USER’S MANUALALL USER’S OF THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE AWARE

OF THIS DOCUMENT AND ITS CONTENT

ISSUE 2

MatrixBackrest System

CUSTOM MADE DEVICE

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Specification of the Backrest System supplied.Specified• belowarethedetailsoftheequipmentsupplied.On• thelisteachitemtickedisapartofyourBackrestSystemandoppositeeachitemisthereferenceoftherelevantsectioninthisuserdocumentationforthatitem.

BackrestSystemReferenceNo. DateIssued://

WeightofBackrestSystemKg

User Manual Reference

ItemTick if

suppliedNo. of Items Supplied Page Section

MatrixBackrestSystem

DetachableLinerAdjustableHeadrest

Cover

BackrestSystemType

Specifyanyotherfeatures; MaximumClientWeightLimitforBackrestSystem

Kg

Itisrecommendedthatthisequipmentisonlysuitableforuse;

Indoor Indoor&Outdoor

Detailsofwheelchair(s)approvedforusewiththeBackrestSystem.

Model of Wheelchair Wheelchair ManufacturersReference Number Tested at (Specify Angle)

IndexCONTENTS PAGESpecification of Backrest System 1Index 2Introduction 3Clinical Review 4Stability of Wheelchair and Backrest Systems 4 - 5Recommendations on Transport 6 - 9

1.0 User’s Guide “Fitting the Matrix Backrest to the wheelchair”1.1 MountingtheMatrixBackrest 10-111.2 MatrixBackrestCover 121.3 ElectricWheelchairUse 121.4 MaintainingtheWheelchair 12

2.0 User’s Guide “Lifting and Handling the Client”2.1 LiftingandHandlingtheClientinandoutoftheWheelchair 132.2 ClientStraps,Harnesses 13

3.0 User’s Guide “Maintenance of the Matrix Backrest”3.1 CleaningtheBackrest 143.2 CleaningtheBackrestCovers 143.3 Harness,Pads&Straps 153.4 VisualInspection 153.5 FireRetardancy 15

4.0 User’s Guide “Optional Features”

4.1 AdjustableHeadrest 16

If You Detect a Fault or Breakage 17

CONTACT DETAILS Backpage

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MATRIX BACKREST SYSTEM(Custom Made Device)

Introduction

This• UsersGuidefortheMatrixBackrestSystemisdesignedtogiveguidanceonitsuseandmaintenance.The• Backrestiscustommadetosuitanindividualclientsposturalrequirements.Each• Backrestismanufacturedforaparticularindividualandmust not be used to support anyone else.The• Backrestgivesoverallposturalsupportsotheclientsweightisevenlydistributedoveralargearea.Thisimprovescomfortandshouldreducepressureproblems.The• Backrestisalsomanufacturedforusewithaparticularwheelchairorbuggy.TomakesurethatplacingtheBackrestinthewheelchairdoesnotrenderitunstable,eachBackrestsuppliedistestedforstabilityandaCertificateofComplianceisissuedtoverifythatthelevelofstabilityissatisfactory(formoredetailsregardingstabilityofwheelchair&seatingsystems,seepages4&5).It• isrecommendedthatinitialuseoftheBackrestbytheclientafterhandoveriscloselymonitoredforthefirstfewdays.Particularattentionshouldbegiventocheckingtheclientforanysignsofpressureareas,whichappeartobecausedbyusingintheBackrest.IfthereisanyindicationofanyabnormalpressureareasthenrefertheclientbacktotheSpecialSeatingClinicassoonaspossible.IftheincidenceofpressureisveryseverethenitisrecommendedthattheclientstopsusingtheBackrestuntilthiscanbeassessedbackattheSeatingClinic.The• maintenanceandsafetyinstructionsdescribedinthemanualmustbeadheredto.ByfollowingtheseinstructionsyouwillbeensuringcorrectuseoftheBackrestanditssafetyinuse.It• isalsoimportanttoreadthe‘WheelchairUserManual’withregardtogeneraluse,transportationuseandmaintenance.

