KIRTON Omega User manual

Omega
Instructions for Use
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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Contents
1. Introduction to the Omega chair
1.1.Why is there a need for this type of chair?
2. Clinical Applications
2.1.Intended Use
2.2.Who is the Omega suitable for?
2.3.Who is the Omega not suitable for?
3. Product Information
3.1.Product Identification
3.2.Key Features
3.3.Pressure Management Options
3.4.Accessories
4. Guidelines for Best Practice
5. Instructions for Use
5.1.General Operation
5.2.Castors
5.3.Linked Back Recline and Variable Seat Angle
5.4.Legrest
5.5.Accessories
5.5.1. Sliding Footrest
5.5.2. Weighted Universal Headrest
5.5.3. Cushioned Headrest
5.5.4. Headcap
5.5.5. Lap-Belt and D-Ring Fixing
5.5.6. Pelvic Positioner
6. Re-use and Re-issue
6.1Modularity
6.1.1 Seat Modules
6.1.2 Back Module
6.1.3 Arm Modules
6.1.4 Legrest

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6.2 Disposal of the chair
7. Care and Maintenance
7.1.Service Life
7.2.Periodic Checks
7.3.Cleaning
7.3.1. Frame cleaning
7.3.2. Upholstery cleaning
8. Technical Data
8.1.Manufacturer
8.2.Maximum user weight
8.3.Weight and dimensions of the chair
8.4.Dimensions of chair
8.5.Product standards
8.5.1. Flammability testing
8.5.2. Strength, stability, durability and safety
8.5.3. Quality and Environmental
9. Warranty Guidelines
10.Customer Support

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1. Introduction to the Omega chair
Thank you for purchasing a Kirton Omega chair.
Comfort and security underpins the Omega chair providing a
robust, durable chair able to withstand demanding and severe
movements yet provide a safe and relaxed seating position.
The Omega chair was originally designed for those with
Huntington’s disease and other neurological conditions. Over
time, the Omega chair has become recognised as a valued
seating system for many other caring environments.
1.1 Why is there a need for this type of chair?
A sculpted back and contoured seat assures optimum comfort
and provides good midline positioning for activities such as
eating and drinking, while relaxing and sleeping are encouraged
by the uniquely linked back and seat recline.
As the back angle reclines, the seat angle increases to
guarantee a consistent seated position and a sense of security
with the high broad armrests.
The dense foam legrest is securely fitted to the Omega by
strong, flexible attachments providing full leg support. For the
more ambulant occupant, the legrest can be removed, enabling
the occupant to exit the chair more readily. An optional sliding
footrest can be added to the Omega for correct, safe positioning
of the feet particularly when an occupant is being moved whilst
seated in the chair without the legrest attached.

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2. Clinical Applications
2.1Intended Use
The Omega is intended for the following user environments:
Care facilities such as nursing and residential homes
Hospital environments
Hospice care
Community living
Private residences
Single or multi-user environments
2.2Who is the Omega suitable for?
The Omega chair is appropriate for the following users:
Semi-ambulant and non-ambulant users who require a robust
chair that provides postural support and pressure
management
Users with Huntington’s disease or other neurological
conditions
Care facilities requiring a general purpose positional and
pressure management chair
Users requiring moderate postural support when seated
Users at low to medium risk of pressure injuries (chairs fitted
with Reflexion™ seat foam)
User at medium to high risk of pressure injuries (chairs fitted
with a Transflo Gel™ seat cushion)
Users at high risk or with up to a Grade II pressure injury
(chairs fitted with an Intelli-Gel®seat) following a clinicial
assessment

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Users with mild to severe cognitive impairment.
2.3 Who is the Omega not suitable for?
The Omega chair 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
3. Product Information
3.1Product Identification Each Omega chair has a
unique number to enable
swift identification. This
number can be found on the
underside of the seat module
of the chair.
3.2Key Features
The Omega chair incorporates a range of features to enable
suitable occupants to achieve an appropriate seated position.
Manual linked back recline and variable seat angle
Pivoting seat at front edge
Robust, durable frame
Modular back, arm, seat and legrest components
Horizontally and vertically sculpted backrest
Removable, supportive foam legrest
Ergonomically positioned push handle

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3.3Pressure Management Options
Pressure management is critical for those who are seated for
long periods. The Omega has pressure relieving foams on all
contact surfaces 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
Kirton representative/retailer before purchasing.
The pressure management seat options for the Omega chair
include:
Reflexion™ foam seat cushion (for those at low to medium
risk of pressure injuries)
Transflo Gel™ seat cushion (for those at medium to high risk
of pressure injuries)
Intelli-Gel®seat cushion (for those at high risk or with up to a
Grade II pressure injury)
Seat board for insertion of own pressure cushion as advised
by a healthcare professional
3.4Accessories
A range of optional accessories are available for use with the
Omega chair. Please contact Kirton Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or [phone] or your local
retailer for current pricing and availability.

