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VII. WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
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3. NEVER reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch yourself to
prevent a fall if the chair tips).
4. NEVER REACH OR LEAN TO THE REAR unless your chair has anti-tip
tubes locked in place.
5. DO NOT REACH OR LEAN OVER THE TOP OF THE SEAT BACK. This
may damage one or both backrest tubes and cause you to fall.
6. If You Must Reach Or Lean:
a. Do not lock the rear wheels. This creates a tip point and makes a fall
or tip-over more likely.
b. Do not put pressure on the footrests.
Note: Leaning forward puts pressure on the footrests and may cause the chair to tip if
you lean too far.
c. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.
d. Do not try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down
between your knees. You are less likely to tip if you reach to the side
of your chair.
e. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This
makes the chair more stable. Note: To do this: Move your chair past
the object you want to reach, then back up alongside it. Backing up will
rotate the casters forward.
f. Firmly grasp a rear wheel or an armrest with one hand. This will help
to prevent a fall if the chair tips.
F. MOVING BACKWARD
Use extra care when you move your chair backward. You may lose control or
tip over if one of the rear wheels hits an object and stops rolling.
1. Propel your chair slowly and smoothly.
2. If your chair has anti-tip tubes, make sure to lock them in place.
3. Stop often and check to be sure your path is clear.
G. RAMPS, SLOPES & SIDE HILLS
RIDING ON A SLOPE, WHICH INCLUDES A RAMP OR SIDE HILL, will
change the center of balance of your chair. Your chair is less stable when it is
at an angle. Anti-tip tubes may not prevent a fall or tip-over.
1. Do not use your chair on a slope steeper than 10%. (A 10% slope means:
one foot in elevation for every ten feet of slope length.)
2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can. (Do not "cut the
corner" on a slope or ramp.)
3. Do not turn or change direction on a slope.
4. ALWAYS STAY IN THE CENTER OF THE RAMP. Make sure ramp is wide
enough that you are not at risk that a wheel may fall over the edge.
5. Do not stop on a steep slope. If you stop, you may lose control of your chair.
VII. WARNINGS: FALLS & TIP-OVERS
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!
6. NEVER use rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop your chair. This is like-
ly to cause your chair to veer out of control.
7. Beware Of:
a. Wet or slippery surfaces.
b. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may
cause a fall or tip-over.
c. 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.
8. To Reduce The Risk Of A Fall Or Tip-Over:
a. Lean or press your body UPHILL. This will help adjust for the change in
the center of balance caused by the slope or side hill.
b. Keep pressure on the handrims to control your speed on a down slope.
If you go too fast you may lose control.
c. Ask for help any time you are in doubt.
9. Ramps At Home & Work
For your safety, ramps at home and work must meet all legal requirements
for your area.We recommend:
a. Width. At least four feet wide.
b. Guardrails. To reduce the risk of a fall, sides of ramp must have
guardrails (or raised borders at least three inches high).
c. Slope. Not more than a 10% grade.
d. Surface. Flat and even, with a thin carpet or other non-skid material.
(Make sure there is no lip, bump or depression.)
e. Bracing. Ramp must be STURDY. You may need bracing so ramp does
not "bow" when you ride on it.
f. Avoid A Drop Off. You may need a section at the top or bottom to
smooth out the transition.
H. TRANSFERS
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility.
Be aware that there is a point during every transfer when the wheelchair seat
is not below you.
To Avoid A Fall:
1. Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods.
a. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during
a transfer.
b. Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on
your own.
2. Lock the rear wheels before you transfer. This keeps the rear wheels from
rolling.
Note: This will NOT keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping.