RHealthCare Dash Lite User manual

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Issue_G_January_2013 1 Dash Lite
D
Da as sh h L Li it te e
MODULAR OCCUPANT/
ATTENDANT USER GUIDE

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Table of Contents:
Item
Page:
1
Amendment Record
2
2
Important Symbols
3
3
Wheelchair Features
4
4
General Warnings
5
5
Intended User
5
6
Important Product Information
6
7
Handling and Stability on Steps and Slopes
10
8
Seat and Posture Belts
10
9
Occupant Controlled Mobility
12
10
Transportation
12
11
Tie Down Information
13
12
Safety Precautions
15
13
Wheelchair Cleaning and Maintenance
16
14
Service Checklist
17
15
Useful Addresses
17
16
Wheelchair Technical Information
18
17
Distributor Stamp / Information
19
Amendment Record:
ISSUE
PAGE
AMENDMENT
DATE
B
Front Cover / 3
Remploy Logo & ISO 9001 2008 compliance
Jun-09
C
Page 7
Brake warning note added
Aug-10
D
Pages 18 / 9
17” Model added to range, Tray Bracket info added
Nov-10
E
Page 8
Additional picture added to show backrest hinge release,
chair photos changed
Mar-11
F
Page 11
Loop lapstrap design replaced by side fastening lapstrap
July 2011
G
Front Cover
R Healthcare Brand Change
Jan 2013
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT USE YOUR WHEELCHAIR UNTIL THIS
MANUAL HAS BEEN READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
www.Rhealthcare.co.uk

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This symbol indicates hints and suggestions, which should help make operating the wheelchair
easier and point out any special functions.
THIS SYMBOL WARNS YOU OF A RISK!
This symbol is used to give a warning or caution that is related to the safe use of the
wheelchair. Follow the instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the product.
This symbol indicates hints and suggestions that should not be carried out while operating the
wheelchair.
1.1 IMPORTANT SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
This symbol indicates the use of different tools and other adjustments or when service/maintenance
may be required. It should only be carried out by suitably trained or competent persons.
1.2 WHEELCHAIR IDENTIFICATION
Each wheelchair carries a unique identification/serial number that is printed on the serial number label. This label is fitted
on the rear of the wheelchair on the rear cross brace tube (Fig. 1) This label also carries the model code designation,
which includes the wheelchair size and colour. In the event of any queries please have this information to hand if
contacting R Healthcare.
Fig. 1
Company specific labelling / decals as shown
Remploy Healthcare can be contacted as follows:
Remploy Healthcare, Sheffield Road, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 8NJ
Customer services: 0044+ 0870 60 90 600, e-mail: [e-mail]
Website: http://www.remployhealthcare.com
Label/Decal Placement
1. Dash Lite stickers are situated
on the front of the bottom tube,
2 per chair, one on each side
frame
2. R Healthcare stickers are
situated
on the front of the side frame
top tube, 2 per chair, one on
each side frame
1.3. CARLESSNESS CAUSES FIRE
This label shows the position of tie down location points for wheelchair
transport. (See section 6.3 on transportation) This label shows the model
number, serial number, max. User weight and manufacturer details. This label
shows the flame retardency details. The label is fitted to the rear of the
backrest and seat.
1.4. RULES AND REGULATIONS
• The wheelchair is manufactured to meet the requirements of BS EN 12183
• The Upholstery meets the requirements of ISO 7176-16 and the fire and
furnishing regulations SI1324. Other materials wherever possible are ignition
retardant.
1.5. MODIFICATIONS AND ALTERATIONS
Making any unauthorised modifications or using non approved
parts, may change the wheelchair structure and create an unsafe
condition.
CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE
Remploy Healthcare Ltd
BS EN ISO 9001 2008 Registered Firm
BATCH DATE
REFERENCE
QUALITY ASSURED
MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION
to SI 1324 furniture and fire regulations 1988
Outer covering is polymer coated fabric
there is no interliner
cushion combustion modified polyurethane
foam padded quilting is PVC foam
ALL MATERIALS TO APPROVED STANDARDS

