Sunrise Medical S-525 User Manual

SUPPLIER: THIS MANUAL MUST BE GIVEN TO THE RIDER OF THIS WHEELCHAIR.

RIDER: BEFORE USING THIS WHEELCHAIR READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

User

Instruction

Manual &

Warranty

Quickie S-525

930486 Rev.A

SUNRISE LISTENS

Thank you for choosing a Quickie wheelchair.We want to hear your questions or comments about this manual, the safety and reliability of your chair, and the service you receive from your Sunrise supplier. Please feel free to write or call us at the address and telephone number below:

SUNRISE MEDICAL

Customer Service Department 7477 East Dry Creek Parkway Longmont, Colorado 80503

(

303)218-4500 or (800)333-4000

Be sure to return your warranty card, and let us know if you change your address.This will allow us to keep you up to date with information about safety, new products and options to increase your use and enjoyment of this wheelchair. If you lose your warranty card, call or write and we will gladly send you a new one.

FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Your authorized supplier knows your wheelchair best, and can answer most of your questions about chair safety, use and maintenance. For future reference, fill in the following:

Supplier: ______________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________________________________________________

Serial #:______________________________________ Date/Purchased: ________________________

1. INTRODUCTION

930486 Rev.A

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 3

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................4 - 5

111. YOUR CHAIR AND ITS PARTS ..................................................6 - 7

IV. NOTICE - READ BEFORE USE .................................................. 8

V. EMI (ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE) .................. 9

A. What is EMI .......................................................................................... 9

B. What Effect Can EMI Have .............................................................. 9

C. Sources of EMI .................................................................................... 9

D. Distance From the Source ................................................................ 10

E. Immunity Level .................................................................................... 10

F. Report All Suspected EMI Incidents................................................ 11

VI. GENERAL WARNINGS.................................................................... 12

A. Notice to Rider .................................................................................. 12

B. Notice to Attendants ........................................................................ 12

C. Weight Limit ........................................................................................ 13

D. Controller Settings.............................................................................. 13

E. EMI .......................................................................................................... 13

F. Safety Check-List ................................................................................ 13

G. Changes & Adjustments .................................................................... 14

H. When Seated in a Parked Wheelchair............................................ 14

I. Environmental Conditions ................................................................ 14

J. Terrain.................................................................................................... 15

K. Street Use ............................................................................................ 15

L. Motor Vehicle Safety .......................................................................... 15

M. Center of Balance .............................................................................. 15

N. Transfers................................................................................................ 16

O. Reaching or Leaning............................................................................ 17

P. Dressing or Changing Clothes ........................................................ 17

Q. Obstacles .............................................................................................. 18

R. Driving in Reverse .............................................................................. 18

S. Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills................................................................ 18

T. To Reduce the Risk of Falls,Tip-over or Loss of Control ........ 19

U. Ramps at Home & Work .................................................................. 20

V. Wheelchair Lifts .................................................................................. 20

W.Curbs & Single Steps .......................................................................... 21

X. Stairs ...................................................................................................... 21

Y. Escalators .............................................................................................. 21

VII. WARNINGS: COMPONENTS & OPTIONS ........................ 22

A. Anti-Tip Levers .................................................................................... 22

B. Armrests................................................................................................ 22

C. Batteries ................................................................................................ 22

D. Cushion & Sling Seats ........................................................................ 22

E. Fasteners .............................................................................................. 22

F. Footrest ................................................................................................ 23

G. Motor Lock .......................................................................................... 23

H. On/Off Switch .................................................................................... 23

I. Pneumatic Tires.................................................................................... 23

J.Positioning Belts (Optional) ................................................................ 24

K. Push Handles ........................................................................................ 24

L. Rear Wheel Locks (Optional) .......................................................... 24

M. Seating Systems.................................................................................... 25

N. Upholstery Fabric................................................................................ 25

O. Suspension ............................................................................................ 25

VIII. TIPS FOR ATTENDANTS .............................................................. 26

A. To Climb a Curb or Single Step ...................................................... 26

B. To Descend a Curb or Single Step ................................................ 26

IX. SET UP,ADJUSTMENT & USE .................................................... 27

Notes .......................................................................................................... 27

Tools You Will Need ................................................................................ 28

Check Out.................................................................................................. 28

A. Battery Removal .................................................................................. 29

B. Swing-Away Footrests ........................................................................ 29

C. Elevating Legrest (Optional) ............................................................ 30

D. Remote Joystick Installation (Optional) ........................................ 30

E. To Adjust the Height of the Remote Joystick .............................. 30

F. Joystick Swing-Away Retractable Mount (Optional) .................. 31

G. Dual-Post Height-Adjustable Armrests.......................................... 31

H. Height-Adjustable Armrests (Optional) ........................................ 32

I. Armrest Width Adjustment .............................................................. 33

J. Armrest Angle Adjustment................................................................ 33

K. Backrest ................................................................................................ 34

L. Folding Backrest (Seat Frame Only) (Optional) .......................... 35

M. Seat Depth (Seat Frame and Contour Seats Only) .................... 35

N. Parapak Seat Sling (Seat Frame Only) ............................................ 36

O. Seat Height & Angle Adjustment...................................................... 36

P. Wheel Locks ........................................................................................ 36

Q. Check-Out ............................................................................................ 37

X. OPERATING GUIDE ........................................................................ 38

A. Performance Control Settings.......................................................... 38

B. QTRONIX Programming Pad (Optional)...................................... 38

C. Thermal Roll-Back .............................................................................. 39

D. Circuit Breakers .................................................................................. 39

E. Integral Joystick.................................................................................... 40

F. Remote Joystick Assembly (Optional) ............................................ 41

G. Motor Locks ........................................................................................ 42

X1. BATTERIES ............................................................................................ 43

A. Introduction .......................................................................................... 43

B. Battery Charger .................................................................................. 43

C. Acid Burns ............................................................................................ 44

D. Connecting Batteries in Battery Box(es) ...................................... 44

E. Charging Batteries .............................................................................. 45

F. Disposing of Batteries ........................................................................ 46

XII. MAINTENANCE.................................................................................. 47

A. Notes...................................................................................................... 47

B. Cleaning ................................................................................................ 47

C. Storage Tips .......................................................................................... 47

D. Battery Maintenance .......................................................................... 48

E. Pneumatic Tires.................................................................................... 49

F. To Repair or Replace a Tire.............................................................. 49

G. Motor Brushes .................................................................................... 50

H. Ordering Parts .................................................................................... 50

I. Maintenance Chart.............................................................................. 51

XIII. WIRING DIAGRAMS ........................................................................ 52

XV. SUNRISE LIMITED WARRANTY .............................................. 54

930486 Rev.A

111. YOUR CHAIR AND ITS PARTS

QUICKIE S-525

1. Push Handle

2. Single-post, height-adjustable armrest

3. Integral joystick controller

4. Seat cushion (optional)

5. Swing-away footrest latch plate

6. Swing-away footrest hanger

7. Heel loop

8. Composite footplate

9. Backrest

10. Backrest pivot plate

11. Battery box

12. 12"x3" PosiDrive Wheels

13. Swing-away, quick release footrest lever

14. Caster housing

15. 8" Solid casters

16. Caster Fork

111. YOUR CHAIR AND ITS PARTS

Weight

105 lb.With swing-away footrests and armrests, without batteries

Drive Wheels

12" Mag Tire types: Standard - pneumatic Option - airless insert, solid

Joystick

Standard - integral (right-hand or left-hand mount) Optional - remote (right-hand or left-hand mount) Option - swing-away retractable joystick (remote only)

Batteries

(2 deep cycle batteries required to operate chair) Option - 22 NF deep cycle gel,

U1 deep cycle gel

Battery Charger

Standard - off board (Lester)

Colors

Refer to current order form

Chair Parts

Standard - black

Seat Frame Dimensions

Seat Frame width: standard - 14"-20" Seat depth: 14"-18" adjustable Seat sling: Standard-parapak Option- Aluminum pan Option Cushions: Jay Cushions Optional - Contour Seat or High Back Contour Seat

