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2.5.5 Re-Positioning of Resident - “Danger of Clamping”
D
RIVE chairs offer the benefits of seat tilt, back recline, leg rest/footrest
elevation, and moveable arms. During the movement of any of these
functions, the following safety measures must be observed:
1
. The resident’s arms must be positioned on the armrests or inside the
chair frame with their hands on their body or on.
2. The resident’s feet must be correctly positioned on the footrest.
3. All of the chair’s brakes have been applied.
4. Only one caregiver at a time attempts to operate the chair’s functions.
5. Only one chair function is operated at a time.
6. The rear wheels are in the trailing position, behind the chair frame.
7. The residents’ and caregivers’ body are clear of all pinch points before
operating the chair’s functions.
Failure to follow these safety measures can put the residents’ or caregivers’
limbs at risk of injury. Residents who may be unaware of their body position
or unable to maintain a safe body position are at the most risk of the danger
from clamping and caregivers should be more cautious with these residents.
A second caregiver may be required to ensure the safety of these residents
during these operations.
2.5.6 Unintended Movement - “Danger of Falling or Collision”
W
e recommend DRIVE chairs for indoor use and where there is not
enough slope to cause the chairs to move unaided. Chairs used where the
surface is uneven or sloped are at risk of unintended movement and could
become a serious danger to the resident, caregiver(s), or a third party. We
recommend DRIVE chairs are located away from stairwells, elevators, and
exterior doorways.
2.5.7 Resident Clothing - “Risk of Injury to Resident’s Skin”
W
e recommend residents only be seated while they are fully dressed in
clothing that meets the needs of their specific condition. If after being fully
dressed, a resident’s bare arms, legs, or body could still come into direct
contact with the vinyl straps or vinyl pads, we recommend the use of a
covering, such as a back pad or a folded cloth bed sheet to prevent direct
contact. Direct contact of bare skin on the straps over a period of time
could cause moisture on the resident, and/or cause the skin to stick to the
straps. Prior to the operation or movement of a chair with a covering, the
caregiver must ensure any covering placed on the chair does not come into
contact with any moving parts and is securely placed, so not to slip.
2. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