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Neither RHealthcare nor your wheelchair provider will accept responsibility for damage caused by
misuse or noncompliance with instructions or advice set out in this manual. Users attempting to use
the wheelchair beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations may put themselves at risk of serious
injury or even death.
1. WHEELCHAIR FEATURES
1.1 DESCRIPTION OF WHEELCHAIR
The Dash Lite self-propelling folding wheelchair is fitted with 61cm (24”) diameter wheels and the Dash Lite attendant
propelled (transit) wheelchair is fitted with 31cm (12”) diameter wheels.
The standard configuration for the wheelchair is shown below which identifies the key components.
1. Push handle
2. Backrest
3. Armrest
4. Footrest
5. Footplate
6. Front castor
7. Brake
2. Backrest
3. Armrest
4. Footrest
1. Push Handle
7. Brake
6. Front Castor
5. Footplate

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2. GENERAL WARNINGS
The removal of detachable parts that are supplied either as standard as prescribed or recommended
by the user’s prescriber, healthcare professional or wheelchair dealer, other than for the purpose of
storing or transporting the wheelchair is not recommended and may compromise the correct use of
the wheelchair by the user and the provision of any beneficial effects from the complete equipment.
Take precautions when using your wheelchair to avoid fire risks, such as avoiding smoking or
parking against open fires or heat source.
Do not store your chair in direct sunlight. Direct heat such as sunlight will increase the temperature
of parts on the wheelchair such as the frame or upholstery and they may be hot to touch.
Low temperatures such as frost will have the opposite effect and may make parts of the frame very
cold to touch.
DO NOT hang items such as bags on the back of the push handles, as this can overload the chair
and affect the stability of the wheelchair - causing it to tip over.
DO NOT exceed the occupant weight limit for your chair and do not carry more than one person.
If you feel that your body weight may have changed then contact your healthcare specialist.
DO NOT attempt to lift the chair by any other means than the handle provided on the seat canvas.
Using a cushion raises the seated position and may reduce the stability of your wheelchair. Some
features and accessories may affect stability. Your healthcare professional can provide guidance on
the stability of your wheelchair and should be consulted when cushions and accessories are being
used.
Your wheelchair should be delivered already assembled. You should remove any packaging before use. If
you have not used a wheelchair or are uncertain about any of the features of your wheelchair then please
contact your healthcare professional, wheelchair dealer or your wheelchair service and ask for assistance. If
you have been informed that you must receive specific instructions about your wheelchair before using it,
then it is important that you await this instruction for your own safety.
1. Turn the heel loops, if fitted, to the front of the footplate and then flip up the footplates.
2. Grasp the middle of the seat fabric at both front and rear and give a sharp pull upwards. This will part all close the
chair.
3. Push both sides together to fold the chair completely. Ensure that the seat is not trapped in the frame when
fully folded.
4. If required, fold the backrest down by pulling up the levers and lowering the push handles.
3. Intended use
Your wheelchair is intended for use in the home, the office, public places and buildings, on pavements, pedestrian
paths and firm surfaces. It is intended to assist with the mobility of the user on the seat and should not be used as a
ladder or as a means of pulling or transporting items, or similar.
Do not use the wheelchair on soft surfaces such as sand, deep snow, slush or mud as this may affect
the stability.
Care should be exercised when using the wheelchair on wet or slippery surfaces such as wet cobbles
or icy pavements, as these may cause the wheels to slip or may cause carers/attendants controlling the
wheelchair to slip.
Using your wheelchair during darkness or in poorly lit areas.
When using your wheelchair during darkness or in poorly lit areas, then consideration should be given to the
use of high visibility markers or reflectors that can be fitted to the wheelchair or the use of high
visibility/reflective clothing such as fluorescent waistcoats, belts or armbands, particularly in poorly lit areas or
when crossing the road.
Maximum safe slope
The maximum safe slope for this wheelchair is 8 degrees. (This represents a slope of approx 1 in 6).
See further notes and guidance in section 4.7 on wheelchair stability.
Users, carers and attendants attempting to use the wheelchair beyond the manufacturer’s
recommendations may put themselves at risk of serious injury or even death.

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4. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The type of wheelchair, and attachment features,
provided will be different according to individual
user requirements, and clinical assessment of
need. In many cases the result will be a
compromise solution.
Some modular wheelchairs can be set up or
finely adjusted to suit user needs. Users should
contact their approved distributor if they are
hav
ing problem in using their wheelchair, a
simple adjustment or alternative build
configuration may help to resolve the problem.
Remploy manual wheelchairs can be divided into
two broad categories.
•Attendant Propelled
•Occupant Propelled
This general information section covers safety
issues of wheelchair use covering all of these.
Please read carefully together with all other
information provided, covering the specific model
supplied, which will give particular details of the
wheelchair features and construction, methods of
operation and correct setting methods.
4.2 GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR
FACING FORWARDS
For maximum safety, these operations should be
carried out with the help of an attendant. The
occupant should always try to assi
st the
attendant wherever possible to share the total
effort.
Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
If this is not possible a hoist may be required.
Getting into the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the
footplates, tak
ing care that the heel support
straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the
footrest support frame. On some models,
footrests may be detached or swung away for
easier access.
Note that when footrests are detached, the
mounting swivels remain exposed and care
should be taken to avoid the occupant
catching these accidentally.
The occupant may be able to help by pushing on
the armrests to provide support whilst being
lowered into the seat. Finally, push the footplates
down, and locate the occupant’s feet on them.
see fig 2.
Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on,then flip up the
footrests or detach them. The occupant should place
a hand on each armrest, bend slightly forward and
place both feet well back.
4.3 SIDE TRANSFER
When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow
sideways entry to the chair and vice versa, from
another chair or car seat. See fig 3. Physically active
Independent users with upper body and arm strength
Should eventually
develop skill to carry out
this manoeuvre without
help. However, it is
advisable that an
attendant should be
available if assistance
becomes necessary.
Make sure the brakes
are on, or that the
wheelchair is prevented
from moving, It is easier
to transfer when flip up
footrest assemblies are swung back out of the way,
or removed so as not to interfere with the legs. Feet
should be firmly on the ground and not on the
footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly
forward.
If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it
may help to slide along a smooth transfer board, or to
use some other lever point such as a car hand grip
for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one
seat to the other.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON
SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
Fig 2 - Getting
in/out of the wheelchair

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4.5 PUSHING TECHNIQUES
Pushing a wheelchair with a helpful occupant can be an
enjoyment for both people involved provided that there
is mutual confidence and understanding.
When first planning a trip, the pusher should check the
distance and terrain to be covered, bearing in mind that
a slope going out is a hill coming back. A combination
of slope and camber is common in many areas. Try the
chair out on typical surface conditions nearby, and
practice manoeuvres likely to be encountered on a
longer trip.
The pusher should be familiar with the operation of the
wheelchair, remembering to put the brakes on and
steady the chair before the occupant gets in and out.
Where applicable, detachable features such as push
handles and armrests should be checked for security,
before setting out on a journey. The occupant should
not be rushed during transferring in and out of the
chair.
Before setting off, the pusher should make sure that the
occupant is comfortable and that clothes, rugs, covers
etc do not catch in the wheels or interfere with the
general workings of the wheelchair.
The pusher should walk at a sensible speed, and tell
the occupant before changing position, tipping the chair
or manoeuvring, also paying attention to the surface
conditions and avoiding uneven or soft ground
wherever possible.
The pusher should always maintain a firm grip on the
push handles. The chair should not be jolted or jarred,
or rocked like a pram. see figs 4 & 5.
Shopping bags or other additional heavy loads
should not be carried in a wheelchair unless
specifically designed for the purpose. This
particularly applies to hanging items over the
push handles, which can overload the chair
and affect stability resulting in injury if the
occupant tips out of the chair when it is left
unattended momentarily.
Fig 3– Side Transfer
Fig 4– Maintain a firm
grip on the push handles
Fig 5– Attendant Control
4.4 BRAKES
Hand brakes are provided for preventing wheel
movement when parked, particularly on a slope, or
during occupant transfer to and from the wheelchair.
The action of a brake shoe pressing on the tyre makes
correct inflation pressure important.
Cable operated hub brakes are an option available for
mounting on the push handles to allow the attendant to
control the chair without having to reach down for the
hand brake handle. These may also provide the
attendant with a means of controlling the speed of a
wheelchair when going downhill, and are a safety
improvement on slopes and undulating terrain, as
described in Technical Information Manual (Part B).
Operating the wheelchair in this way however,
demands that the attendant is skilled in the controlling
operation, as a sudden change in direction will result if
one wheel is retarded in advance of the other.
Brake adjustment— Loosen sideframe brake bracket
clamp, and drop brake sub assembly until there is a
5mm gap between the brake while in the off position
and tyre. Tighten and secure to 1oft/lbs ensuring tyre is
central to the brake shoe.
Images showing extending brake handle
Fig 6– Going down a kerb
Start position
When setting the brake; please ensure that when
the brake is on, the rotation of the swinger
assemblies; does not disengage the brake.

