smirthwaite HIP SPICA User manual

2/11
Portable Hip Spica
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Code 5596

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CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 ILLUSTRATION OF YOUR CHAIR 2
3.0 FOR YOUR SAFETY 2
4.0 UNPACKING YOUR CHAIR 3
5.0 SETTING UP AND ADJUSTING YOUR CHAIR 3
6.0 CARE & MAINTENANCE 8
7.0 GUARANTEE & SERVICE 9
8.0 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 9
9.0 WARRANTY & AFTERSALE 10
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Smirthwaite Portable Hip Spica Chair.
Designed to be tool free, highly adjustable and lightweight, the chair is portable and
can be dismantled for storage.
The low seat height allows the child to engage in education, play and everyday
activities at peer level while in plaster. It is suitable for use in therapy units, schools
and at home.
IMPORTANT!
These instructions should be read by all therapists and carers using the equipment
and should be retained for future reference. The chair should always be used under
professional guidance and adult supervision.
Any incorrect use of the product and failure to follow the instructions may put the
user at risk or impede the function. If you have any queries using this product or wish
for further copies, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service department on
T: [phone].

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2.0 ILLUSTRATION OF YOUR CHAIR
A. Seat
B. Backrest
C. Armrest
D. Tray
3.0 FOR YOUR SAFETY
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY
The user should NOT be left unattended whilst in the chair. Always ensure a
responsible therapist or carer is in attendance.
The carer should be familiar with the methods of adjustment and have completed
all adjustments appropriately to meet the needs of the child before transferring the
child onto the chair.
Regular maintenance checks and cleaning are essential for the safe use of this
equipment (see care and maintenance section).
Ensure that all nuts, bolts and handwheels are securely tightened and that none
are missing.
The chair is ONLY to be used indoors on a flat level surface.
Always fasten the pelvic strap and any other straps provided with the chair.
Always keep this product away from naked flames, cigarettes and sources of heat
including open fireplaces, radiators and heaters.
DO NOT fit parts or accessories of other manufacturers to this product unless
authorised to do so in writing by G&S Smirthwaite Ltd. Failure to follow these
instructions will not only invalidate the guarantee but could make the chair
dangerous to use. G&S Smirthwaite Ltd will not accept liability for any injury or
damage incurred through such malpractices. Any repairs required must be carried
out by G&S Smirthwaite Ltd authorised personnel.
If you believe the chair or any fitted accessory to be faulty at any time, DO NOT
USE –contact Smirthwaite by telephone on [phone].
D
C
B
A
C

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4.0 UNPACKING YOUR CHAIR
When delivered, the chair will be supplied fully assembled except for the
attachment of any accessories ordered.
If your order has been supplied as a custom kit, please ensure you follow both the
instructions documented in this IFU and any additional instructions supplied.
Please take note of any instructions on the packaging/box when unpacking.
Once the chair has been carefully unpacked, please check all parts.
If you believe this product to be faulty - DO NOT USE - Contact G&S Smirthwaite Ltd
on T: [phone].
5.0 SETTING UP AND ADJUSTING YOUR CHAIR
Set up is made safer and easier by following the instructions below.
PLEASE NOTE: ALWAYS TURN LEVER HANDWHEELS AND SCREWS CLOCKWISE TO
TIGHTEN OR ANTI-CLOCKWISE TO LOOSEN. THE CHAIR MUST BE FULLY ADJUSTED BY A
THERAPIST OR TRAINED REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE USE.
5.1 SEAT ADJUSTMENTS
Four adjustments can be made to
the seat; height, depth, seat angle
and tilt
5.1.1 HEIGHT
To raise or lower the seat:
Remove handwheels and
washers (A)
Position seat at the desired
height to the nearest pair of
holes –there are 5 preset
heights available (B)
Replace handwheels and
washers (A)
Ensure the handwheels are
sufficiently tightened prior to
use
A
B

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5.1.2 DEPTH
To move the seat cushion
backwards and forwards
Loosen the handwheels (C)
Slide seat to the desired
position
Retighten the handwheels,
ensuring they are sufficiently
tight prior to use
5.1.3 ANGLE
To adjust the seat cushion angle
Place the chair on its side
Remove handwheel (D)
The seat cushion can now be
adjusted in angle to one of 3
preset positions
When the desired position is
selected, insert the handwheel
(D) and ensure it is tightened
prior to use
5.1.3 TILT
To position seat upright or tilt
backward
Loosen handwheels (E) on both
sides of the chair.
Hold the handle (F) and tilt the
chair to the desired position
Tighten handwheels (E) prior to
use
C
D
F
F
E

