KIRTON Encora User manual

DIRECTHEALTHCAREGROUP.COM
Encora
User Manual

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ENCORA USER MANUAL
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1. Introduction to the Encora Chair ...............................4
1.1. Why is There a Need for this Type of Chair? ..................4
2. Warranty Guidelines .................................................5
2.1. Warranty and Liability ................................................5
2.2. Use ........................................................................5
2.3. When the Warranty will not Apply ..............................5
2.4. When the Warrant Does Apply ...................................5
2.5. Statutory Rights .......................................................5
2.6. Warning ..................................................................5
3. Clinical Application ..................................................6
3.1. Intended Use ............................................................6
3.2. Who is the Encora Suitable for? .................................6
3.3. Who is the Encora not Suitable for? ...........................6
4. Product Information .................................................6
4.1. Product Identification ................................................6
4.2. Key Features ...........................................................6
4.3. Key Options .............................................................6
4.3.1. Backrest Styles ......................................................6
4.3.2. Pressure Management ..........................................7
4.4. Accessories ............................................................7
5. Guideline for Best Practice ......................................7
6. Instructions for Use ..................................................8
6.1. General Operation .....................................................8
6.2. Setting up the Encora for Use ....................................9
6.2.1. Seat Depth Adjustment ..........................................9
6.2.2. Seat Height Adjustment .......................................10
6.2.3. Legrest Length Adjustment ..................................10
6.3. Castors .................................................................10
6.4. Tilt-in-Space .........................................................11
6.4.1. Manual Operation ................................................11
6.4.2. Electric Operation ...............................................11
6.5. Back Recline .........................................................12
6.5.1. Manual Operation ................................................12
6.5.1. Electric Operation ................................................12
6.6. Legrest Elevation ...................................................12
6.6.1. Manual Operation ................................................13
6.6.2. Electric Operation ...............................................13
6.7. Articulating Headrest ..............................................13
6.8. Integrated Laterals .................................................13
7. Accessories ............................................................14
7.1. Flip-Up Footrest ......................................................14
7.1.1. Footrest Height Adjustment ....................................14
7.2. Universal Headrests ................................................14
7.3. Lap-Belt and D-Ring Fixing .....................................14
7.4. Pelvic Positioner .....................................................16
8. Re-Use and Re-Issue .............................................17
8.1. Modularity ..............................................................17
8.1.1. Seat Modules .......................................................17
8.1.2. Back Modules .....................................................17
8.1.3. Arm Modules.......................................................17
8.1.4. Legrest Cushion ..................................................17
8.2. Disposal of the Chair ..............................................17
9. Care and Maintenance ...........................................18
9.1. Service Life ............................................................18
9.2. Periodic Checks .....................................................18
9.3. Cleaning ...............................................................18
9.3.1. Frame Cleaning ...................................................19
9.3.2. Upholstery Cleaning ............................................19
10. Technical Data......................................................20
10.1. Manufacturing Address .........................................20
10.2. Maximum User Weight .........................................20
10.3. Weight and Dimensions of the Chair .......................20
10.4. Product Standards ...............................................21
10.4.1. Flammability Testing ..........................................21
10.4.2. Strength, Stability, Durability, Risk and Safety .........21
10.4.3. Quality and Environmental .................................21
11. Customer Support .................................................21
Contents
Important:
Read carefully before use and retain for future reference.
It is the carer/user’s responsibility to ensure they are fully aware of and have understood all the safety and other instructions
contained in these pages before installing or using the chair.

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1. Introduction to the Encora Chair
Thank you for purchasing a Direct Healthcare Group (DHG) Encora chair.
The Encora chair encompasses the essential elements of specialist seating in terms of the correct chair dynamics as well as providing
a choice of different pressure relieving seat modules depending on individual user’s pressure management requirements.
The Encora has the ability for carers to easily adjust the tilt-in-space positioning, back recline facility and legrest elevation using either
a simple gas action adjustment mechanism or at the touch of a button on the electric model.
1.1. Why is There a Need for this Type of Chair?
The ability of a seated person to function efficiently and perform activities depends on their ability to adopt the appropriate posture.
