Gima FS980LA-35 Manual Del Usuario página 9

9
Getting off the sidewalk with backward running
This operation involves high risks of uncontrolled back tilting,
for this reason it is reserved to expert user aware of risks. In
this case proceed as follows:
- Approach the sidewalk edge or the step you want to get off
and avoid unintentional getting off;
- Bring the body's weight forward to release the driving
wheels and very slowly getting off the hindrance, while vig-
orously keeping the driving wheel handrails;
- When the driving wheels rest on the ground, bring the
body's weight backward, as much as it is necessary to re-
lease the front wheels and make them slowly get off too.
Handling on inclined planes
On inclined planes the wheelchair could behave in an un-
expected way, picking up speed and making you loosing
control. As the involved forces change, it is necessary to
consider the possibility of easier tilting and the necessity of
a greater power to control it. Please carefully value the fol-
lowing:
- Avoid suddenly reverting the direction of travel;
- Do not engage yourself in very steep sloping or climbing
directly, but slightly diagonally and carefully valuing the
involved forces. Then always proceed straight; in case of
reversal of course there is the risk of side tilting;
- While getting on or forward running, bring the body's
weight forward;
- While getting off or forward running, bring the body's
weight backward;
- Do not use the brakes to reduce the speed; they are not
suitable to this purpose.
Going upstairs and downstairs
First of all always ask for someone else's help, both when
going upstairs and downstairs.
To make going upstairs and downstairs easier and more
comfortable, pay attention to the following suggestions:
- To go upstairs approach the backward running wheelchair
to the first step, to go downstairs approach the first step
with the front wheels;
- Incline the wheelchair on the back wheels (making use of
the lifting pedal, if present) by lifting the front ones; the
passenger must cooperate by bringing the body's weight
backward;
- The driver must firmly keep the wheelchair by the suitable
back handles and engage a step at a time, while keeping
the wheelchair constantly balanced on the back wheels;
- If an assistant is available, he must facilitate the wheelchair
motion by catching hold of stiff parts and not boards, arm-
rests or moving parts.
N.B. The drivers and assistants are suggested to make use of the force of their legs, without bending
or working on their back.
ENGLISH