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Clinical Review

To• ensurethattheMatrixBackrestSystemstillmeetstheclinicalrequirementoftheclient,itisrecommendedthattheMatrixBackrestisreviewedbytheSpecialSeatingClinicatleastonceayear.This• maybedoneautomaticallybyyourWheelchairService.If• aclienthashadanMatrixBackrestovertwelvemonthsitisrecommendedthatyoucontacttheWheelchairServiceforareview.ThiswillensurethattheMatrixBackrestismaintainingtheclinicalneedsoftheclient.If• youfeelthattheclientneedstobeassessedwithregardtoanyseatingneeds,thencontactyourWheelchairService.

Stability of Wheelchair and Backrest Systems

To• ensurethattheMatrixBackrestandwheelchairaresafetouse,itisimportantthatfittingtheMatrixBackresttothewheelchairdoesnotmakethewheelchairunstableduringnormaldailyuse.EachMatrixBackrestwhenhandedovertotheuserwillbetestedforstabilitytotherelevantangleofstabilityforthechairtobetested.The• recommendedmaximumangleoftiltis12°forattendanttransitwheelchairsand16°forusersofselfpropellingwheelchairsand16°forusersofelectricindoorandelectricoutdoorwheelchairs.If• theclientisgoingtouseadditionalitemsmountedtothewheelchairorbackrestsystemsuchascommunicationsaidsetc.,thenitisessentialthatthetestbedonewiththeseinsitutoaccesstheirimpactonthesafetyofthewheelchair.Similarly,simpleitemssuchastraysneedtobeinplaceforthetesttotakeintoaccountalltheequipmenttobeusedbytheclient(seediagramopposite).The• stabilitytestisalwaysdonewiththeclientseatedinthewheelchairandallequipmenttobeusedbytheclientonadailybasiswheninthewheelchairinsitu.ThecombinedclientBackrestSystemandwheelchairassemblyistestedtothespecifiedmaximumangleoftilt.Once• thetesthasbeensuccessfullycompleted,aStabilityCertificatewillbeissuedbySpecialisedOrthoticServicesLimited.Acopyofthiscertificatewillbehandedoverwhentheequipmentissuppliedandshouldbekeptwiththeusermanualforfuturereference.

16°

12°

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Stability of Wheelchair and Backrest Systems (Cont.)

The• Matrix Backrest is not to be used with any other wheelchair(s) than those for which it has been stability tested and proven safe for use.Always• steer clear of obstacles where possible.When• using the equipment never attempt to climb or descend an incline where the surface is rough, wet or slippery (gravel, loose chippings, grass, rain, ice, snow, etc).If• the equipment is to be used in an electric wheelchair then read carefully the wheelchair manufacturers instructions with regard to safety.WARNING:• Whilst the client is seated in the wheelchair, the attachment of any heavy object to the wheelchair (i.e. shopping bags etc.) will have a serious effect on the overall stability of the wheelchair and may place the safety of the client at risk.

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Recommendations for theTransportation of SOS Backrest Systems

The following information is intended to give guidance with regard to the use of SOS Backrest Systems by wheelchair users and carers during transportation.

Specialised• Orthotic Services LtdhavecarriedoutextensiveinvestigationsintothesuitabilityofourSpecialBackrestSystemsfortransportationuseandhasestablishedclearguidelinesforusers.

Following• theseinvestigationsthefollowinguserinformationisintendedtogiveguidancetousersofSOSBackrestSystemsregardingtheuseoftheequipmentduringtransportation.

All• SOSBackrestSystemsareprescribedviaSpecialSeatingClinicsandduringtheassessmentprocessthewheelchairtobeusedwiththeBackrestSystemwillbeidentified.

As• partoftheassessmentprocess,transportationrequirementswillbeassessedandasuitablewheelchairprescribedforusewiththeBackrestSystem.

This information will be of interest to all parties involved in the daily management of the wheelchair user (Relatives, Carers, Support Staff, Healthcare Professionals and Transport Service Providers).