All activity is posture dependent. If a person cannot move or has difficulty adjusting their posture, it may be necessary to use seating to
try to provide externally what is limited internally.
The Encora helps fulfil the need to maintain an individual’s seated posture yet re-orientate and redistribute pressure. This is achieved by
using the tilt-in-space, back angle recline and legrest elevation properties that are key to the functionality of the Encora chair.
2. Warranty Guidelines
2.1. Warranty and Liability
Direct Healthcare Group provides a warranty to the buyer that the
goods supplied will be free from defect of workmanship, design or
materials for a period of twelve (12) months from date of delivery.
The Encora chair frame has a ten (10) year warranty, subject to
warranty guidelines 2.3 – 2.4, excluding damage to castors,
upholstery and electrical components. An annual maintenance
service is recommended but not essential.
2.2. Use
a) Each Direct Healthcare Group product is designed to a high
specification for a particular type of use.
b) It is important therefore that the correct product is purchased by
the buyer. If the buyer intends to purchase goods for a non-
approved use he must use his own skill and judgment.
c) No employee or agent of Direct Healthcare Group is authorised
to recommend non-approved uses, and the buyer should not
rely on such recommendations.
d) User instructions should be followed in all respects.
2.3. When the Warranty will not Apply:
a) Use of incorrect cleaning products that may damage the
surface material.
b) Incorrect maintenance not approved by Direct Healthcare Group.
c) Alterations by the buyer to the original goods.
d) Incorrect means of transportation of the goods.
e) Normal wear and tear.
f) Non Approved uses:
• Sitting on the arms of a chair.
• Sitting on the legrest or footrest of a chair.
• Hitting the chair against people and objects such as walls,
doors, beds, tables, chairs, etc.
• Spilling food, urine, excrement and other matter on the chair
and not cleaning it off within a very short time of spillage
(2 minutes) often causes the chair to smell and become a
health hazard. Also, matter penetrates covering material,
seams and foam.
• Excessive force is often applied to the moving parts of chairs
thereby breaking or bending metal and wood parts.
• Bumping chairs up or down stairs or over obstructions with
a person seated in the chair causes damage to wheels,
framework and upholstery.
2.4. When the Warranty Does Apply:
Direct Healthcare Group will:
a) Rectify the defect
or
b) Where in the opinion of Direct Healthcare Group, rectification is
impossible, the product will be replaced.
2.5. Statutory Rights
Nothing contained in our Terms and Conditions nor in these
guidelines shall affect the statutory rights of the consumer.
2.6. Warning
In this manual, warnings are indicated by symbols. The warning
symbols are accompanied by a heading that indicates the severity
of the danger.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
serious injury or death if it is not avoided.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in minor
or slight injury if it is not avoided.
IMPORTANT
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
damage to property if it is not avoided.

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Sales Order No. ...............................................
Date of Manufacture........................................
Client’s Name...................................................
Product ...........................................................
Meets B.S. 5852 for cigarette and match, also crib 5 over CMHR foam.
Meets ‘The Furniture & Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Amendment
Regulations 1993’
Direct Healthcare Group Ltd,
Withey Court, Western Industrial Estate,
Caerphilly, UK, CF83 1BF
Tel: [phone]
The Advanced Comfort Back
Incorporating the highly acclaimed Reflexion Foam™, the Encora’s Advanced Comfort Backrest
is able to mould itself to the contours of the user to help disperse body weight more evenly over a
greater surface area contributing to the comfort and support of the user.
Essential to the design of the Advanced Comfort Backrest are the built in lateral and lumbar supports.
The integral flexible headrest provides further positioning support and comfort for the user.
Cushioned Waterfall Backrest
The Waterfall Backrest offers soft, immersive, fibre-filled back support and cushioning to
accommodate a variety of postures.
4.3.2. Pressure Management
Pressure management is critical for those who are seated for long periods or for those at risk of
tissue damage. The Encora has pressure relieving foams on all contact surface areas of the chair
and further options are available for the seat module in accordance with the occupant’s needs.
If you are unsure about the suitability of your pressure care, please seek advice and input from
a qualified Occupational Therapist, Tissue Viability Nurse, healthcare professional and/or Direct
Healthcare Group representative/retailer before purchasing.