Backrest

Standard - Non-folding: 15" - 20" Option - Folding: 15" - 20" Straight Backpost or 8° bend

Footrest

Standard - Swing-away with com-

posite footplates and heel loops. Option - elevating legrests, multipositional and angle-adjustable footplate

Casters

Standard - 8" airless insert Option - 8" solid, 8" pneumatic

Armrests

Standard - dual post flip back Option - height-adjustable dual post or single post with desk or full length waterfall pads

Wheel Locks

Option - Push-to-lock Option - 6" extension handles

Drives

Right-angle PosiDrive

All features may not be available with some chair setups or in conjunction with another chair feature. Please consult your supplier for more information.Your authorized supplier can also provide you with more information on accessories.

QUICKIE S-525

930486 Rev.A

Heed all warnings to reduce the risk of unintended brake release or chair movement:

1. Beware of the danger from hand-held transceivers. Never turn on or use a

hand-held transceiver while power to your chair is on. Use extra care if you

believe that such a device may be in use near your chair.

2. Be aware of nearby radio or TV stations, and avoid coming close to them.

3. If unintended movement occurs, turn your chair off as soon as it is safe to do so.

A. WHAT IS EMI?

1. EMI means: electromagnetic (EM) interference (I). EMI comes from radio wave sources such as radio transmitters and transceivers. (A “transceiver” is a device that both sends and receives radio wave signals).

2. There are a number of sources of intense EMI in your daily environment. Some of these are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not, and you may not be able to avoid them.

3. Powered wheelchairs may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted from sources such as radio stations,TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones.

4. EMI can also be produced by conducted sources or electo-static discharge (ESD).

B. WHAT EFFECT CAN EMI HAVE?

1. EMI can cause your chair, without warning, to:

• Release its brakes

• Move by itself

• Move in unintended directions If any of these occurs, it could result in severe injury to you or others.

2. EMI can damage the control system of your chair.This could create a safety hazard, and lead to costly repairs.

C. SOURCES OF EMI

The sources of EMI fall into three broad types:

1. Hand-Held Transceivers: The antenna is usually mounted directly on the unit.These include:

• Citizens band (CB) radios

• “Walkie-talkies”

• Security, fire and police radios

• Cellular phones

• Lap-top computers with phone or fax

• Other personal communication devices

Note: These devices can transmit signals while they are on, even if not in use.

V. EMI (ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE)

A. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHAIR & SAFETY OPTIONS

Sunrise provides a choice of many power wheelchair styles, sizes and adjustments to meet the needs of the rider. However, final selection of a wheelchair rests solely with you and your health care professional. Choosing the best chair for you depends on such things as:

1. Your size, disability, strength, balance and coordination.

2. Your intended use, and your level of activity.

3. The types of hazards you must overcome in daily use (in areas where you are likely to use your chair).

4. The need for options for your safety and comfort (such as positioning belts or special seat systems).

B. ADJUST CHAIR TO YOUR ABILITY

You need to work with your doctor, nurse or therapist, and your supplier, to fit this chair and adjust the controller settings for your level of function and ability level.

C. REVIEW THIS MANUAL OFTEN

Before using this chair you, and each person who may assist you, should read this entire Manual and make sure to follow all instructions. Review the warnings often, until they are second nature to you.

D. WARNINGS

The word “WARNING” refers to a hazard or unsafe practice that may cause severe injury or death to you or to other persons.The “Warnings” are in four main sections, as follows:

1. V. — EMI

Here you will learn about electomagnetic interference and how it can affect your chair.

1. VI — GENERAL WARNINGS

Here you will find a safety checklist and a summary of risks you need to be aware of before you ride this chair.

2. VII — WARNINGS — COMPONENTS & OPTIONS

Here you will learn about your chair. Consult your supplier and your health care professional to help you choose the best set-up and options for your safety.

3. XI — BATTERIES

Here you will learn about battery and charger safety, and how to avoid injury.