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5.2 BACK ADJUSTMENTS
5.2.1 HEIGHT
To raise or lower the back pad
cushion
Loosen the handwheels (G)
Slide the back cushion to the
desired position
Retighten the handwheels (G),
ensuring they are sufficiently
tight prior to use
5.3 ARM REST ADJUSTMENT
To raise or lower the arm rests –
each can be independently set.
Loosen the handwheels (H)
Adjust the arm rest to the
desired height
Retighten the handwheels (H),
ensuring they are sufficiently
tight prior to use
G
H
I
J

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5.4 POSITIONING STRAPS
5.4.1 PELVIC STRAP
Position the strap through the desired pair of vertical slots (I). There are four heights
available. Feed the strap ends through the cam locks provided (J)
Ensure the strap is firmly fastened across the hip to hold the child safely and in the
correct position
The buckle is secured by pushing (K) into (L)
To release the buckle, press both sides of (K), as shown
5.4.2 CHEST HARNESS
The chest harness is fitted to the chair through four horizontal slots (M)
There are three height positions available
Feed the strap ends through the four cam locks provided on the rear of the chair (N)
Note that when the back cushion is set to its highest setting, the top chest harness
straps should pass over the back wood rather than through the two top slots (see
below right)
N
M
K
L

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5.5 TRAYS
5.5.1 WOODEN TRAY
Before fitting the wooden tray, check to
ensure both arm rests are set to the
same height (see 5.3)
Slide tray to the desired position
Turn the wooden toggles (O) under the
tray to secure the tray into position
5.5.2 PLASTIC QUICK RELEASE TRAY
Before fitting the plastic tray, check to ensure both arm rests are set to the same
height (see 5.3)
Slide tray to the desired position
The tray will lock into position automatically
To release the tray, pull and hold the handle (P) located underneath the tray (as
shown below) and then slide the tray toward you
O
P
P
UNDERSIDE OF TRAY
SHOWN

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6.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
! CAUTION
CLEANING IS RECOMMENDED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
Clean upholstery and wooden parts with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Stubborn marks on the woodwork should be cleaned by using a soft brush.
Do not soak or immerse the chair in water.
The pelvic strap can be cleaned with a damp cloth. In cases of extreme soiling it
can be machined washed at low temperature with mild detergent but must be drip
dried.
Store the chair in a cool dry place and out of direct sunlight.
DO NOT use bleach, solvents, abrasives, synthetic detergents, wax polishes,
antibacterial sprays or wipes.
For further information please refer to MHRA or your NHS cleaning guidelines.
6.1 DAILY CHECKS
Check the tray (if supplied) to ensure no parts are loose or damaged.
Check all upholstery for signs of wear and tear.
Check that the hand wheels tighten correctly, and are not cross-threaded or
damaged.
Check all straps for fraying, and that buckles are not missing/damaged.
Check all cam locks are present, are securely fixed to the chair, and prevent
straps from slipping when pulled.
! CAUTION
THE USER SHOULD NOT BE SEATED WHILE THE CHECKS ARE CARRIED
OUT.
6.2 SERVICE INTERVAL
The Portable Hip Spica chair should be serviced every 3 years. Servicing must only
be undertaken by a Smirthwaite service engineer, or by a Smirthwaite trained
representative.

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7.0 GUARANTEE & SERVICE
The chair is issued with a full parts and labour guarantee for 2 years from the date of
delivery. This guarantee does not apply to accidental damage caused through
inappropriate use of the chair. This guarantee is issued at the discretion of G&S
Smirthwaite Ltd on RTB (Return to Base) basis. If you have any questions or doubts
relating to the safety or use of the chair please contact us for advice or assistance
on:
T: [phone]
E: [email protected]
8.0 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
G&S Smirthwaite Ltd are committed to continuous improvement to their product
range. Should you have any suggestions or comments please send them to our
product design department at: [email protected]
G&S Smirthwaite Ltd reserve the right to change the specification or material without
prior notice.
For catalogues, help and further information on our products please contact us at:
G&S Smirthwaite Ltd
17 Wentworth Road
Heathfield
Devon.TQ12 6TL
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
E: [email protected]
W: www.smirthwaite.co.uk

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9.0 WARRANTY & AFTERSALE
9.1 Product Information
Model:
Size:
Date of Manufacture:
Serial Number:
9.2 Service & inspection record form:
Date
Procedure
Service
Personnel

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G&S Smirthwaite, 17 Wentworth Road, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon.TQ12 6TL
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [e-mail]
W: www.smirthwaite.co.uk