FORTA Line - Wheelchair Usage; Precautions and Security Practices

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WHEELCHAIR USAGE
Below you can find recommendations for a right use of the wheelchair by the user and their
attendant:
• Before using the wheelchair, check that it is set in its right position, with all its parts
unfolded and on their place.
• To reach or pick up any object, face the front wheels to said object. Before moving your
body to reach the object, make sure to activate the brakes of the wheelchair, assuring its
stability.
• It is important to drive the wheelchair with security and efficiency. The seat height must be
adequate to reach the pushing rims so the angle between the arm and forearm is about
120º. The backrest must be slightly inclined.
• It is important to keep a regular rhythm when moving so the user does not get tired easily.
If you need to increase the speed you must reduce the arm movement angle and increase
its frequency. Note that short arm movements grant stability and long ones grant a greater
push.
• To brake the wheelchair, you must hold the pushing rims softly, decreasing the speed slowly.
Brakes must never be used to stop the wheelchair when moving, it can be dangerous.
• To turn the wheelchair, you must push one pushing rim in one direction and the other one
in the opposite direction.
PRECAUTIONS AND SECURITY PRACTICES
For your own good, read and follow these safety instructions:
• The maximum user weight should never exceed 140 kg.
• When using inflatable wheels, it is important to check the pressure of the tires periodically.
We recommend to do it weekly.
• The user must bear in mind the folding and assembly instructions and make sure that all
of its parts are fixed before using the wheelchair.
• Avoid making big movements outside the base of the wheelchair, as well as great
accelerations, brakings and high speeds to control stability.
• Keep a low speed when external conditions require it (obstacles, wet floors, wind, etc.).
• Caution is advised when facing ramps, curbs and floor level changes. Ramps must be
wide enough to cross them safely. Never go up or down a greater than 12º slope, it could
be dangerous. The floor where the wheelchair must be used has to be non-slip and firm.
• Stairs represent an impassable and highly dangerous obstacle for users of wheelchairs.
If there are no alternative routes (for example: ramps or elevators), stairs must be always
crossed with the help of one or several people. Remember to always grab the wheelchair
from its fixed components.
• Elevators must have these minimum dimensions to be accessible by these wheelchairs:
• Depth: > 120 cm.
• Width: > 90 cm.
• Doors width: > 80 cm.
• Area: > 1,5 m².