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If you are unsure about the suitability of any of these accessories
for your Omega chair, please seek advice and input from a
qualified Occupational Therapist, healthcare professional and/or
Kirton representative/retailer before purchasing.
Sliding footrest for use when legrest is removed
Weighted Universal headrest
Cushioned headrest
Headcap
Lap-Belt and Pelvic Positioners
4. Guidelines for Best Practice
To ensure good practice when considering purchasing an Omega
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 Kirton
representative/retailer at the initial prescription and ordering of
the chair.
Consideration should be given to matching the basic
dimensions of the chair to the body size of the occupant 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.

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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.
All care-givers that will be supervising the user(s) should be
trained in operating the chair to ensure correct positioning of
the occupant is achieved.
5. Instructions for Use
The purpose of these user instructions is to ensure the safe
operation, adjustment and maintenance of your Omega 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 advisories 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 Kirton representative, retailer or the Kirton Customer
Services Team on Freephone 0800 212709 or +44 (0)1440
705352.
Please retain these instructions for future reference.

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5.1 General Operation
Products must never be modified or altered after purchase other
than by Kirton authorised personnel.
It is important that Omega chairs are used appropriately, if there
is any doubt as to the suitability of the product for the 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.
If you wish to discuss safety issues in more detail please
telephone our Customer Service Team on Freephone 0800
212709 or [phone].
5.2 Castors
The Omega is fitted as standard with four 100mm/4” castors with
two swivel castors at the front and two locking castors at the rear
that will not roll or swivel when the brakes are activated.
To apply the brakes on the rear castors,
gently push the chair slightly away in order
that the castors swivel around so that the
ridged pad is accessible. Press down with
your foot on the front edge of the pad; the
pad will angle down and click into the
locked position.

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To unlock the brakes, gently push down,
with your foot, the raised top of the ridged
pad until it is level with the rest of the
castor housing. The castor should roll
freely.
Safety Note: Ensure the castor brakes are applied at all times
when the occupant is left unattended in the chair.
Safety Note: Ensure castor brakes are applied when the
occupant is being transferred in or out of the chair to avoid any
unexpected movement of the chair.
Safety Note: Always check that the castors are unlocked before
moving the chair.
5.3 Linked Back Recline and Variable Seat Angle
The Omega has a linked seat and back
recline facility which enables a deeper
seated position to be achieved as the
back reclines maintaining appropriate
midline positioning for the user whilst
redistributing pressure and changing
positions.

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The back recline and seat angle can be
manually altered by using the gas action
adjustment lever located on the right hand
side of the push handle at the rear of the
chair.
To adjust the back recline and seat angle,
gently squeeze the lever and apply firm
downward pressure with both hands on
the push handle to recline the backrest.
At any point during the upward or downward motion the lever
can be released and the chair will lock in the selected positon.
Lift the push handle upwards whilst squeezing the lever to
raise the back to an upright position.
Safety Note: Always remember to check the positioning of the
occupant regularly to ensure an appropriate position is
maintained.
5.4 Legrest
The legrest is a foam and wood construction. The rear castors on
the legrest have been inset to provide improved mobility and
manoeuvrability.
The legrest is fixed to both sides of the chair by strong, rubber
buckles (Aerolatch) to ensure the legrest maintains a firm fixing
to the chair even under extreme duress.

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To fix the legrest buckle to the chair, the
plastic buckle fastener on the legrest strap
should be pulled over the bracket fixing
located on the chair. This is applicable to
both sides of the legrest.
The buckle latch slots over the bracket
fixing and the buckle should be pushed
forward until it snaps shut against the chair.
This should provide a secure fixing of the
legrest to the chair. Check latches on both
sides.
To release the legrest from the chair, lift the
buckle fastener up and the tension clasp
will spring open releasing the legrest.
This can be carried out on either side of the
chair or indeed on both sides.
5.5 Accessories
A range of optional accessories are available for use with the
Omega chair. Contact the Kirton Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or [phone] or your local
retailer for current pricing and availability.
If you are unsure about the suitability of any of these accessories
for your Omega chair, please seek advice and input from a
qualified Occupational Therapist, healthcare professional and/or
Kirton representative/retailer before purchasing.

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5.5.1 Sliding Footrest
The sliding footrest is designed to support the occupant’s feet
when the legrest is not in use.
To use, pull the footrest out until fully
extended
To retract, slide the footrest back fully,
essential prior to transferring to or from the
chair.
Safety Note: Do not stand on the sliding footrest.
Important: Always use the sliding footrest to support the
occupant’s feet during transit if legrest is not in use.
5.5.2 Weighted Universal Headrest
The Weighted Universal Headrest can be used with the Omega
chair to provide additional comfort, support and positioning for
the occupant’s head. Place weight flap over the top of the
backrest and position to the correct height
for the occupant, generally sitting just
above the top of the shoulders. The
weight in the headrest flap ensures the
headrest stays in position.