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General Safety Guidelines forWheelchair User Transportation

Wheelchairusersshouldtransfertovehicleseatswheneverpossible.•Wheelchair• usersshouldnottravelwiththewheelchairatanangleorfacingsidewaystothedirectionoftravel.There• shouldbesufficientfreespacearoundthewheelchairandusertoavoidtheusermakingcontactwithothervehicleoccupants,unpaddedpartsofthevehicle,wheelchairaccessoriesorW.T.O.R.S.anchorpoints.Wheelchairs• shouldhavetheparkingbrakesappliedandtheirpowerunitsswitchedoffduringvehiclemovement.Poweredwheelchairsshouldnotbeleftinfreewheelmode.Wheelchairs• shouldnotblockgangwaysandexitsforotherpassengersinthevehicle.A• headrestshouldbeprovidedforawheelchairuserwhentravellinginavehiclewhereotherseatedpassengershaveheadrests.Do• notplace/hanganyadditionalitemsontothewheelchairduringtransportationsuchasshoppingbagsandholdalls.Trays• shouldberemovedfortransportationwheneverpossible.Ifitisnecessaryforatraytobeusedontransportation,thenariskassessmentshouldbedone.

Wheelchair Tie Down and Occupant Restraint System(W.T.O.R.S.)

Securemethodsforthesaferetentionofwheelchairshavebeendevelopedandare•usedonaregularbasistosecurewheelchairsduringtransportationuse.These• systemsarenowcommonlyreferredtoasW.T.O.R.S.

Wheelchair Tie down and Occupant Restraint Systems

TherearemanytypesofW.T.O.R.S.availablefromvariousmanufacturers(alistof•somemanufacturersisgivenonpage9).RefertoyourWheelchairManufacturersHandbookfordetailsoftheirparticularrecommendations.Please• notethatalllap/chestbeltsandharnessessuppliedwiththeseatingsystemare notsufficientforoccupantrestraintwhentheequipmentisusedonamovingvehicleandadditionalOccupantRestraintisrequired.

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Use of Backrest System in aWheelchair for Transportation

To make sure that the Backrest system and wheelchair are used effectively and safely for transportation use, the following recommendations are provided for:

TheBackrestSystem-WheelchairInterface(seepage10)•

TheWheelchairTiedownSystem•

TheOccupantRestraintSystem•

1. WHEELCHAIR TIE DOWN SYSTEM

Wheelchair• users should not travel in cars, taxis or minibuses, unless the wheelchair is tied down.Please• refertoyourwheelchairusersguideforinformationregardingtherecommendedwheelchairtiedownsystemtobeused.Only• thewheelchairspecifiedforusewiththeBackrestsystemcanbeused.

2. OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Wheelchair• users should not travel in cars, taxis or minibuses, unless an occupant restraint system is in place on the client.For• anyclienttobetransportedsafelyintheBackrestSystemandwheelchair,itisessentialthatanOccupantRestraintSystembeused.SOS• haveprovenduringcrashtestsonSeating/BackrestSystemsthattransportinganyclientonamovingvehiclewithoutanapprovedoccupantrestraintsystemisextremelydangerousandwillplacetheclient at great risk.It• isimportantthattheOccupantRestraintSystemispositionedcorrectlyasmostclientsusingSpecialSeating/Backrestswillbedependentoncarersforcorrectplacementoftheoccupantrestraint.Consideration• shouldbegiventothemostsuitabletypeandpositioningofrestraintfortheuser,bothinnormaltravelandduringanimpact.The• OccupantRestraintshouldhaveaclearpathfromtheusertotheanchorpointandshouldnotbeinterferedwithbyanypartofthevehicle,wheelchair,backrestoraccessory.

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Stowage of the Backrest System and Wheelchair

DuringuseofyourMatrixBackrestSystemitmaybenecessaryforyoutoremovethe•BackrestSystemandstowthisalongwiththewheelchairinavehicle.It• isimportanttorealisethattheseitemsposeariskifnotadequatelyrestrainedwhilstintransit.It• isnotadequatetosimplyplacetheitemsintoacarbootorthefloorofanopenvehiclesuchasanMPVorestatecarasinacollisiontheseunsecureditemscouldcauseserious injurytooccupantsofthevehicle.Various• retentionmethodsareavailabletosecuresuchequipmentduringtransit,andonceagainthelistofWheelchairRestraintSystemManufacturersinthisbookletwillbehappytoadviseonthismatter(seebelow).

W.T.O.R.S MANUFACTURERS

Below are details of some Wheelchair Tie down and Occupant Restraint Systems manufacturers.

