12
GENERAL GUIDELINES
PROCEDURE 1
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Reaching, Bending - Backward
WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back uphol-
stery. This will change your center of gravity
and may cause you to tip over.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to the desired
object. Point rear casters rearward to create the longest
possible wheelbase. Reach back only as far as your arm
will extend without changing your sitting position.
WARNING
CAUTION: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS INFORMATION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS
OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ON YOUR POWERED WHEELCHAIR.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) From Radio Wave sources
Powered wheelchairs and motorized scooters (in this text, both will be referred to as powered wheel-
chairs) may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering electromag-
netic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) trans-
mitters, two way radios, and cellular phones. The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause
the powered wheelchair to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can
also permanently damage the powered wheelchair's control system. The intensity of the interfering
EM energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered wheelchair can resist EMI up to
a certain intensity. This is called its "immunity level." The higher the immunity level, the greater the
protection. At this time, current technology is capable of achieving at least a 20 V/m immunity level,
which would provide useful protection from the more common sources of radiated EMI. This powered
wheelchair model as shipped has an unknown immunity level.
There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic fields in the everyday environ-
ment. Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not apparent and exposure is
unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warnings listed below, your risk to EMI will be
minimized.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:
1) Hand-held Portable transceivers (transmitters-receivers with the antenna mounted directly on
the transmitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) radios, "walkie talkie", security, fire and
police transceivers, cellular telephones, and other personal communication devices. **NOTE:
Some cellular telephones and similar devices transmit signals while they are ON, even when not
being used;
2) Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances,
and taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle; and
3) Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and
TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.
NOTE: Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM radios,
TV sets, CD players, cassette players, and small appliances, such as electric shavers and hair dryers, so
far as we know, are not likely to cause EMI problems to your powered wheelchair.