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Make sure that the front end of the chair is
lowered slowly to the floor, and that the
castors are pointing to the rear.
Fig 7– Going down a kerb
Finish position
Castors with small
wheels, are more
liable to dig in,
than large wheels,
and require extra
care in use.
4.6 KERBS
Negotiating a kerb.
The methods described here involve an attendant
controlling the operation. Active users adopt balancing
techniques carry out kerb manoeuvres independently,
but methods will vary according to the setting of the
chair, the physical strength of the user and skills
acquired through training and practice with wheelchair
experts. See section 1.6.
Going down a kerb:
The chair castors should be taken to the edge of the
kerb. The pusher should hold the chair handles firmly,
pressing down on the tipping lever and at the same
time tilting the chair back. see fig 6 & 7.
The rear wheels can then be taken to the kerb edge
and the foot removed from the tipping lever. The chair
is then lowered down the kerb on its rear wheels, with
the castor wheels facing rearwards, this prevents them
jamming up momentarily as the chair starts to move,
before pivoting the chair gently to the ground, to face
direction of travel and then pushing forward.
Note:
The chair must not be tipped for
ward or the occupant may fall out.
When stabilisers have been fitted, this
operation is more difficult to control,
and extra care should be taken.
Going up a kerb. First method.
The chair footplates, or occupant feet if longer,
should be taken to just in front of the kerb edge.
The pusher should hold the chair handles firmly,
pressing down on the tipping lever, tilting the
chair backwards using body weight leverage,
bringing chair forward till the back wheels touch
the kerb.
The front castors wheels can then be lowered
down onto the path, making sure that the wheels
are facing rearwards. With the push handles held
firmly the attendant should now lift and push the
chair.
Going up a kerb. Second method.
The chair should be turned round so that the
back wheels are against the kerb and the
attendant should hold the pushing handles firmly
and tip the chair backwards.
Using body weight as leverage the attendant
should then pull the chair off the kerb and up onto
the pavement, making sure, as above that the
castor wheels are facing rearwards.
The chair may
then be pivoted to face the
direction of travel and pushed forward.
Fig 8– Apply pressure to
release and engage push
handle as per above. Ensure
that push handle locks are fully
engaged before using the
chair.
Fig 9– Going down/up a flight of steps

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Wheel Mounting Bracket.
The image below shows show how the block is
fitted to the chair and how the wheel alignment
can be set using the grub screws in the wheel
mount block.
Remploy recommends that trained
personnel configure the chair and
carry out necessary adjustments
following professional assessment.
Wheel Assembly.
Quick release self - propelling wheels
Your wheelchair may be fitted with quick
release wheels. Quick release wheels can be
removed from the wheelchair to make it lighter
for lifting and easier to store. To remove wheel:
Press the button (1) in the centre of the wheel
and slide the axle and wheel out of the axle
bush fully. To replace wheels: Reverse the
above procedure and depress the centre button
of the axle and push the exposed axle into the
wheel bush. When the axle/wheels are fully
inserted, release the centre button.
Make sure that the button is fully released
and that the wheel is secure in the axle bush
by pulling the wheel gently away from the
wheelchair. The wheel should remain in the
same place.
Always ensure that the quick release wheels
are fully engaged with the locking ball
bearings on the axle shaft fully engaged
and visible on the inner side of the axle
bush.
Never mount the quick release rear axles with
the release button positioned inside the
frame. This will cause the wheels to release
when the chair is folded.
Do not alter the position of the wheels in the
wheel mounting blocks without the approval
of the person prescribing the wheelchair.
Tray Bracket
Is fitted on either armrest utilized
the front two armrest / side panel
screws
Footrest
Correct positioning of the footrests to suit occupant
size and position is very important as it has a major
effect on distribution of seating pressure
. The
underside of the occupant’s legs should be
supported as far forward as possible over the length
of the seat, to reduce high-pressure areas. When
transferring to and from the wheelchair, avoid
contact and weight on the footrest, as this will cause
the wheelchair to tip forwards.
Keep fingers and other items away from the
footrest attachment assembly when it is being
attached to prevent injury or damage to
property.
4.2 FOOTPLATE ADJUSTMENT
The footplates are height adjustable.
Tools required: 5mm Allen Key
Height adjustment
With the user sitting in the wheelchair, lower the
footplate and ensure that it is in a comfortable
position for their feet. The safest position is usually
with thighs horizontal, and hips and knees at
right angles. If the position is not comfortable the
footplate can be adjusted as follows:
Stabilizer
Stabilizers can be fitted if there is a risk of the user
tipping the chair backwards. Their position affects
the angle that the chair can tip back to before it
touches the ground. Remploy recommends that
trained personnel configure the chair and carry out
necessary adjustments following professional
assessment prior to use
Adjusting the stabiliser can adversely effects
the performance of the stabiliser
To detach the footrest
assembly:
Pull the lever ’a’ upwards and
swing the footrest outwards
and lift out of the frame. To
attach the footrest assembly:
Locate the footrest in the front
frame and swing it round to the
centre of the wheelchair until it
locks securely into position.
‘a’