4.4. Accessories
3. Clinical Applications
3.1. Intended Use
The Encora is intended for the following user environments:
• Care facilities such as nursing and residential care homes.
• Hospital environments.
• Hospice care.
• Community living.
• Private residences.
3.2. Who is the Encora Suitable for?
The Encora is appropriate for the following users
• Semi-ambulant and non-ambulant users who require assistance
getting in and out of the chair.
• Users requiring moderate postural support when seated.
• Users at low to medium risk of pressure injuries (on chairs fitted
with Reflexion™ seat foam).
• Users at high risk to very high risk or with up to a Grade IV
pressure injury (on chairs fitted with a Dyna-Tek®
®
Intelligent
Air seat) following a clinical assessment.
• Users with mild to severe cognitive impairment.
• For users undergoing rehabilitation, therapy or treatment.
• For users needing postural support when being moved.
3.3. Who is the Encora not Suitable for?
The Encora is not suitable for the following users:
• Fully ambulant users unless fully supervised by a healthcare
professional in a treatment setting and following a clinical
assessment.
• Users with complex postures requiring significant support.
4. Product Information
4.1. Product Identification
Each chair has a unique number to enable swift identification.
This number can be found on the underside of the seat module of the chair.
• Tilt-in-Space, independent back angle recline and legrest
elevation controlled through either:
• Electrically powered, or
• Manual Gas Action facility
• Arching legrest action
• Pressure relieving Reflexion™ foam on all user contact surfaces
• Waterfall backrest option
• Advanced comfort backrest
• Multi-directional stretch, breathable Dartex material on all user
contact surfaces
• Adjustable chair height from ground and seat length
• Integral lateral supports
• 100mm/4” castors, braked at rear
• Modular back, arm, seat and legrest components
4.2. Key Features
5. Guidelines for Best Practice
To ensure good practice when considering purchasing an Encora chair and effective use post purchase we advise that the following
guidelines are considered:
• Seek advice and input from a qualified Occupational Therapist, healthcare professional and/or Direct Healthcare Group representative/
retailer at the initial prescription of the chair.
• If unsure when ordering the chair and any accessories contact either the Occupational Therapist involved, your Direct Healthcare Group
representative, retailer or Direct Healthcare Group Customer Care Team on Freephone 0800 043 0881.
• All care-givers that will be supervising the user(s) should be trained in operating the chair to ensure correct positioning of the user
is achieved.
CAUTION
Only use accessories recommended by Direct Healthcare Group with the Encora chair.
EN107 Flip-Up Footrest
EN301 Laminated Tray with Straps (400/450)
EN306 Laminated Tray with Straps (500/550)
EN412 Universal Headrest in Dartex
EN413 Lap-Belt (Requires D-Ring Straps)
KB724 Large Pelvic Positioner (Requires D-Ring Straps)
KB726 Large Padded Vinyl Pelvic Positioner (Requires
D-Ring Straps)
KB719 Large Fleecy-Faced Pelvic Positioner (Requires
D-Ring Straps)
UL706 D-Ring Straps (Long)
EN990 Annual Maintenance Visit
4.3. Key Options
4.3.1. Backrest Styles
The backrest style is selected at the time of manufacture but an alternative backrest can be purchased. For further information and
pricing, please contact Direct Healthcare Group Customer Care Team on Freephone 0800 043 0881.

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IMPORTANT
Never move the chair while the charger is still plugged into the wall socket.
WARNING
We recommend the use of a power surge protector when using the power pack.
Battery Care
(Electric Models)
The battery is charged through the handset using the power pack included with the chair. The power pack should be plugged into a
mains socket and then attached to the hand control unit. The charging port on the hand control is at the bottom of the unit.
We recommend that if the chair is used during the day, the battery should be charged overnight to ensure the battery is topped up
regularly.
The chair can be used while the chair is being charged, however, we recommend that this is avoided where possible to ensure the
charger cable does not become a tripping hazard.
IMPORTANT
Do not allow the battery to completely discharge as this will render it unable to fully recharge again. If this happens, the
battery will need to be replaced.
CAUTION:
When the chair is in use, always ensure the user is checked
regularly for safety and is not left unattended for long periods
of time.