Note: Where they apply, you will also find “Warnings” in other sections of this Manual.

1V. NOTICE—READ BEFORE USE

930486 Rev.A

2. Medium-Range Mobile Transceivers:

These include two-way radios used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and taxi cabs.The antenna is usually mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

3. Long-Range Transceivers:

These include commercial radio and TV broadcast antenna towers and amateur (HAM) radios.

Note: The following are not likely to cause EMI problems:

Lap-top computers (without phone or fax), Cordless phones,TV sets or AM/FM radios, CD or tape players.

D. DISTANCE FROM THE SOURCE

EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as you get closer to the source. For this reason, EMI from hand-held devices is of special concern. (See C.1 above) A person using one of these devices can bring high levels of EM energy very close to your chair without you knowing it.

E. IMMUNITY LEVEL

1. The level of EM energy is measured in volts per meter (V/m). Every power wheelchair can resist EMI up to a certain level.This is called its “immunity level”.

2. The higher the immunity level, the less the risk of EMI. It is believed that a 20 V/m immunity level will protect the power wheelchair user from the more common sources of radio waves.

3. The configurations tested and found to be immune to at least 20 V/m are: Quickie S-525 power wheelchair with a right-hand mounted Penny & Giles Pilot integral controller, 16” seat width, 16” seat depth, single-post height adjustable armrest, swing-away hanger and U1 gel cell batteries. Quickie S-525 power wheelchair with a right hand mounted QTRONIX remote joystick system, 16” seat width, 16” seat depth, single-post height adjustable armrests, swing-away hangers and U1 gel cell batteries.

4. a) Specialty input devices tested with the S-525 and QTRONIX controller

that were found to be immune to 20 V/m include:

• Breath Control

• Heavy Duty Switched Joystick

• Proportional Head Control

• Wafer Board

b) Specialty input devices tested with the S-525 and QTRONIX controller that

were found NOT to be immune to 20 V/m include:

• Tri-Switch Head Array

• Proportional Mini-Joystick/Chin Control

• Proximity Head Array

• Zero Touch Switch

• 4-Zero Touch Switch

• 5-Zero Touch Switch

c) Specialty input devices with an unknown immunity level because the devices

were not tested with the S-525 and QTRONIX controller include:

• Treadle Switch

• Ribbon Switch

• Disc Switch

• Buddy Button

• Micro Light

• Star Board

• Penta Switch

• Plate Switch

• Soft Switch

• Grasp Switch

• Wobble Switch

Individuals with physical limitations requiring the use of a specialty control input device

known not to be immune to 20 V/m, or not known, should exercise extra care around

known sources of EMI.

There is no way to know the effect on EMI if you add accessories or modify this chair.

Any change to your chair may increase the risk of EMI. Parts from other suppliers have

unknown EMI properties.

F. REPORT ALL SUSPECTED EMI INCIDENTS

You should promptly report any unintended movement or brake release. Be sure to indicate whether there was a radio wave source near your chair at the time. Contact: Sunrise Medical Customer Service Department at (800) 333-4000

V. EMI (ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE)

930486 Rev.A

V1. GENERAL WARNINGS

▲

C. WEIGHT LIMIT

1. Never exceed a total weight of 250 pounds (113.6 kilograms) or 350 pounds (158.8 kilograms) with heavy duty option, for rider plus items carried.

2. Never use this chair for weight training if the total weight (rider plus additional weights) exceeds 250 pounds (113.6 kilograms) or 350 pounds (158.8 kilograms) with heavy duty option.

3. Exceeding the weight limit is likely to damage the seat, frame, or fasteners and may cause severe injury to you or others from chair failure.

4. Exceeding the weight limit will void the warranty.

D. CONTROLLER SETTINGS

Be aware that you may need to adjust the controller settings of your chair to reduce the risk of a collision, fall or tip-over.

1. Check and adjust the settings every six to twelve months (or more often, if needed).

2. Consult your supplier to adjust the control settings immediately if you notice any change in your ability to:

• Control the joystick.

