Positive Momentum 8TRL, 9TRL, SP100, AP100 User Manual And Information Manual

Remploy 8 & 9 Series User Guide Page 1 September 2006 Revision D

8 & 9 Series WHEELCHAIRS

8TRL / J Adult/Junior Self Propelled (127Kg)
9TRL / J Adult/Junior Attendant Propelled (127Kg)
SP100 Adult Self Propelled (112Kg)
AP100 Adult Attendant Propelled (112Kg)

User Guide and Information

Remploy 8 & 9 Series User Guide Page 2 September 2006 Revision D

www.remployhealthcare.com

MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS

GENERAL GUIDE AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Factors considered in selecting a wheelchair apply to both occupants and carers
and include:

• method of propulsion

• seating position

• occupant size and weight

• physical ability of occupant and carer ( where applicable )

• ease of use

• environment

• safety

• degree of independence

• transportation

• costs

Clinical Assessment teams have a responsibility to provide the wheelchair
occupant and carer, where applicable, with a means of achieving effective
mobility, bearing in mind all the above considerations.

There are many different types and variations of wheelchairs available today. It
may not be possible to satisfy all requirements and environments with one chair
for every need of the occupant (and carer) for home, travel or work.

Please read all the information provided

Before attempting to use the Wheelchair

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 Introduction P 4

1.2 Getting in & out of a Wheelchair facing forwards P 5

1.3 Side Transfer P 5

1.4 Brakes P 7

1.5 Pushing Techniques P 7

1.6 Kerbs P 9

1.7 Handling & Stability on Steps & Slopes P 11

1.8 Seatbelts (also posture belts) P 12

1.9 Occupant Controlled Mobility P 15

1.10 Transportation P 16

1.11 Fire Precautions P 19

1.12 General Precautions & Information P 20

1.13 Looking after your Wheelchair. General care & Maintenance P 21

1.14 Service Checklist P 22

1.15 Preservation & Storage P 23

1.16 Technical Data Sheets P 22

Additional information for Distributors, Service Centres, Assessors and
Transportation providers, is contained in the Transportation Guide, which are
included in the wheelchair information pack. The Assessment Guide Lines and

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Technical Information Manual, are available from Remploy Healthcare Customer
Services.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The type of wheelchair, and attachment features, provided will be different

according to individual user requirements, and clinical assessment of
need. In many cases the result will be a compromise solution.

Some modular wheelchairs can be set up or finely adjusted to suit user

needs. Users should contact their approved distributor if they are having
problem in using their wheelchair, a simple adjustment or alternative build
configuration may help to resolve the problem.

Remploy manual wheelchairs can be divided into two broad categories.

• Attendant Propelled

• Occupant Propelled
This general information section covers safety issues of wheelchair use

covering all of these.

Please read carefully together with all other information provided,

covering the specific model supplied, which will give particular details of
the wheelchair features and construction, methods of operation and
correct setting methods.

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1.2 GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR FACING FORWARDS
For maximum safety, these operations should be carried out with the help

of an attendant. The occupant should always try to assist the attendant
wherever possible to share the total effort.

Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
If this is not possible a hoist may be required.

Getting into the wheelchair.

Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the footplates, taking care that

the heel support straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the footrest
support frame. On some models, footrests may be detached or swung
away for easier access.

Note that when footrests are detached, the mounting swivels

remain exposed, and care should be taken to avoid the occupant

catching these accidentally.

The occupant may be able to help by pushing on the armrests to provide

support whilst being lowered into the seat. Finally, push the footplates
down, and locate the occupant’s feet on them. see fig 1.

Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, then flip up the footrests or detach

them. The occupant should place a hand on each armrest, bend slightly
forward and place both feet well back and firmly on the ground, then push
upwards to assist the carer.

1.3 SIDE TRANSFER

When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow sideways entry to

the chair and vice versa, from another chair or car seat. see fig 2.
Physically active Independent users with upper body and arm strength
should eventually develop skill to carry out this manoeuvre without help.
However, it is advisable that an attendant should be available if
assistance becomes necessary.

Make sure the brakes are on, or that the wheelchair is prevented from

moving, It is easier to transfer when flip up footrest assemblies are swung
back out of the way, or removed so as not to interfere with the legs. Fixed
frame wheelchairs with foot bars, which do not have protruding brackets
and footplates, allow side transfer without the need for footrest removal.
Feet should be firmly on the ground and not on the footrest. The safest
way to transfer is to bend slightly forward.

DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN
FLOORS

If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may help to slide along

a smooth transfer board, or to use some other lever point such as a car

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hand grip for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one seat to the
other.

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Figure 1 - Getting in/out of the wheelchair

Figure 2 - Side Transfer

F
i
g
u
r
e

4 - Attendant Control

Figure 3 - Maintain a firm grip on the push
handles

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1.4 BRAKES

Hand brakes are provided for preventing wheel movement when parked,
particularly on a slope, or during occupant transfer to and from the
wheelchair. The action of a brake shoe pressing on the tyre makes
correct inflation pressure important, see section 1.5.

Cable operated hub brakes are an option available for mounting on the
push handles to allow the attendant to control the chair without having to
reach down for the hand brake handle. These may also provide the
attendant with a means of controlling the speed of a wheelchair when
going downhill, and are a safety improvement on slopes and undulating
terrain, as described in Technical Information Manual (Part B). Operating
the wheelchair in this way however, demands that the attendant is skilled
in the controlling operation, as a sudden change in direction will result if
one wheel is retarded in advance of the other.

1.5 PUSHING TECHNIQUES

Pushing a wheelchair with a helpful occupant can be an enjoyment for

both people involved provided that there is mutual confidence and
understanding.

When first planning a trip, the pusher should check the distance and

terrain to be covered, bearing in mind that a slope going out is a hill
coming back. A combination of slope and camber is common in many
areas. Try the chair out on typical surface conditions nearby, and practice
manoeuvres likely to be encountered on a longer trip.

The pusher should be familiar with the operation of the wheelchair,

remembering to put the brakes on and steady the chair before the
occupant gets in and out. Where applicable, detachable features such as
push handles and armrests should be checked for security, before setting
out on a journey. The occupant should not be rushed during transferring in
and out of the chair.

Before setting off, the pusher should make sure that the occupant is

comfortable and that clothes, rugs, covers etc do not catch in the wheels
or interfere with the general workings of the wheelchair.

The pusher should walk at a sensible speed, and tell the occupant before

changing position, tipping the chair or manoeuvring, also paying attention
to the surface conditions and avoiding uneven or soft ground wherever
possible.

The pusher should always maintain a firm grip on the push handles. The

chair should not be jolted or jarred, or rocked like a pram. see figs 3 & 4.

Shopping bags or other additional heavy loads should not be carried in a

wheelchair unless specifically designed for the purpose. This particularly
applies to hanging items over the push handles, which can overload the
chair and affect stability resulting in injury if the occupant tips out of the
chair when it is left unattended momentarily.

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Fig. 6.

going down a kerb

finish position

Fig. 5.

going down a kerb

start position

make sure that the front
end of the chair is
lowered slowly to the
floor, and that the
castors are pointing to
the rear.

castors with small
wheels, are more

liable to dig in, than

large wheels, and
require extra care
in use.