UNWIN SAFETY SYSTEMS

UnwinHouse TheHorseshoeCoatRoad MartockSomersetTA12 6EY

TEL:01935827740FAX:01935827760EMail:sales@unwin-safety.co.uk

KOLLER ENGINEERING LTD

Unit5,GarrettRoadLynxTradingEstateYeovilSomersetBA202TJ

TEL:01935426695FAX:01935433766EMaiI:enquiries@koller.co.uk

QSTRAINT (EUROPE)

Unit175JohnWilsonBusinessParkWhitstable KentCT5 3RB

TEL:01227773035FAX:01227770035EMaiI:qstraint@qstraint.com

SAFETEX Unit16/17BookhamIndustrialParkChurchRoad BookhamSurreyKT23 3EU

TEL:01372451272FAX:01372451282EMail:sales@safetex.com

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USER GUIDE 1.0THE MATRIX BACKREST SYSTEM WHEELCHAIR INTERFACE

The• MatrixBackrestwillhavebeenbuilttosuitthewheelchairspecifiedattheassessment.Themethodofinterfacingtheseatmayvaryandthe2typesofinterfaceoptionsaredescribedinthissection.

1.1. MOUNTING THE MATRIX BACKREST

FULLY CLAMPED INTERFACE (Not Shown)

When• theBackrestisinplaceinthewheelchairitisclampedtothewheelchairpushhandles/uprightsandcannotberemovedfromthewheelchairwithouttheuseoftools.

V-TRACK SYSTEM INTERFACE

The• V-Traksystemisusedwhenfrequentremovalfromthewheelchairisrequired,thekeypartsareidentifiedbelow(Fig.1.1),forfitting/removalofthebackrestseenextpage.

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5

2

7

1

8

4

6

3

Fig.1.1 V-Trak System

Backrest1. Arms2. Backrest Track3. Mounting Block4. Central Mount5.

6. Locking LeverSecondary Arms7. Straps8. Wheelchair Push Handle (not 9. supplied)

1.1. MOUNTING THE MATRIX BACKREST (Cont.)

Ensure• thatbothlockingleversintheopenposition,lowerthepinsintothetwomountingblocks(Fig.1.1a).Note:Tallerbackrestsmayhavetwosetsoflockinglevers(fourintotal).Whenthepins• arelocatedinthemountingblocks,pushdownfirmlytoensurethatthepinsarefullylocatedthenpressthelockingleversdownwards(Fig.1.1b)untilfullyhorizontal.Thebackrestwillnowlockedintothewheelchair.Wrap the• lowerarmretentionstraps(iffitted)aroundthewheelchairuprights/pushhandles(Fig.1.1c),pullthestrapbackthroughthesecondaryarms(Fig.1.1d)andvelcroinposition(Fig.1.1e).With• theBackrestnowinstalledintothewheelchairitisnowsafetoplacetheclientinposition.Removing• theBackrestfromthewheelchairisthereverseoftheaboveprocedure.

Fig.1.1c

Fig.1.1a

Fig.1.1d

Fig.1.1b

Fig.1.1e

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1.2. MATRIX BACKREST COVER If• theBackrestisfittedwithacover,checkthatthecoverfitsneatly.Every• timeacoverismadefortheBackrestapatterniskept.Thereforeifanyduplicatecoversarerequired,thesecanbeeasilymadewithouttheneedtoseetheclientortheBackrest.Contact• yourWheelchairServiceforfurtherdetailsorcontactSOS(seebackpagefordetails).

1.3. ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRS

When• fittingtheBackresttoanelectricwheelchair,thefittingproceduresarethesameasin1.1.However• itisalsonecessarytomakesurethatanyelectriccablesetc.,arenottrappedorjammedbytheBackrestduringplacementintoanelectricwheelchair.

1.4. MAINTAINING THE WHEELCHAIRS

It• isimportantthatthewheelchairmanufacturersguidelinesformaintenancearecarriedout.Under• inflatedtyresorfaultybrakesetc.canrenderawheelchairdangerousifusedwithsuchfaults.All• newwheelchairsaresuppliedwithacopyofthemanufacturersuserinstructions.You• shouldhaveacopyoftheWheelchairManufacturersUserInformation.If• youdonothaveacopy,contactyourWheelchairServicetoobtainacopy.

Always maintain your wheelchair as per manufacturers instructions.

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USER GUIDE 2.02.1. LIFTING & HANDLING THE CLIENT IN & OUT OF THE WHEELCHAIR

Most• usersofMatrixBackrestSystemswillneedtobehoistedintotheequipment.Manuallyliftingtheclientisnotrecommended,howeverwithsomeclientsitmaynotbepossibletohoistthemsafelybyconventionalmeansandininstancessuchasthisyouarerecommendedtocarryouta‘RISK ASSESSMENT’toassesstherisksinvolvedinanysuchaction.It• isimportantthatallcarersareawareoftheHealth&Safetyguidelinesfor‘Liftingand Handling’.Before• liftingtheclientmakesureallstrapsareplacedoutsideoftheWheelchair/Backrest.Thiswillavoidthestrapsbecomingtrappedundertheclientwhenseated.When• usingthehoist,makesurethatyoufollowthehoist manufacturers instructionsregardingcorrectuse.On• loweringtheclientintotheWheelchairmakesurethattheclient’ships/pelvisarelocatedasfarbackaspossibleintotheseatandthattheclientissupportedcorrectlyviatheBackrest.Leaving• thehoistslingintheWheelchaironcetheclienthasbeenplacedisnotrecommendedasthiscouldcausediscomfortandpressureareastobegenerated.However,ifanymanagementissuesrequiretheslingtobeleftinsituthenitisrecommendedthatthemostappropriateslingbeused.Ifyourequirefurtherinformationregardingthis,contactyourlocalWheelchairServiceTherapist.Please• note, that it is very important that the client is correctly positioned to give maximum comfort and support.

2.2. CLIENT STRAPS / HARNESSES

• Secureallstraps/harnesssupplied.Strapsandharnessmustbetightenedtoworkcorrectly.It• isdangeroustohavestrapstoolooseornotinplaceontheclient.If• theWheelchair/Backresthasbeenfittedwitha‘ButterflyXHarness’,itisimportantthatitiscorrectlyadjustedtomaintainsafeclearanceatthetopoftheharnessasillustratedinthediagramoppositeat‘X’.

Keep bottom straps of harness tight.

‘X’

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USER GUIDE 3.0

MAINTENANCE OF THE MATRIX BACKREST SYSTEM

TomakesurethattheMatrixBackrestSystemremainssatisfactoryitisnecessarytocarryoutsimplemaintenance.

3.1. CLEANING THE BACKREST

During• usetheBackrestwillrequirecleaning.ThiscanbedonebysimplyapplyingawarmdampclothwithamilddetergenttothesurfaceoftheBackresttoremoveanysoilingandtoweldry.Note:ThecoverMUSTberemovedpriortoanycleaningofthisBackrest.If• theBackrestremainsslightlydampsimplyleaveforashortperiodatroomtemperaturetodry.DO• NOT PUT THE BACKREST NEXT TO A HOT FIRE OR USE EXCESSIVE HEAT TO DRY AS EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD AFFECT THE COMPONENTS MAKING UP THE SHAPE OF THE BACKREST.DO• NOT USE SCOURERS OR CAUSTIC SUBSTANCES SUCH AS BLEACH

3.2. STRETCH COVERS

If• theBackresthasbeensuppliedwithacoverthiswillrequireoccasionalcleaning,forcleaningofremovablecoverpleaserefertowashlabelontheinsideofthepaddedcover.To• removethecoversimplystretchofftheMatrixBackrestSystem,takingcaretoguideanystrapsetc.throughthecoverbeforeremoving.When• placingthecoverbackontheBackrestaftercleaning,pleasenotethattheinnerlabelshouldbepositionedatthetopoftheseattoensurecorrectalignmentofthestrapsandgeneralfitontotheBackrest.ANY• DEVIATIONS FROM THE ABOVE MAY AFFECT THE FIRE RETARDANCY OF THE COVER(S).

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3.3. HARNESSES, PADS & STRAPS

Make• sureallstrapsareingoodworkingorderandthatbucklesworkcorrectly.If• anyshowsignsoffrayingoranybucklesarebrokenorfaultycontactyourWheelchairServiceimmediately,DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR.Harnesses• maybecleanedbyapplyingawarmdampclothwithamilddetergent,DO NOT USE POLISH.

