112670 Rev. A
10
R H Y T H M
V I .
U.WHEELCHAIR LIFTS
WARNING
Wheelchair lifts are used in vans, buses, and buildings to help you
move from one level to another.
1. Always turn
off
all power to your chair when you are on a
lift. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick by acci-
dent and cause your chair to drive off the platform. (Be
aware that a “roll-stop” at the end of the platform may not
prevent this).
2. Make sure there is not a lip or drop-off at the top or bottom
of the platform. These may cause a fall or tip-over. When in
doubt, have someone help you.
3. Always position the user securely in the chair to help prevent
falls while on a lift.
4. Avoid moving forward if a wheel is “hung up” on the lip of
the ramp. Backup, reposition the caster for a more direct
approach. And slowly try again.
V. CURBS & SINGLE STEPS
WARNING
1. It is recommended to climb and/or descend a curb, single
step, or other obstacle that a ramp or curb cutout is always
used.
2. If you must climb or descend a curb, single step, or other
obstacle that is greater than 2.5", it is recommended to have
a person assist you in doing so.
3. In no case should you try to climb a curb, single step, or
other obstacle greater than 4" high.
4. If you must climb or descend a curb or step alone do so at
your own risk using extreme care and follow the following
procedure:
• Proceed slowly, at a steady speed
• Go as straight up or down as you can over the obstacle.
Never turn when trying to climb or descend and obstacle,
doing so may result in a fall or tip-over.
5. Failure to follow the above procedures may cause:
• A Fall or Tip Over
• Damage to the frame, wheels, axles or other parts, or
loose fasteners.
W. STAIRS
PROHIBITED!
Never use this chair to go up or down stairs, even with
an attendant. Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over.
X.ESCALATORS
PROHIBITED!
Never take this chair on an escalator, even with an
attendant. Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over.
Beware Of:
1. Steep slopes. Do Not use this chair on a slope steeper than
10%. (A 10% slope means: One foot in elevation for every
ten feet of slope length).
2. Wet or slippery surfaces (such as when ice, snow, water or oil
film is present). A loss of traction may cause a fall or tip-over.
3. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression).
These may cause a fall or tip-over.
4. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. (A drop-off of as small
as 3/4 inch (19 mm) can stop a front caster and cause the
chair to tip forward).
S. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL, TIP-
OVER OR LOSS OF CONTROL:
WARNING
1. Never use your chair on a slope unless you are sure you can
do so without losing traction.
2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can.
•
Do not “cut the corner” on a slope or ramp.
•
Do not turn or change direction on a slope.
3. Always stay in the center of the ramp. Make sure ramp is
wide enough that you are not at risk that a wheel may roll off
the side.
4. Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed. Keep con-
trol over the chair at all times.
•
On a descent, do not let your chair accelerate beyond its
normal speed.
•
If the chair picks up speed, center the joystick to slow
down or stop.
Q-NOTE–
The solid state controller of your chair has a
logic system that will help control your speed
when driving on a slope or uphill.
•
If you stop, re-start slowly.
T. RAMPS AT HOME & WORK
WARNING
Before driving on a ramp, survey the condition of the
ramp. On slippery ramps traction may be reduced caus-
ing your wheelchair to slide.
WARNING
Make sure ramps meet all Building Codes for your area.
1. For your safety, have a licensed contractor build or remodel
ramp to meet all standards.
2.
Q-NOTE–
The proper design will vary, depending on
such things as: the length and height of the ramp; the need for
an intermediate platform; landing size; doors, and the direction
of swing, and; whether the ramp includes a turn or angle.
At A Minimum:
1. Open sides of ramp must have side rails to prevent your
chair from going over the edge.
2. Slope must not be steeper than one inch in height for every
one foot of slope length (approximately 10º).
3. Ramp surface must be even, and have a non-skid surface.
4. You may need to add a section at the top or bottom to avoid
a lip or drop-off.
5. Ramp must be sturdy. Add bracing if needed, so ramp does
not “bow” when you ride on it.
