SAFETY PRECAUTIONS/SAFE OPERATION
IMPORTANT WARNING
The day-to-day activities and the more advanced Powerchair techniques depend on your physical
capabilities and your own specific circumstances. Our recommendations may occasionally differ from those
of your Therapeutic Adviser or Physician, as they have a better understanding of your abilities. Where this
is the case, you MUST FOLLOW THEIR advice; they are better placed to tell you what is suitable for you
and what is not!
When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or below knee, single or double) it
is important to recognise that lower limb amputation will affect the sitting centre of balance of the
wheelchair. The impossibility of generalising the individual ability of a wheelchair user means it is imperative
that the product prescriber carries out a full stability evaluation to ensure that the user is safe in the use of
the wheelchair and that the risk of the wheelchair tipping is minimised..
DO NOT use your Powerchair when your driving ability may be impaired by medication.
CAUTION
Avoid using your Powerchair on rough ground or in adverse weather conditions (snow or ice), always steer
clear of obstacles where possible, ensure your clothing and hands are kept clear of all moving parts, ask
for assistance when descending or ascending steep gradients. Never attempt to negotiate stairs. Never use
an escalator to move a powerchair between floors. Due to both the weight of a Powerchair and its
occupant it is not advisable to attempt to be assisted up and down stairs whilst the Powerchair is occupied.
If you are a user with limited mobility we advise that in the case of adverse weather conditions i.e. extreme cold,
DO NOT attempt a journey without an accompanying attendant. In the event of a power failure you may become
stranded in an isolated area, where you will be unable to get immediate assistance.
Braking of your Powerchair is dependent on electromagnetic motor brakes. When these are disengaged by de-
clutching the motor gear box drive system, the chair is in FREEWHEEL MODE, this mode is for EMERGENCY USE
only and motor gear boxes must remain engaged at all other times.
To avoid the Powerchair freewheeling, special care must be taken to either apply parking brakes where fitted or to
re-engage motor brakes.
Surfaces Affected by heat
The wheelchair is made from metal and plastic materials and, as with all products made with such materials, it
can absorb heat from the sun when used outdoors or exposed to sunlight through windows etc...This may result in
the surfaces of the wheelchair becoming hot, so take care in using it and touching the surfaces if it is left or used
in such an environment.
Fire and burning
The seat and backrest materials have been tested to ensure compliance with ISO requirements for
cigarette and match flame equivalent and are non flammable but care must be exercised if using
cigarettes or other smoking products, or sources of heat, not to drop them onto the seat and/or
backrest where they may become trapped between contacting/trap points on the wheelchair.
Oxygen
Extreme care must be exercised when using oxygen in close proximity to electrical circuits. Contact your
oxygen supplier for instructions in the safe use of oxygen. If oxygen/ventilator equipment is used the
additional weight will adversely affect the stability of your wheelchair.
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