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5.5.3 Cushioned Headrest
The Cushioned Headrest covers the top portion of the backrest
providing additional comfort and support.
The Cushioned Headrest should be pulled down fully over the
top of the chair to avoid slipping or sliding.
5.5.4 Headcap
The headcap is a protective cover that slides over the top of the
headrest section of the chair to cover the headrest area from
excessive wear and tear particularly the oils secreted from hair.
The headcap should be pulled down fully over the top of the chair
to avoid slipping or sliding.
5.5.5 Lap-Belt and D-Ring Fixing
The Lap-Belt helps stabilise the pelvis and
position the occupant in the back of the
chair to achieve a good sitting posture and
reduce the risk of tissue damage through
the effects of shear which can occur if the
occupant has an unstable posture.
When using a Lap-Belt a level of supervision appropriate to the
occupants abilities must be applied at all times.
All Lap-Belts need to be correctly adjusted to adequately support
the occupant without restricting breathing or causing discomfort.

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It is essential the Lap-Belt does not fit
loosely around the occupant and is not
allowed to work loose over time as this
will allow the pelvis to tilt backwards,
encouraging the occupant to slide
down and forward in the chair,
particularly if in an upright position.
Ideally the D-Ring fixings for the Lap-Belt and the Lap-Belt itself
will be fitted at time of manufacture however; it can be fitted
retrospectively by a trained representative (refer to D-Ring fixing).
To use the Lap-Belt effectively, undo
the buckle joining the two halves of the
strap by depressing the button on the
central console and place the straps
over the arms or to the side of the seat
before transferring the user into the
chair.
When the user is seated correctly, bring the two sides of the
buckle together and fasten.
To adjust the Lap-Belt, pull on the
plastic loop to give firm control but
take care not to restrict user
movement. The Lap-Belt is designed
to pull back over the hips at an angle
between 45° and 60°. This angle
helps to maintain a vertical pelvis by simultaneously positioning
the hip joint down and back.

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D-Ring Fixing
The chair may come pre-fitted with D-Ring
straps if ordered at time of manufacture. If
so, these will normally be visible near the
interface between the seat module and
the back cushion.
In this case, the Lap-Belt can be fixed to the D-Rings by simply
snapping the spring clip on the end of the Lap-Belt onto the
visible D-Ring.
If the chair is not already fitted with D-Rings, these should be
attached to a rigid part of the chair’s metal framework on either
side of the seat module in order they can feed through between
the seat and arm modules.
Safety Note: If the Lap-Belt is too loose there is a risk of the
occupant sliding underneath or into an inappropriate position.
The Lap-Belt should be checked for correct tightness, regularly.
Care should be taken not to over tighten the Lap-Belt in order to
reduce the risk of harm to the user.
Safety Note: The webbing and plastic fittings should be checked
at least weekly for any signs of damage. If damaged, the Lap-
Belt should not be used.
Safety Note: The user is at risk if the Lap-Belt is not properly
specified and adjusted to their particular requirements.

Safety Note: Thrusts, spasms and strong movements, for
example, as well as partial loosening of the Lap-Belt could cause
injury to the user.

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5.5.5 Pelvic Positioner
The Pelvic Positioner is used to help
position users securely in the back of the
chair for those with low muscle tone or
control in their pelvis.
Fitting the Pelvic Positioner to the chair
Ensure the chair is unoccupied before
fitting the Pelvic Positioner.
Place the Pelvic Positioner in the seat of
the chair with the buckles pointing towards
the chair front and the clips on the buckles
facing down.
Feed the lengths of the straps through the
D-rings on either side of the seat module.
Place the ends of the straps over the arms
of the chair ready for the occupant to
transfer to the chair.

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Sit the user into the chair with their pelvis
firmly back in the seat and their buttocks
on the back edge of the Pelvic Positioner.
Bring the straps over the user’s thigh and
through the buckles on each end of the
Pelvic Positioner, located between the
user’s legs.
Pull the straps tight and fasten down the
clips on the buckles. The fit should be
snug –not too tight and not too loose.
Safety Note: Take care when adjusting positions to avoid
trapping or pinching of body parts.
Safety Note: Only a trained individual or a responsible person
should adjust the product.
Safety Note: The user should be regularly checked and the
Pelvic Positioner adjusted to ensure optimum positioning and
safety.
Safety Note: Due to the risk of cross infection, this product
should not be used by more than one person.

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6. Re-Use and Re-Issue
While the Omega chair has been tailored specifically for the
planned occupant’s needs at the time of manufacture, with some
alterations and adjustments, the chair can be re-issued and re-
used in a multi-user healthcare environment.
Please seek advice from a qualified Occupational Therapist,
healthcare professional and/or Kirton representative/retailer
before using the Omega chair with another user for whom the
chair was not originally specified.
Safety Note: Consideration to cross infection risks must be given
when reusing or reissuing chairs.
6.1 Modularity
The Omega chair has a durable frame with modular back, arm,
seat and legrest components. These components can be
purchased separately as required, whether to replace a worn
module or to re-issue to another user.
Contact the Kirton Customer Services Team on Freephone 0800
212709 or [phone] or your local retailer for current
pricing and availability.
6.1.1 Seat Modules
The seat module dimensions are set at the time of manufacture.
The Omega seat modules are available in the following
dimensions:
Seat Width
380mm/15”
430mm/17”
510mm/20”
Seat Length
430mm/17”
470mm/18½”
500mm/19½”