Sunrise Medical QUICKIE G-424 - Manual (Page 10)

930484 Rev. A 19
V I . G E N E R A L W A R N I N G S
T. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A
FALL, TIP-OVER OR LOSS OF
CONTROL:
1. Never use your chair on a slope unless
you are sure you can do so without los-
ing 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. Lean or press your body uphill.This will help adjust for a change in the center
of balance caused by the slope. (Figure 1)
5. Keep your chair moving at a slow, steady speed. Keep control 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.
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.
U. RAMPS AT HOME & WORK
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. 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.
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.
Figure 1
18 930484 Rev. A
V I . G E N E R A L W A R N I N G S
Q. OBSTACLES
Obstacles you may have to overcome in daily use include door thresholds, lifts,
ramps and hazards such as potholes and broken pavement.These can damage
your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control.
1. Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a small change in height
may stop a caster wheel and cause your chair to tip). You may need to:
• Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
• Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2. Keep your eyes moving when you ride; scan the area well ahead of your chair.
3. Make sure the floor areas where you use this chair are level and free of obstacles.
4. To help correct your center of balance:
• Lean your upper body forward slightly as you go up over an obstacle.
• Press your upper body backward as you go down from a higher to a
lower level.
R. DRIVING IN REVERSE
Use extra care when you drive your chair in reverse.You may lose control or
fall if one of the rear wheels hits an object.
1. Operate your chair slowly and at an even speed.
2. Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear of obstacles.
S. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDEHILLS
The center of balance of your chair changes when you are on a slope.
Note: “Slope” includes a ramp or sidehill.Your chair is less stable when it is at
an angle. Never use this chair on a slope unless you are sure it is safe.
When in doubt, have someone help you.
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 can stop a
front caster and cause the chair to tip forward).