General Warnings
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
As indicated on the front cover of this user manual, identify
whether your chair has been manufactured with the Transit
Option installed.
WARNING!
If your chair is not equipped with Transit Option, this
wheelchair does not meet federal standards for motor
vehicle seating.
1. NEVER let anyone sit in this chair while in a moving vehicle.
2. ALWAYS secure the rider with proper motor vehicle
restraints. In an accident or sudden stop the rider may be
thrown from the chair. Wheelchair seat belts will not prevent
this, and further injury may result from the belts or straps.
3. NEVER transport this chair in the front seat of a vehicle. It
may shift and interfere with the driver.
4. ALWAYS secure this chair so that it cannot roll or shift.
5. Do not use any chair that has been involved in a motor
vehicle accident.
If your chair is equipped with the Transit Option:
See section VIII, Part N: Transit Option and section VII, Part
G: Transit Use.
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 rider or others.
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 rider's doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe
methods best suited to your abilities and those of the rider.
2. Tell the rider what you plan to do, and explain what you
expect the rider to do. This will put the rider 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 rider or tilt the
chair, bend your knees slightly and keep your back as upright
and straight as you can.
5. Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair
backward.
6. When you descend a curb or single step, slowly lower the
chair in one easy movement. Do not let the chair drop the
last few inches to the ground. This may damage the chair or
injure the rider.
7. 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 rider alone, even for
a moment. This will reduce the risk of a tip over or loss of
control of the chair.
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 rider or others.
Warnings: Falls and Tip-Overs
WARNINGS!
CENTER OF GRAVITY
The point where this chair will tip forward, back, or to the side
depends on its center of gravity 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 forward, the more likely your chair will tip over
backward.
b. The position of the carriage.
2. The Center Of Gravity Is Also Affected By:
a. A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• 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.
e. Never allow the presence of a second occupant climbing or
standing on a component of the chair.
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 rider or others.
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).
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 rider or others.
WHEELIES
Because of the ability to adjust the center of gravity and
changes in center of gravity that will result from operating the
tilt in space feature of this chair, as a user, do not perform
wheelies in the IRIS wheelchair. Doing a "wheelie" means:
balancing on the rear wheels of your chair, while the front
casters are in the air. It is dangerous to do a "wheelie" as a fall
or tip-over may occur.
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 rider or others.
ZIPPIE IRIS
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