Freedom Designs Freedom CGX - Manual (Page 11)

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05/15/08
WARNING:
WARNING:
slope. If you go too fast, you may lose control.
c. Ask for help any time you are in doubt.
9. For your safety, ramps at home and work must meet all legal requirements for
your area.
We recommend:
a. Width: At least four feet wide.
b. Guardrails. To reduce the risk of a fall, sides of ramp must have
guardrails (or raised borders at least three inches high).
c. Slope. Not more than a 10% grade.
d. Surface. Flat and even, with a thin carpet or other nonskid material.
(Make sure there is no lip, bump or depression).
e. Bracing. Ramp must be STURDY. You may need a section at the top or
bottom to smooth out the transition.
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.
Transfer
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be
aware that there is a point during transfer when the wheelchair seat is not below
you. To avoid a fall:
1. Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods.
a. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a
transfer.
b. Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on
your own.
2. Lock large Drive wheels before you transfer. This keeps the large wheels from
rolling.
Note: This will NOT keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping.
3. Make sure to keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may
allow the wheel locks to slip.
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. Remove footboard, if possible.
a. Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.
b. Avoid putting excessive weight on the footboard, as this may cause the
chair to tip.
7. Make sure armrests are out of the way and do not interfere.
8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surfaces as you can. This will reduce the risk
that the chair will tip or move away from you.
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.
Curbs & Steps
1. Each person who helps you should read and follow the warnings—”For Safe
Use” (Pages 10 – 12).
2. Do not try to climb or descend a curb or step alone UNLESS you are a skilled
rider of this chair and you are sure you have the strength and balance to do so.
3. Do not try to climb a high curb or step, more than 4” high, UNLESS you have
help. Doing so may cause your chair to exceed its balance point and tip over.
4. Go straight up and down a curb or step. If you climb or descend at an angle,
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