WARNING
The Encora is not suitable for use by children. Any children
present in the vicinity of the chair must be supervised at all times.
CAUTION
Do not sit on the arms of the chair at any time.
The purpose of these user instructions is to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of your Encora chair.
The chair is ready for use once fully installed in the correct position and all carers/users have read and understood the operating
instructions.
Safety warnings are included within these user instructions and it is the operator’s responsibility to ensure these are read
and fully understood.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Direct Healthcare Group representative, retailer or the
Direct Healthcare Group Customer Care Team on Freephone 0800 043 0881.
Please retain these instructions for future reference
Products must never be modified or altered after purchase other
than by Direct Healthcare Group authorised personnel.
It is extremely important that Encora chairs are used appropriately,
if there is any doubt as to the suitability of the product for a user,
professional advice should be sought from a qualified healthcare
professional such as an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist,
Tissue Viability Nurse or a moving and handling specialist.
Consideration should be given to matching the basic dimensions
of the chair to the body size of the user to ensure good posture,
support, comfort and safety. Any pressure care, moving and
handling, incontinence or infection control issues should be
considered and appropriate advice taken from qualified healthcare
professionals.
Environmental factors should also be considered and assessed
and any potential risks or hazards should be identified and taken
into consideration to ensure user safety.
When any chair is specified we recommend that a risk assessment
is conducted to ensure it will be safe and appropriate for the
user(s) of the chair and for all who may find themselves in the
vicinity of the chair. Regular reassessment as to the suitability of
the product for the user is important.
If you wish to discuss safety issues in more detail please telephone
our Customer Care Team on Freephone 0800 043 0881.
6. Instructions for Use
6.1. General Operation
WARNING
Do not push the chair up or down steps
or a steep incline as this could result in
loss of control.
WARNING
Ensure there is nothing present to
obstruct the free movement of the chair
before attempting to use the chair.
6.2. Setting up the Encora for use
Upon delivery of the chair the wrapping should be removed carefully in order not to damage the upholstery.
The user instructions must be fully read by all involved with using the chair and ensure the chair is set up correctly before use.
It is recommended that the chair is adjusted to accommodate each occupant’s specific requirements in terms of seat length and height,
back angle and tilt-in-space.
Begin by sitting the user in the chair, most adjustments can be easily made with the occupant in the chair with the exception of the seat
length which is easier to facilitate when the chair is unoccupied.
IMPORTANT
Do not use sharp scissors or blades to cut the plastic wrapping from the chair as this could accidentally damage the upholstery.
6.2.1 Seat Depth Adjustment
The seat depth should be adjusted for each occupant. If the seat depth, from the front of the seat cushion to the backrest of the chair, is
too deep the occupant will slide forward, losing posture and increasing localised pressure, and if it is not deep enough, pressure will be
concentrated on a smaller area of the body and poorly distributed.
If the person is slumped in the chair when being measured it will give an inaccurate seat depth measurement. Correct this position before
measuring provided it is safe to do so.
The chair back or the back of the seat cushion should be the starting point for measuring seat depth. To measure, squat to the person’s
side to avoid stooping and hold the tape measure end against the chair back or the back of the seat cushion and bring the tape forwards
until it is level with the back of the knee. Record the measurement.
If the legrest is regularly used at 90° to the seat then a minimum clearance of 25mm or one inch between the front of the seat cushion
and the calf is desirable when the occupant is seated against the back of the seat.
If the legrest is generally used elevated, then the optimum seat length is when the calf lightly touches the legrest cushion.
To adjust the seat length, ensure the chair is unoccupied. Go to the rear of the chair and locate the silver-spring adjuster.
Lifting the spring will enable the seat module to be moved forwards or backwards according to the user’s needs.
The seat module may be still to adjust, but by moving to the front of the chair and positioning one hand at the back of the seat module and
the other at the front, the correct seat length should be achieved.
Secure the silver-spring adjuster before leaving the chair unattended.
Sit the user in the chair and check the dimensions.
Position the user in the chair to ensure the seat length is correct. If it needs adjusting further ensure the chair is unoccupied and repeat
the adjustment steps.
IMPORTANT
Only adjust the seat length when the chair is unoccupied.