• Hold your torso erect.

• Avoid running into objects.

E. EMI

Read Section V to learn about EMI. To reduce the risk of unintended brake release or chair movement:

1. Never turn on or use a hand-held transceiver while power to your chair is on. Use extra care if you believe that such a device may be in use near your chair.

2. Be aware of nearby radio or TV stations, and avoid coming close to them.

3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn your chair off as soon as it is safe.

F. SAFETY CHECK-LIST

Before each use of this chair:

1. Make sure the chair operates smoothly. Check for noise, vibration, or a change in ease of use. (They may indicate low tire pressure, loose fasteners, or damage to your chair).

• If you detect a problem, make sure to repair or adjust the chair. Deferring

repair or adjustment could increase the risk for injury. Your supplier can help you find and correct the problem.

2. Make sure batteries are charged. Green lights on charge indicator will light up when charge is full.Yellow lights indicate battery charge level is getting low. Red lights indicate batteries are in immediate need of charging.

VI. GENERAL WARNINGS

▲

Heed all warnings in this section. If you fail to do so a fall, tip-over or loss of control

may occur and cause severe injury to you or others.

A. NOTICE TO RIDER

1. Before using this chair, you should be trained in its safe use by your health care professional.

2. Every wheelchair is different.Take the time to learn the feel of this chair before you begin riding.

3. Be aware that you must develop your own methods for the safe use of this chair that are best suited to your level of function and ability.

4. Have someone help you practice bending, reaching and transfering until you learn how to do them safely.

5. Never try a new maneuver on your own unless you are sure it is safe.

6. Get to know the areas where you plan to use your chair. Look for hazards and learn how to avoid them.

B. NOTICE TO ATTENDANTS

Make sure you heed all warnings and follow all instructions in each section of this manual. (Be aware that warnings that apply to the rider also apply to you).

NOTES:

1. You need to work with the rider, and the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist, to develop safe methods best suited to your abilities and those of the rider.

2. To manually push the chair you must release the motor locks.

• Make sure you have full control over the chair when you release the

motor locks.When you do so the chair will not have brakes.

3. Propel this chair by the push handles only. 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.

HELPING THE RIDER OVERCOME AN OBSTACLE:

1. 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.

2. Before each maneuver, 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. Go straight up and straight down a curb or stair. If you turn, or climb or descend at an angle, a fall or tip-over is likely.

4. Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.

5. Lower the chair slowly. Do not let the chair drop to the pavement or ground. Doing so may damage the chair or injure the rider.

930486 Rev.A

VI. GENERAL WARNINGS

▲

J. TERRAIN

1. This chair is designed for use on firm, even surfaces such as concrete, asphalt and indoor flooring.

2. Do not operate your chair in sand, loose soil or over rough terrain. Doing so may damage wheels, bearings, axles or motors, or loosen fasteners.

K. STREET USE

In most states, power chairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be alert to the danger of motor vehicles on roads or in parking lots.

1. At night, or when it is hard to see, use reflective tape on your chair and clothing.

2. It may be hard for drivers to see you. Make eye contact with drivers before you proceed.When in doubt, yield until you are sure it is safe.

L. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

To date, the U.S. Department of Transportation has not approved any tie down system for transporting a wheelchair in a motor vehicle.

1. Never sit in this chair while in a moving vehicle. In an accident or sudden stop you may be thrown from the chair.

• Wheelchair belts are designed to position the rider only and will not protect you

in an accident; further injury may result from the belts.

2. Always move to an approved vehicle seat.You must be secured with proper motor vehicle restraints.

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.

M. CENTER OF BALANCE

The point where this chair will tip forward, back, or to the side depends on its center of balance and stability.

THE CENTER OF BALANCE IS AFFECTED BY:

1. The seat height and seat angle.

2. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.

3. Using this chair on a ramp or slope.

4. The use of a back pack or other options, and the amount of added weight.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FALL OR TIP-OVER:

1. Consult your supplier for information on modifications authorized by Sunrise before you modify or adjust this chair.

Note: You may need to make additional changes to correct the center of balance.

