Hi Marcus.
I do not know the IP rating of the Camelion, but we believe the Click-To-Go is IP54 as per the rest of the wheelchair control systems. This needs checking though.
You could mount the Click-To-Go inside a plastic box with a clear lid, so that the 3.5mm jack plugs etc. are protected from fluid ingress and inadvertent removal. We have begun using large industrial EPIC (manufacturers name, see the RS catalogue) connectors to make removal of all the different cables from the chair easier.
You can get waterproof switches from QED, their "Dreadnought" range.
Do you have an EPIOC driving test circuit?
We like to prepare a "System Manual" to give to users for complex installations, and build to the requirements of the MDD.
I think someone would have to be an extremely efficient scanner user to be safe crossing a road for instance, especially with head switches.
I would like to know more about the proficiency testing scheme.
Best regards,
Geoff
G.J. Harbach I.Eng MIED IIPEM
Clinical Technologist
Special Controls Service Manager
Posture and Mobility Services
West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak
Birmingham Specialist Community Health NHS Trust
West Midlands.
Tel 0121 627 1627 Ext. 53238
-----Original Message-----
From: p=NHS NATIONAL INT;a=NHS;c=GB;dda:RFC-822=ASSISTECH(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK;
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2002 5:47 PM
To: p=NHS NATIONAL INT;a=NHS;c=GB;dda:RFC-822=ASSISTECH(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK;
Subject: Scanning Wheelchair Control
We have a client who has a privately funded indoor/outdoor powered chair. At present it is driven with an attendant control only, usually by her husband. The chair is a Balder Finesse which has a seat raise facility, though it does slow to a crawl if the seat is above a certain level. Also, she has a Cameleon communication aid on a Daessy mount, which is likely to be required outside too.
On initial assessment she appeared to be capable of using a scanning wheelchair control such as the Click To Go with two head switches.
Does anybody have any advice to offer in terms of providing such an interface for outdoor chair driving? What level of training would be required? How about our risk analysis and documentation that should be passed on to the client if we proceed?
I seem to recall that there's a gold, silver and bronze level of wheelchair proficiency testing. Perhaps an agreement to undergo a rigorous training course would have to be part of the provision......
Any thoughts?
Thanks, Marcus.
Marcus Friday
Barnsley District General Hospital
Medical Physics Department
Gawber Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S75 2EP
Tel: 01226 730000 x2159
Fax: 01226 208159
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