restraints.
To achieve effective user restraint and optimum protection in a vehicle impact, both
pelvic-belt and shoulder-belt restraints shall be used as part of a complete wheelchair
tiedown and user restraint system (WTORS) which meets ISO 10542. The belt
restraints should be tted to the user in accordance with the WTORS manufacturers’
instructions.
Children whose mass is less than 22kg should be transferred from their seating
system into an appropriate child restraint system intended for use in motor vehicles.
The Kato Plus must not be used as a car safety seat.
The wheelbase must be attached to the motor vehicle according to the wheelbase
manufacturer’s instructions. The wheelbase manufacturer supplies these instructions
separately. If you have a query, contact the wheelchair service provider.
Before travelling in a motor vehicle, attach the Kato Plus to the wheelbase. If the wheelbase
has a reclining back support, set the back support in an upright position.
Always use a head support in a motor vehicle.
Before travelling in a motor vehicle, always remove and secure mounted trays.
In the event of a vehicle impact, knee blocks could cause damage to a user’s hips and
knees. Therefore, remove the knee blocks before travelling, unless the prescribing clinician
has advised you not to do so.
Using Kato Plus accessories in a motor vehicle
Always refer to the instructions for use that are supplied with separate accessories.
Foot straps are not designed to be a part of a passenger restraint system. However, during
the initial assessment, the wheelchair service provider should consider the advantages of not
removing the foot straps for use in a motor vehicle.

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Maintenance and Safety Checks
Routine checks for the carer
Every day, the carer should carry out the following checks to make sure that the seating system
is both safe and comfortable:
• Check that the two retaining straps are not damaged and that they can be securely fastened.
• Check that the straps and supports are not damaged. For example check the pelvic straps,
the buttery harness, and the foot straps.
• Check that all buckles can be securely fastened.
• Check that all adjustable brackets can move freely when they are either operated or adjusted.
For example, check the thoracic supports, the knee blocks, the pommel, the head support
and the foot support brackets.
• Check that the fabric on the Kato Plus is neither damaged nor torn. Damage to the fabric
could cause both localised marking and general discomfort to the user’s skin.
Inspection and maintenance for the wheelchair service provider
The wheelchair service provider should carry out the following checks to make sure that the
seating system is both safe and suitable for the needs of the user:
• Check that all parts of the Kato Plus are working properly and that there are no signs of
damage that could affect the safety of the user or their seating system.
• Check that cushions and covers are not torn and that do not have sharp edges that could
harm the user.
Any problems should be corrected immediately.
The prescribing clinician or the wheelchair service provider provider should decide how often
these checks are made, taking into account the needs of the user and the intended usage of the
seating system. However, we recommend that these checks are carried out at least every 24
months.
Cleaning
Covers can be removed from their plastic shell for cleaning. To remove the cover, either detach
the hoop-and-loop fastener or open the zip.
Mild cleaning
Use either a soft brush or a damp, soapy cloth.
Allow the material to dry before reuse.
Use only mild detergents.
Vinyl
Do not machine wash vinyl covers.
To clean the cover, use a damp, soapy cloth.
Allow the material to dry before reuse.
Dartex
Follow the vinyl cleaning instructions for Dartex fabrics.
Dartex fabrics cover a foam pad, which is sealed within a clear, waterproof liner.
Do not remove the foam pad from the liner.

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To clean the liner, use a damp, soapy cloth.
Terry cloth
Wash at 30˚C maximum. At the end of the washing cycle, place in a warm environment and allow
to dry naturally. Do not tumble dry or bleach. Bleach damages the material and tumble-drying
could cause it to shrink.
Plastic shell
Use a damp, non-soapy cloth to clean both the inside and the outside surfaces.
Important Reminders
Carers must be aware of the following information:
• The Kato Plus is a custom-made device to be used only by the person it was made for.
• If the user has marking on the skin or becomes uncomfortable when in the seating system,
contact the wheelchair service provider.
• The Kato Plus must be used only with the wheelbase it was made for. If a different wheelbase
is going to be used contact the wheelchair service provider for help and advice.
• Maintenance and adjustments (other than those shown in these instructions for use) must be
carried out only by the wheelchair service provider.
• Do not modify the Kato Plus.
• Do not install non-Blatchford components on the Kato Plus without the prior agreement of the
wheelchair service provider.
• The Kato Plus is not designed for use as a car safety seat.
Take care at all times when using the Kato Plus.
Take particular care when negotiating slopes, difcult surfaces or other obstacles.
Further Information
Please contact your healthcare professional if you have further questions about any of the
following:
• Finding out which seating accessories are available
• Modifying a Kato Plus to install it in a different wheelbase
• Using the Kato Plus in a motor vehicle
• Finding out information about the Kato Plus crash tests

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Liability
The manufacturer recommends using the device under the specied conditions and for the
intended purposes. This device must be maintained in according to the instructions for use
supplied with the device. The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by component
combinations that were not authorised by the manufacturer.
Warranty
The warranty against manufacturing defects for the Kato Plus is 12 months from the date of
purchase.
The user should be aware that changes or modications not expressly approved will void the
warranty.

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Notes:
Please attach manufacturer’s label here.
Manufacturer’s Label:

18 938407/2-0917

19 938407/2-0917

938407/2-0917
Chas A Blatchford & Sons Ltd, 11 & 30 Atlas Way, Shefeld, S4 7QQ, United Kingdom.
t: [phone] f: [phone]
blatchford.co.uk
0114 263 7900
[email protected]
Follow Blatchford:
@BlatchfordGrp
/ BlatchfordGrp
QA Inspection Check List
Technician Inspector
Dimensions correct as per order
Additional items supplied as per order
Fabric as per order
Covering as per order
Harnessing supplied as per order
Final assembly as per order
Harnessing and straps correctly installed
Seat cleaned and labelled
Paperwork enclosed
Final despatch check
Date
Order Number