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4.7 HANDLING & STABILITY ON STEPS & SLOPES
A little forward planning can eliminate difficult
manoeuvres such as steps. Modern public
buildings should provide permanent wheelchair
ramps, with a practical slope angle, built
according to regulations, for safe access.
Technical Test data on stability of wheelchairs
should be seen as a tool for comparison. Data
does not convey actual feel of the wheelchair in
the intended environment. Initial supervised
user training and assessment by a
rehabilitation professional, with the wheelchair
in the intended usage environment is
recommended, and users should ensure that
they are confident with regard to this aspect of
use.
An important factor in considering accessibility
and slopes is the effort demanded from the
occupant or atten
dant using the chair
(attendant brakes are an available option).
Pushing up a steep slope which extends over a
distance, may create a need to stop and rest,
which in turn demands additional and
undesirable effort to start back upwards again.
Stopping a wheelchair on a steep downward
slope also demands effort and control, and
surface conditions need to be taken into
account when deciding what outdoor route to
take. Manoeuvres, which demand over
exertion, may create risk of injury to the user
and should be av
oided. However, if in
temporary difficulty, wheelchair users should
not hesitate in asking for assistance from
people nearby, someone will usually be happy
to help.
Modern buildings should have slopes built to a
required standard angle, but this is not the case
with all access areas. Learning the geography
of an area is important. As an all round guide, a
maximum safe slope of 8 degrees is our
recommendation for the Remploy range of
manually propelled wheelchairs. However this
recommendation may need to be changed if
the wheelchair has attachments added to it,
such as an elevating legrest or carry bag,
which adversely affects stability. Such changes
to the chair specification may have a critical
effect, and they require re-assessment by
rehabilitation professional.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON
SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
Where possible, the hazard of negotiating steps
should be avoided. Many falls and injuries to both
occupant and helper can occur when
inexperienced people are carrying out this
operation, and if users or carers are concerned
about a particular
hazard in the usage
environment, which they must regularly overcome,
they should consult their wheelchair rehabilitation
service, or community services department
, as
appropriate.
There may still be occasions when steps must be
negotiated. In the event o
f the chair having
detachable pushing handles, these should be
checked for security in the locked position before
attempting this manoeuvre. Stabilisers may require
removal if they interfere with the chair balance
angle on a flight of steps. This should first be
checked out with an unoccupied chair.
Two attendants at least are required for this
operation. The attendant supporting the main load
should grip the chair at the push handles, and
repeat the procedure as section 2.6 for getting
down a kerb at each step, the second attendant at
the front will be required to guiding the footrest
area, and provide reassurance to the occupant.
A third person could act as guide for the chair
team if the steps are high. Reverse this procedure
for going up a flight of steps, with the attendant
supporting the main load at the push handles
pulling, and the second attendant at the front
guiding the chair using the corner of each side
frame.
Specialist training for very experienced users to
negotiate a flight of stairs in
dependently is
available, but this is beyond the context of this
guide.
.8
SEATBELTS (ALSO POSTURE BELTS)
The fitting of these should be considered in all
circumstances where the chair is used outdoors,
over a sloping surface or kerbs. Belts normally
secure the occupant by means of a quick release
buckle in the centre. In cases where the seatbelt is
part of the postural/ clinically assessed needs,
provision of a seatbelt will be covered by a clinical
assessment.
A basic security seat belt may become required
after a period of use, if the environment or method
of use changes, or where the occupant feels a
need for greater security in the wheelchair. These
can be fitted retrospectively by a fully trained and
competent technician, but if unable to utilise any of
these instructions, contact either your NHS
rehabilitation engineer or the manufacturer of the
wheelchair.
SAFE SLOPE OF 8 DEGREES FOR
MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS