Please read this information carefully or have the complete contents of this user manual
explained to you in detail. If there are any points you are not absolutely clear about ask your
healthcare specialist * to clarify them, during any official handover, before attempting to use this
equipment for the first time.
This manual contains important hints and information on: -
• Safety
• Operation
• Care and maintenance
The contents of this manual are intended to cover all the general points relating to your new
wheelchair. As part of our ongoing product improvement and development programme, changes
may take place at short notice. This wheelchair may have been prescribed specifically for you
and may have features not detailed in this literature.
In order to ensure you gain maximum benefit and full enjoyment from your wheelchair,
arrangements may have been made to carry out an official handover shortly after delivery. Your
healthcare specialist* will notify you of this in advance. If not please contact your Wheelchair
Service.
Prior to delivery, your wheelchair will have undergone a thorough pre-delivery inspection by our
factory-trained staff. Before using your wheelchair, you should have received appropriate
instruction from your healthcare advisor, therapist or rehabilitation engineer.
The visiting healthcare specialist * will carry out a series of final safety checks. Account will be
taken of your clinical requirements as well as your social and environmental needs, including all
necessary adjustments to ensure optimum comfort.
Neither Sunrise Medical (the equipment manufacturers) nor the distributor or prescribing
Authority (NHS) will accept responsibility for damage or injury caused by misuse or noncompliance with instructions or advice set out in this manual.
* Your Healthcare Specialist may be a Rehabilitation Engineer or Occupational Therapist or
Wheelchair Service Personnel.
This symbol is used to give a warning or caution that is related to the safe use of the
wheelchair, follow the instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the product.
This symbol indicates hints and suggestions, which should help make operating the
wheelchair easier and point out any special functions.
This symbol indicates hints and suggestions that should not be carried out while
operating the wheelchair.
This symbol indicates the use of different tools and other adjustments or
service/maintenance may be required. It should only be carried out by suitably trained
or competent persons.
1.2 Wheelchair Identification
Each wheelchair carries a unique identification/serial number that is printed on the serial number
label. This label is fitted on the left hand side of the wheelchair on the rear vertical or horizontal
frame tube. See figure 1 on self propelling and figure 2 below for location on transit model.
Fig 1 Label location Fig 2 Label location
This label also carries the model code designation, which includes the wheelchair size and
colour. In the event of any queries please have this information to hand if contacting Sunrise
Medical.
Sunrise Medical Ltd
High Street
Wollaston
West Midlands
DY8 4PS
This label shows the position of tie down
location points for wheelchair transport.
(See chapter 6.3 on transportation)
This label shows an example of the
maximum user’s weight for the
wheelchair.
This label shows the model number,
serial number, max weight and
manufacturer details.
This label shows the canvas Flame
retardency details, the label is fitted to the
rear of the backrest canvas.
1.4 Rules and regulations
The wheelchair is manufactured to meet the requirements of Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC, BS EN 12183 and ISO 7176-19 – Wheeled mobility devices for use in motor
vehicles.
• The wheelchair and occupant is capable of being transported in a vehicle using an
approved Wheelchair Tie Down Restraint System (WTORS).
• The Upholstery meets the requirements of ISO 7176-16 and the fire and furnishing
regulations SI1324. Other materials wherever possible are ignition retardant.
• Sunrise Medical declares under its sole responsibility that this product is in conformity
with the requirements of directive 93/42/EEC amended by 2007/47/EEC.
1.5 Modifications and alterations
Making any unauthorised modifications or using non-approved parts, may change the wheelchair
structure and create an unsafe condition.
Neither Sunrise Medical nor your wheelchair provider will accept responsibility for
damage caused by misuse or non-compliance with instructions or advice set out in this
manual.
Users attempting to use the wheelchair beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations
may put themselves at risk of serious injury or even death.
The Lomax Modular 8HM and Tall Modular 8TM are self propelling wheelchairs intended for use
by persons with disabilities or difficulty in walking but who are capable of propelling themselves,
up to a maximum weight of 160kg.
The 8HM has a seat to ground height of 48cm (19”) and the 8TM with a seat to ground height of
56cm (22”) is suitable for taller persons.
The Lomax Modular 9HM and Tall Modular 9TM are attendant push (transit) wheelchairs
intended for use by persons with disabilities who are unable to propel themselves and require the
assistance of an attendant or carer to push them in the wheelchair, up to a maximum weight of
160Kg (25 stone). Section 12 shows the wheelchair specification.
• The maximum weight limit for the wheelchair includes both the user and the
weight of any accessories such as trays, cushions headrests, oxygen bottles that
may be fitted to the wheelchair. Such items may affect the stability of the
wheelchair and it recommended that a risk assessment be carried out prior to their
use.
• Users who intend to propel themselves should be aware of the physical demands
of propelling themselves particularly with respect to their overall weight, and any
accessories that may be fitted to the wheelchair, their intended route, the type of
surface terrain they intend to travel on, slopes, and the overall distance to be
travelled including any return journey, the prevailing weather conditions such as
temperature both hot and cold, wind effect (wind chill effect) and precipitation
(rain/sleet/snow).
• Journeys should be planned so that users do not exert themselves beyond their
physical capabilities.
• Users should also be competent in controlling the wheelchair, taking into
consideration any physical demands and visual demands such as recognition of
different terrain surfaces, ability to avoid obstructions, pot holes, manhole covers
and gratings, pedestrian and highway traffic, signs /obstructions and dangers e.g.
when crossing roads and manoeuvring between parked cars or in heavily
pedestrianised areas such as shopping centres and malls.
• Attendants and carers who are pushing occupants in their wheelchairs should be
aware of the physical demands of pushing someone who may be significantly
heavier than themselves and the effort required to control the wheelchair and
occupant on different types of terrain surface, slopes and inclines.
• This wheelchair has been designed to be used at walking pace
Should the physical capabilities required to push the wheelchair be beyond the user,
carer or attendant consult with your wheelchair provider. It is possible a powered
wheelchair may be more appropriate for your needs.
Should there be any changes in your condition or ability (including factors such as
body weight) then seek advice from your wheelchair provider or healthcare professional
for further advice and information.
Your wheelchair is intended for use in the home, the office, public places and buildings and
similar locations on pavements, pedestrian paths and firm surfaces. It is intended to assist with
the mobility of the user on the seat and should not be used as a ladder or as a means of pulling
or transporting items, or similar.
Do not use the wheelchair on soft surfaces such as sand, deep snow, slush or mud
as this may affect the stability.
Care should be exercised when using the wheelchair on wet or slippy surfaces such
as wet cobbles or icy pavements, as these may cause the wheels to slip or may cause
carers/attendants controlling the wheelchair to slip.
Using your wheelchair during darkness or poorly lit areas
When using your wheelchair during darkness or in poorly lit areas then consideration should be
given to the use of high visibility markers or reflectors that can be fitted to the wheelchair or the
use of high visibility/reflective clothing such as fluorescent waistcoats, belts or armbands,
particularly in poorly lit areas or when crossing the road.
Maximum safe slope
The maximum safe slope for this wheelchair is 6 degrees. (This represents a slope of approx 1 in
9)
See further notes and guidance in section 5.5 on wheelchair stability
Obstacle climbing 30 mm
Maximum safe slope
Maximum User weight 160Kg (25 Stone)
1 in 9 or 6º
Users, carers and attendants attempting to use the wheelchair beyond the
manufacturer’s recommendations may put themselves at risk of serious injury or even
death.
The 8HM and the 8TM self-propelling folding wheelchairs are fitted with 61cm (24”) diameter
wheels and the 9HM and 9TM are fitted with 31cm (12.5”) diameter wheels. The standard
configuration for this wheelchair is shown in the Figures below which identifies the key
components.
The wheelchair can be used for transporting the occupant as a seat in a motor vehicle. It must be
used with the appropriate wheelchair tie down restraints and occupant restraints. See chapter
6.0 on Transportation for further details. Instruction is also given for transporting the wheelchair
when not occupied.
diameter wheels
diameter wheels
For details on the specification see chapter 12.
Instructions on how to fold and un-fold the wheelchair are given in the chapter 4.3.
The overall weight of your wheelchair, including armrests and footrests, in the standard
configuration, is as follows: -
Self-Propelling 8HM & 8TM: - 21 to 22Kg
Attendant Push 9HM & 9TM: - 18.5 to 19.5Kg
(The larger the wheelchair the more mass it will have.)
The following parts of the wheelchair are removable;
Armrests, footrests, some types of backrest extensions, domed headrests, and quick release
wheels if fitted.
The weights of these parts are as follows: -
Armrest 0.9Kg each
Footrest & footplate 1 Kg each
Domed Headrest Extension (if fitted) 0.7Kg
Backrest Extension (if fitted) 0.5Kg
Quick Release wheels (if fitted) 2Kg each
Other additional accessories will add further to the weight of the wheelchair.
The removal of detachable parts that are supplied either as standard or optional
requirements as proscribed or recommended by the user’s prescriber, healthcare
professional or wheelchair dealer, other than for the purpose of storing or transporting
the wheelchair is not recommended and may compromise the correct use of the
wheelchair by the user and the provision of any beneficial effects from the complete
equipment.
Take precautions when using your wheelchair to avoid fire risks, such as avoiding
smoking or parking against open fires or heat source.
Remember also that direct heat such as sunlight will increase the temperature of parts on the
wheelchair such as the frame and they may be hot to touch.
Low temperatures such as frost will have the opposite effect and may make parts of the frame
very cold to touch.
Your wheelchair may be supplied with pneumatic tyres on the rear wheels. If these are punctured
you should inform your wheelchair dealer or repair contractor or wheelchair service in order that
they can be repaired correctly and that the wheel function can be checked after repair. Solid
tyres are available as options.
Additional equipment options are available for more details on these options see Chapter 8.0 on
optional features.
Your wheelchair should be delivered already assembled. You should remove any packaging
before use. If you have not used a wheelchair or are uncertain about any of the features of your
wheelchair then please contact your healthcare professional or wheelchair dealer or your
wheelchair service and ask for assistance. If you have been informed that you must receive
specific instructions about your wheelchair before using it then it is important that you await this
instruction for your own safety.
This advice also applies to carers or attendants who are not familiar with the use of the
wheelchair in order to ensure the safety of the occupant.
Before using the wheelchair ensure that the following adjustments/set up have been carried out.
It is recommended that any adjustments to your wheelchair, be carried out by suitably trained, or
qualified personnel. The information on adjustments below is intended for Healthcare Specialists.
4.1 Footplate adjustment
Both the height and the angle of the footplate are adjustable. It is recommended that the
footplates should not be set lower than 63mm or 2 inches.
Height adjustment
With the user sitting in the wheelchair,
lower the footplate and ensure that it is in a
comfortable position for their feet. The safest
position is usually with thighs horizontal, and
hips and knees at right angles. If the position
is not comfortable the footplate can be
adjusted as follows:
Loosen the Bolt A with a spanner; slide the
footplate stem up or down to the desired
position to position the footplate at the correct
height, and then re-tighten Bolt A securely
after adjustment.
Angle adjustment
The angle of the footplate can be adjusted by loosening
nut B, adjusting the screw to move the footplate up or down
and re-tighten nut B after adjustment.
It is easier and safer to get into your wheelchair if you turn
the footplates up and out of the way or take them off the
wheelchair.
To detach the footrest assembly: -
Pull the latch C towards the back of the wheelchair and the
footrest will then swing outwards and lift off the pivot pins.
Locate the holes on the footrest assembly onto the pivot pins on the wheelchair. Swing the
footrest inwards until the locking latch C engages
A small spring “R” clip may be fitted to prevent the footrest from detaching when the wheelchair is
lifted into a car boot.
4.2 Heel loops
Heel loops may be fitted to the footplates. These should be turned to rear of the wheelchair when
the footplates are in the down position
4.3 folding and unfolding the wheelchair for use
Unfolding the backrest
To put the backrest in the upright position, push the handles upwards and forwards and then
slide the levers (A) downwards fully.
Folding the backrest
The backrest can be folded to make storage of the wheelchair easier.
To fold the backrest, stand behind the wheelchair, grip the two small levers (A) positioned on
each side of the backrest (just above the armrests) and slide them upwards. Fold the backrest
down.
1. Take hold of one or both of the push handles and pull the
backrest into the upright position. Make sure that it is locked
in this position by sliding the levers down fully. Ensure both
push handles are locked in position.
2. Turn the fingers towards the MIDDLE of the seat and push
down on the side of the seat with the flat of the hand until the
chair is completely open.
Never put your fingers round the sides of the seat because
they can get trapped between the seat and the frame.
The wheelchair is fully open when the seat is taut and flat.
Folding the wheelchair for storage
1. Turn the heel loops, if fitted, to the front of the footplate and
then flip up the footplates.
2. Grasp the middle of the seat fabric at both front and rear and
give a sharp pull upwards. This will partially close the chair.
3. Push both sides together to fold the chair completely. Ensure
that the seat is not trapped in the frame when fully folded.
4. If required, fold the backrest down by pulling up the levers
and lowering the push handles as shown on the previous
page.
4.4 Cushion
If your wheelchair is supplied with a cushion this may be held in position by Velcro strips
underneath the cushion, which attaches to corresponding Velcro strips on the topside of the seat.
The cushion should be replaced after unfolding the wheelchair and removed before folding the
wheelchair.
Ensure the cushion is located in the centre of the seat.
Using a cushion raises the seated position and may reduce the stability of your
wheelchair.
Some wheelchairs may be fitted with options or accessories. These are described in the Section
headed Options & Accessories.
Some options and accessories may also affect stability. Your healthcare professional
can provide guidance on the stability of your wheelchairs and should be consulted when
cushions and accessories are being used.
The armrests are detachable to enable sideways transfer or storage
to reduce the weight of the wheelchair. If the armrests have been
removed for storage or lifting the wheelchair, they should be replaced
as follows: -
Replacing the armrest
Put the armrest tubes into the armrest sockets. Press down on the
armrest until it clicks into position.
Removing the armrests
Turn the armrest lock lever A upwards and at the same time
hold the armrest at the centre and lift it out of the sockets at
the front and the rear.
4.6 Brakes
The wheelchair brakes can be applied as follows: -
• Push the brake handle forward firmly.
• Ensure both the brakes on both sides are applied.
brake
brake
on to
operate
The wheelchair brakes can be released as follows: -
• Pull the brake lever fully backwards to ensure that the brake bar is clear of the wheel.
Ensure the brakes on both sides are released.
• When releasing the brakes ensure the chair is stationary on a flat/level surface.
• Always apply the brakes when getting into and out of the wheelchair.
• Wheel brakes are not designed to slow the wheelchair down when it is moving. Wheel
brakes hold the chair in place when it is at a complete stop.
It is recommended that any adjustments to your wheelchair brakes be made by
suitably trained or qualified personnel.
Attendant operated hub brakes
If fitted hub or drum brakes operate on certain type of self-propelling and transit type wheels.
These allow the attendant to operate the brakes and control the brakes whilst moving e.g. uphill
or downhill as well as being used as a parking brake when the wheelchair is stationary.
To operate these brakes: -
Grip the lever handles at the rear of the backrest on the push handle and squeeze gently to
operate the brakes. The handles have a locking mechanism which operates to lock the brake
when it is squeezed to keep the brakes applied or have a thumb pin which when pushed inwards
lock the brakes on.
To release the brakes: -
Gently squeeze the handles and the flip the lock trigger off. Take
care when releasing the brakes to ensure that the wheelchair is not
going to go out of control by holding the push handles securely e.g.
when on a slope.