smirthwaite HIP SPICA User manual

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PORTABLE HIP
SPICA
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Code 5596

Portable Hip Spica
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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 4
6.0 CARE & MAINTENANCE 9
7.0 GUARANTEE & SERVICE 13
8.0 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 13
9.0 WARRANTY & AFTERSALE 14
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
product should always be used under adult supervision.
Any incorrect use of the product and failure to follow the instructions
may put the user at risk or impede the function.
This product has been designed and manufactured specifically and
solely for use by clients with special needs.

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2.0 ILLUSTRATION OF YOUR CHAIR
A. Seat
B. Backrest
C. Armrest
D. Tray
E. Harness
3.0 FOR YOUR SAFETY
STOP!
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, 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
D
C
B
A
C
E

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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
4.0 UNPACKING YOUR CHAIR
STOP!
If in any doubt, ALWAYS seek ADVICE.
Always turn hand wheels, levers and screws clockwise to tighten or
anti-clockwise to loosen.
 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.
STOP!
If you believe this product to be faulty – DO NOT USE

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5.0 SETTING UP AND ADJUSTING YOUR CHAIR
STOP!
If in any doubt, ALWAYS seek ADVICE.
Always turn hand wheels, levers and screws clockwise to tighten or
anti-clockwise to loosen.
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.
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.
A
B
C

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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.
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

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5.4 POSITIONING STRAPS
5.4.1 5 POINT HARNESS
 The harness is fitted to the chair through four horizontal slots (I).
 There are three height positions available.
 Feed the strap ends through the four cam locks provided on the rear of the chair (J).
 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).
 Fasten the remaining strap (front) to the underside of the seat cushion using the
handwheel provided. Several eyelets are provided to permit different size clients;
select the most appropriate.
J
I

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5.5 TRAYS
5.5.1 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 (K) located underneath the tray (as
shown below) and then slide the tray toward you.
K
K
UNDERSIDE OF TRAY
SHOWN

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6.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT!
CLEANING IS RECOMMENDED ON A REGULAR BASIS
THE USER SHOULD NOT BE SEATED WHILE THE CHECKS OR
CLEANING ARE CARRIED OUT
 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 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.
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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6.3 NOMINAL SERVICE LIFE
Your product has a nominal service life of 12 years, during which full post-sales
support will be available with regard to spares and servicing.
Product service life has been determined based upon the design complexity of
product, and the anticipated exposure to normal use.
Good practice dictates all Smirthwaite products have been designed and
manufactured to high levels of safety and quality, and will meet requirements of
normal use when maintained in line with our servicing recommendations.
STOP!
If the product has been out of use for an extended period of time (6
months or more) it should always be serviced prior to being
reissued.
If the product has been subjected to ‘heavy’ or ‘constant’ use, the
service should be reduced to half the recommended period.
Constant and/or heavy use is considered to be:
 Daily use above 7 hours duration
 Weekly use above 5 days duration
 Monthly use above 10 months per year
 Use by a client who is at 90% to 100% of the maximum weight limit of
the product. The maximum weight limit must NEVER be exceeded
 Use by a client who is extremely active, either voluntarily or
involuntarily

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6.4 EXTENDING NOMINAL SERVICE LIFE
At Smirthwaite we are proud to produce products that have a reputation for quality
and durability.
We believe our products have the potential to provide benefits to our clients beyond
the nominal service life documented above.
We will continue to provide full support beyond the nominal service life provided the
following conditions are met:
1. A full service schedule has been maintained.
2. A full service and inspection is undertaken at the end of the nominal service
life period
3. The product is subsequently serviced annually (or biannually if under
‘heavy/constant’ use conditions)
4. Smirthwaite reserve the right to limit support where parts/components are no
longer available
6.5 DOCUMENTATION/RECORDS
 It is the responsibility of the current equipment owner to ensure the ‘Instructions
for Use’ manual and any further manuals for accessories fitted to the equipment
are handed over to the new owner at the time of exchange/sale
 It is the responsibility of the current equipment owner to ensure the service and
inspection record form is kept up to date
6.6 PRODUCT CONFIGURATION
 Smirthwaite will document and maintain a record of the original product
configuration at the time of first sale
 Smirthwaite will not be held responsible for any subsequent changes to this
configuration unless authorized to do so in writing by G&S Smirthwaite Ltd
 It is the equipment owner’s responsibility to maintain their own records of
changes to the equipment configuration and to be able to provide such records to
subsequent owners to maintain traceability
 We recommend an inspection/service by a Smirthwaite Service Engineer (or
Smirthwaite trained engineer) whenever a significant change is made to product
configuration to ensure the product is safe to use. If in any doubt, ALWAYS
seek ADVICE

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IMPORTANT REMINDER!
DO NOT fit parts or accessories of other manufacturers to this product
unless authorized to do so in writing by G&S Smirthwaite Ltd.
Any servicing or repairs required must be carried out by G&S Smirthwaite
Ltd (or a Smirthwaite trained engineer).
If you believe this product to be faulty – DO NOT USE
If in any doubt, ALWAYS seek ADVICE.

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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.
8.0 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
G & S Smirthwaite Ltd are committed to continuous improvement to their product
range.
G&S Smirthwaite Ltd reserve the right to change the specification or material without
prior notice.

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

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