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13
VI. WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
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A. CENTER OF BALANCE
The point where this chair will tip forward, back, or to the side depends on its cen-
ter of balance and stability. How your chair is set up, the options you select and the
changes you make may affect the risk of a fall or tip-over.
1. The Most Important Adjustments Are:
a. The position of the rear wheels.The more you move the rear wheels
toward the casters, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.
2. The Center Of Balance Is Also Affected By:
a. A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• The distance between the rear wheels.
• Seating system consisting of cushion and or back support.
• The seat height and seat angle.
• Backrest angle.
b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. Riding your chair on a ramp or slope.
d. The use of a back pack or other options, and the amount of added weight.
3. To Reduce The Risk Of An Accident:
a. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and
caster position is best for you.
b. Consult your authorized supplier BEFORE you modify or adjust this chair. Be
aware that you may need to make other changes to correct the center of
balance.
c. Have someone help you until you know the balance points of your chair and
how to avoid a tip-over.
d. Use anti-tip tubes.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of
control may occur and cause severe injury to the wheelchair user or others.
B. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
1. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
This makes the chair more stable.
2. Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have anti-tip tubes, back it
up against a wall and lock both rear wheels).
3. Engage your wheellocks.
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control
may occur and cause severe injury to the wheelchair user or others.
12
V. GENERAL WARNINGS
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K. WHEN YOU NEED HELP
For The Rider:
Make sure that each person who helps you reads and follows all warnings and
instructions that apply.
For Attendants:
1. Work with the wheelchair user’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe
methods best suited to your abilities and those of the wheelchair user.
2. Tell the wheelchair user what you plan to do, and explain what you expect the
wheelchair user to do.This will put the wheelchair user at ease and reduce the
risk of an accident.
3. Make sure the chair has push handles.They provide secure points for you to
hold the rear of the chair to prevent a fall or tip-over. Check to make sure
push handle grips will not rotate or slip off.
4. To prevent injury to your back, use good posture and proper body mechanics.
When you lift or support the wheelchair user or tilt the chair, bend your knees
slightly and keep your back as upright and straight as you can.
5. Remind the wheelchair user to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.
6. To avoid tripping, unlock and rotate anti-tip tubes up, out of the way. ALWAYS
lock the rear wheels and lock anti-tip tubes in place if you must leave the
wheelchair user alone, even for a moment.This will reduce the risk of a tip
over or loss of control of the chair.
7. For instructions on descending a curb or single step please refer to:
(p. 19 sec A. Descending a Curb or Single Step).
If you fail to heed these warnings damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of
control may occur and cause severe injury to the wheelchair user or others.