3.4. VISUAL INSPECTION

Every• 3-4weekschecktheconditionoftheMatrixBackrestSystemandwheelchair,ifyounoticeanyfaultsorbrokenpartspleasenotifyyourWheelchairServiceimmediately,DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR.Look• attheframecomponentsoftheBackrestandmakesuretherearenosignsofdistortionorlooseattachments.Check• theinterfacecomponentsfordamageorlooseness.

3.5. FIRE RETARDANCY

Fire• retardantmaterialshavebeenusedintheconstructionofthisBackrestsystem.It• isimportantthatnoaccelerantsareintroducedtothematerials(e.g.Hairspray,fabriccleaners,deodorants,polishetc..),asthismayadverselyaffectthefireretardancyofyourequipment.

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USER GUIDE 4.0OPTIONAL FEATURES

4.1. ADJUSTABLE HEADREST

If• theBackresthasbeenfittedwithanadjustableheadrest,theheadrestwillhavebeenadjustedwhentheBackrestwasoriginallysupplied.If• anyadjustmentsneedtobecarriedoutthiscanbedonebyreleasingthelockingknobsandadjustedforheight(Fig.4.1a)anddepth(Fig.4.1b),re-tightenlockingknobswhenfinished.PLEASE• NOTE THAT SOS RECOMMEND THE HEADREST IS USED AT ALL TIMES WHENEVER THE CLIENT IS BEING TRANSPORTED IN THEIR WHEELCHAIR AND BACKREST SYSTEM.

Fig.4.1a Fig.4.1b

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IF YOU DETECT A FAULT OR BREAKAGE

IF YOU DETECT A FAULT OR BREAKAGE OF THE EQUIPMENT THEN REPORT 1.THIS IMMEDIATELY.

UNDER2. NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE ANY MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS TO BE DONE BY ANYONE OTHER THAN SPECIALISED ORTHOTIC SERVICES LTD (see contact details enclosed).

TO3. CONTACT SPECIALISED ORTHOTIC SERVICES LTD PLEASE REFER TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS USER MANUAL.

REPAIRS & SERVICE

Within the warranty period.AllSeatingSystemsmanufacturedbySpecialisedOrthoticServicesLtd.carryaguaranteeonthemainpartsfor12months,excludingcoversandstrapswhichareguaranteedfor3months,whenusednormally.IfduringthisperiodtheproductbecomesdefectiveandneedsrepairthenpleasecontactSOS(pleaseseetheendofthisusersguidefordetails).Youcanalsocontactyourlocalwheelchairserviceregardinganyfaultsrequiringattention.

Outside the warranty period.Foranygoodsrequiringrepairorattentionaftertheguaranteedperiod,thenassessmentcanbemadeastothecostoftheworkrequiredtoeffecttherepair.Onacceptanceofthisquotationtheworkwillproceed.

Misuse or neglect.The repairs necessary resulting from misuse or neglect, whether within the warranty period or not will be charged for.

MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTIVE 93 / 42 EEC

Specialised Orthotic Services Ltd.incompliancewiththeMedicalDevicesDirectivehaveanobligationtoinvestigateandtakecorrectiveactionondefectivedevices.Toassistuswiththisprocedurewewouldappreciateyourassistanceinmeetingthisobligationbyinformingusassoonaspossibleandmakethedeviceavailableforinspectionassoonaspossiblehavingbecomeawareofadefect.

WearerequiredtonotifytheCompetentAuthorityofcertaintypesofincidentswithin10to30days.

Aspartofourqualitysystemwehaveestablishedprocedurestodealwithsuchincidencesandwouldappreciateyourswiftnotificationtousviaourtelephone,faxore-maildetailsattheendofthisusersmanual.

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NOTES:

Units 127/128, Fauld Industrial Park, Tutbury, Staffordshire. DE13 9HSTel: 0044 (0)1283 520400 Fax: 0044 (0)1283 520401

E-mail: enquiries@specialorthotic.comWeb: www.specialisedorthoticservices.co.uk

Ifyourequirefurthercopiesofthishandoutorrequirefurtherdetailsrelatingtoanyofitscontent,thenpleasecontactus(Copyrightapplies):