smirthwaite HIP SPICA User manual

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HIP SPICA CHAIR
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Multi-Adjustable Hip Spica Code 5585-5587

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CONTENTS PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 ILLUSTRATION OF YOUR CHAIR 2
3.0 FOR YOUR SAFETY 3
4.0 UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING YOUR CHAIR 4
5.0 SETTING UP AND ADJUSTING YOUR CHAIR 5
6.0 CARE & MAINTENANCE 8
7.0 GUARANTEE & SERVICE 12
8.0 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 12
9.0 WARRANTY & AFTERSALE 13
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Smirthwaite Hip Spica Chair.
The range of Hip Spica chairs have been specifically designed for children from the
age of 8 months who have congenital abnormalities of the lower limbs and require
supportive seating.
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 – Back
B – Lateral support wings
C – Seat
D – Lapstrap
E – Detachable tray support
F - Castors
A
B
C
D
E
F

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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).
 Always fasten the pelvic strap and any other straps provided with the chair.
 Always lock at least two of the wheels when the chair is static
 Regularly check that straps and/or harnesses are not showing signs of tearing or
fraying, and that they fasten correctly.
 If any part is loose, damaged or functioning incorrectly, DO NOT use until
rectified.
 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 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

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4.0 UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING 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 part assembled with the following
assembled sub-sections:
 Back assembly: Adjustable back plate complete with upholstered cushion,
wings and (if ordered), a headrest
 Seat assembly: Complete with seat cushion, adjustable seat and a pelvic
strap
 Front section: Storage box and adjustable arms to take the tray.
 To assemble, firstly fit the rear back cushion to the chair frame and secure using
the four handwheels provided.
 Secondly, fit the tray support section to the main chair assembly by sliding the
support section into the front space of the main chair assembly and locking in
place with the handwheel provided.
 Finally, fit the tray to the tray arms by rotating the toggles underneath the tray to
secure in position.
 If any part is loose, damaged or functioning incorrectly – do not use until rectified.
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 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.
IMPORTANT!
It is recommended that the chair should be used for a few days prior
to any operation so that the patient can become familiar with it.
It should then be checked in hospital after the operation, and set up
again if necessary.
The chair can normally be used from an early postoperative stage.
5.1 ADJUSTMENTS
5.1.1 SEAT DEPTH
 The seat can be adjusted
forwards and backwards by
loosening the two handwheels (A)
located on the underside of the
seat plate
 Adjustment range is limited by the
slot length on each side of the
chair
 Ensure each handwheel is tight
after adjustment and before
placing the child into the chair
5.1.2 SEAT HEIGHT & ANGLE
 The seat height can be adjusted
by loosening the four handwheels
(B) located at the front and rear of
the seat.
 Adjustment range is limited by the
slot length on each side of the
chair
 Ensure each handwheel is tight after adjustment and before placing the child in
the chair
 By setting the front of the seat higher or lower than the rear, the seat angle can be
adjusted.
A
B

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5.1.3 SEAT BACK
To adjust the height of the seat back
 Loosen the four handwheels (C)
 Slide seat back to desired position.
 Tighten handwheels (C) when the seat
back height is set.
5.1.4 LATERAL SUPPORTS
 Loosen the two handwheels on each lateral support and slide outward/inward to
set the desired position (as shown below).
 Ensure the handwheels are tightened after adjustment and before use.
5.1.5 PELVIC STRAP
 The strap is secured by pressing the
two Velcro sections together and is
released by pulling the sections apart
 When Velcro straps are used, the
Velcro should overlap by at least 75mm
(3 inches).
C

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5.1.6 TRAY FITMENT AND HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
 Ensure the arm rest on each side of the chair is set to the same height.
 Arm rests can be adjusted in height by loosening the two handwheels on each
side of the chair, moving the arm rest to the desired height and retightening each
handwheel.
 The tray is secured to the armrests by rotating the securing toggles located on
the underside of the tray.
 Therefore to set the tray to a desired height, adjust the arm rest height
appropriately firstly, and then fit the tray.
5.1.7 HEAD REST
 A headrest accessory is available.
 The headrest fits between the upholstered back cushion and the seat back plate,
being secured using the four handwheels.
5.1.8 SEAT TILT IN SPACE
 The rear of the seat can be reclined by loosening the handwheel (D) found on
each side of the chair and then adjusting the back to the desired recline angle,
as illustrated below.
 Ensure each handwheel is tightened prior to use.
D

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6.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT!
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 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 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
STOP!
The user should not be seated while the checks are carried out.
6.2 SERVICE INTERVAL
The Multi Adjustable 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
Smirthwaite warrants the products detailed on your order to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years from date of delivery.
Possible action may be for us to arrange to send out one of our Service Engineers,
or have the goods returned to us.
Should a repair not be possible within the guarantee period we will
replace the product for new or nearest equivalent product. In the unlikely event that
we cannot repair or exchange we will refund in full. This guarantee is for the UK only.
The warranty excludes faults due to accident, neglect, misuse, not following the
Instructions and normal wear and tear. This guarantee is in addition to your legal
rights. Goods will only be collected from the original delivery address.
A charge may be made where the goods cannot be repaired under the warranty. You
will be advised before this is made.
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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Notes

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