2. Use extreme care until you know the balance points of this chair and how to avoid a fall or tip-over.

VI. GENERAL WARNINGS

▲

G. CHANGES & ADJUSTMENTS

Never use non-Quickie parts or make a changes to your chair unless authorized by Sunrise. (Doing so will void the Warranty, and may create a safety hazard).

1. If you modify or adjust this chair it may increase the risk of a fall or tip-over.

2. Modifications unauthorized by Sunrise constitutes remanufacturing of the wheelchair.This voids the warranty. The rider then assumes all future liability for the wheelchair.

H. WHEN SEATED IN A PARKED WHEELCHAIR

1. Always turn off all power to your chair when you are parked, even for a moment.This will prevent:

• Accidental movement from contact with the joystick by you or others.

• Unintended brake release or movement from EMI sources. (See Section V)

2. Make sure that persons who help you (for example, store clerks) are aware of the joystick and do not touch it. If they do, your chair may move suddenly when you do not expect it.

I. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Your chair is not designed for use in a heavy rain storm, or in snowy or icy conditions.

1. Contact with water or excessive moisture can cause an electrical malfunction.The frame, motors and other chair parts are not water-tight and may rust or corrode from the inside. To avoid a chair failure:

• Minimize exposure of your chair to a rain storm or very wet conditions.

• Never take your chair into a shower, tub, pool or sauna.

• Do not use your chair in fresh or salt water (such as at the edge of a

stream, lake, or ocean).

• Make sure battery cover is secure.

• Replace joystick boot if it becomes torn or cracked.

• Make sure all electrical connections are secure.

• Dry the chair as soon as you can if it gets wet, or if you use water to clean it.

2. Proceed slowly and use extra care if you must operate your chair on a wet or slick surface.

• Do so only if you are sure it is safe.

• Stop if one or both main wheels lose traction. If this occurs, you may lose

control of your chair or fall.

• Never operate your chair on a slope or ramp if there is snow, ice, water

or oil film present.

• When in doubt, have someone help you.

3. When not in use, keep your chair in a clean, dry place.

Extra caution should be used when employing the disc switch or the proximity head array as control devices. These two devices are susceptible to malfunction when wet.

930486 Rev.A

VI. GENERAL WARNINGS

▲

O. REACHING OR LEANING

Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of your chair. If done improperly, a fall or tip-over is likely. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to extend your reach.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE CHAIR:

1. Never reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up off the seat.

2. Never reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so.Always keep your buttocks in contact with the backrest.

3. Never reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch yourself to prevent a fall if you lose your balance).

4. Never try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down between your knees.

5. Never put pressure on the footrests while reaching.This may cause the chair to tip if you lean too far.

6. Never reach or lean over the top of the seat back.This may damage the backrest and cause you to fall.

IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN; DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Remember to:

1. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.

2. 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.

3. Turn off all power to your chair. If you fail to do so, you may touch the joystick and cause your chair to move when you do not expect it.

4. Firmly grasp a rear wheel or an armrest with one hand.This will help to prevent a fall if the chair tips.

P. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES

Be aware that your weight will shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair.To make the chair more stable, rotate the front casters until they are forward.

VI. GENERAL WARNING

▲

N. 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. Always turn off power before you transfer to or from your chair. If you fail to do so you may touch the joystick and cause your chair to move when you do not expect it.

2. Make sure motor locks are engaged. This keeps the chair from moving when you transfer.

3. Work with your health care professional to learn safe methods.

• Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a transfer.

• Have someone help you until you are sure you can do a safe transfer

on your own.

4. Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to. If possible, use a transfer board.

5. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.

6. Be careful of the footrests. If you can, remove or swing them out of the way.

• Never stand on footrests when you transfer. Doing so may damage them or

cause your chair to tip.

• Make sure your feet do not “hang up” or get caught in the space between

the footrests.

7. Make sure armrests do not interfere.

8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can.This will reduce the risk that you will miss the seat or fall.

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