SASK-A-POLE OWNERS AND USERS MANUAL GENERAL INFORMATION The Saskatchewan Abilities Council s Sask-a-Pole accessibility and transfer aid is designed to help provide safe and easy access to chairs, beds, and bathroom facilities. The Sask-a-Pole s flexibility and optional equipment allows installation and use in a wide range of situations. Sask-a-Poles are available in two models 8 and 10 feet - to suit a range of ceiling heights. A Trapeze accessory is available for specific applications. This manual provides directions for the safe installation, operation and maintenance of your Sask-a- Pole. Carefully read this manual before installing or using the pole or accessories. It is the owner s responsibility to ensure that all those in contact with the pole use sound safety practices at all times when installing, servicing and using the device. Regular (monthly) checking of the Pole (and tightening if needed) is required to avoid the potential for serious injury. OPERATING PRINCIPLES The Sask-a-Pole is installed between the floor and ceiling to offer access to the desired area or facility. Using the threaded adjusting rod, the Pole is tightened into place, where it is held by friction between the floor / ceiling and the foam-backed mounting parts. (see Installation below) The post may then be used as a fixed aid to assist the user with their access and transfer needs. The Trapeze option provides additional flexibility by offering a fixed or pivoting arm which carries a strap-mounted, adjustable height handle. This provides a method for vertical lifting of the individual to aid the transition from, for example, a bed to a wheelchair. Printed in Canada Part No: 1657 Rev 3 Apr. 27, 2016 1410 Kilburn Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M 0J8 PH: (306) 653-1694 FX: (306) 664-2259 Toll-Free (Sask only.): 1-877-233-2053
LIMITED WARRANTY The Saskatchewan Abilities Council (the Council ) warrants Sask-a-Poles and Accessories of its manufacture (the Products ) to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of twelve months from the date of purchase by the original retail purchaser. The Council will repair or replace any parts or goods found to be defective to the Council s satisfaction, under the terms of this warranty, provided that the Products have been installed in accordance with the Council s instructions and subject to normal use and service. The Council shall not be liable for: 1. Labour, service, or transport charges incurred in the removal or replacement of any part covered by this warranty. 2. Damages or defects caused by: improper installation; misuse, equipment attached to or used in conjunction with the Products; Acts of God; accident; negligence; or abuse. 3. Direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential losses, damages or claims; or personal injury however caused. There are no warranties for intended use other than those specified in the Council s published product literature. The foregoing Warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, whether expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise. If any provision of this warranty shall be void or unenforceable in whole or in part it shall be severable and deemed not to effect the validity of any other provision. It is the responsibility of the owner and / or installer to ensure the suitability, safety, and completeness of the Products installation. For prompt warranty service, notify the dealer from whom you purchased the Products, within the term of the warranty period. SPECIFICATIONS AND DIMENSIONS Basic Pole Basic Pole Model Minimum Ceiling Height (inches) * Maximum Ceiling Height (inches) Approx. Shipping Weight (lbs.) SP- 8 (8ft) 92" 101" 20 lbs. SP-10 (10ft) 116" 124" 23 lbs. * Note: Poles may be cut down for lower ceilings. Custom modifications are available on request. Maximum User Weight: 8 ft. Pole 325 lb. (148 kg) rated capacity 10 ft. Pole 250 lb. (114 kg) rated capacity Trapeze Accessory: Maximum User Weight: 250 lb. (114 kg) rated capacity Radius of Use (Arm length): 19 inches Approx. Shipping Weight: 7 lb. Note: Load Ratings are based on normal use. Capacity under shock loads, or in cases where there is poor friction between the pole and the ceiling or floor, may be lower. Always test the installation under expected load before placing into service. Check tightness monthly. Consistent with the Saskatchewan Abilities Council s policy of continuing product improvement, features and specifications are subject to change without notice. 2
List of Hazards & Warnings Basic Pole WARNING- During installation allow for sufficient clearance between the Sask-A-Pole and any wall or surface to prevent an individual becoming trapped between the Sask-A-Pole and the wall or surface. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death. There are potential hazards associated with the use of any friction-held pole transfer aid: Slippage of the pole at either the ceiling or floor under load. This can be caused by low-friction surfaces, loading in excess of capacity, or inadequate tightening of the pole. The Council recommends firmly tightening the pole, and anchoring the ceiling mount wherever practical, to avoid this hazard. Periodic checking of tightness and stability is also required. Failure of the pole (by bending or slipping) under a high shock load for example during a fall when the post is caught at the last moment. The user should keep this in mind and avoid sudden, sharp movements. Bent poles should be removed from service. Over-tightening of the Pole can cause ceiling cracks or damage leading to looseness. The Warning Decal shown at right is supplied with your Sask-a-Pole and should be visible at all times. Should it become damaged or missing, replacements are available free from the factory under Part No. 3037. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Planning Your Installation Planning the installation should be done before ordering your Pole. A variety of configurations are available to meet specific installation needs. Please note that failure to follow the Installation and Maintenance Instructions can result in serious injury. The first key step is determining your ceiling height. Measure and compare to the specifications and dimension chart above - this will determine which Pole model you need. The Pole must be mounted to a dry-walled or similar ceiling (not suspended tiles), and not on loose carpet. Lower ceilings can be accommodated by shortening the pole. See below for specific steps. The next step is to determine the best location for the Pole. For basic poles without accessories, this is fairly straightforward. Place the Pole where it provides easy reach to the toilet, bed, etc. while being as out of the way as possible to allow good access. Test this by loosely installing the pole and acting out its use before finalizing the location. Have a helper assist with this, as the pole is unsteady until clamped into place. Points to consider include: Entry and exit access (for wheelchairs and walkers, as well as foot traffic) Sufficient clearance between the pole and any wall or surface to prevent an individual from becoming trapped between the Sask-A-Pole and the wall or surface to avoid serious injury or death Access after installation to allow for cleaning, maintenance, changing sheets, etc Clearances for all moving parts of the Pole accessories, if used Location with respect to ceiling joists (see below) 3
When used with the Trapeze, the positioning and reach of the accessory must also be considered. For bed access, for example, position Pole so Trapeze reaches an adequate distance over the bed. For chair access, the Trapeze needs to be easily reachable from a sitting position. Each installation will be different as above, set the Pole loosely in place and try walking through planned usage (without applying load) before finalizing. Assembly and Installation Before beginning installation of your Pole, measure the floor-to-ceiling height at the installation point. If the measurement is below the minimum adjustable height (92" for 8 Ft, 101" for 10 Ft. models) the Pole will need to be shortened. Refer to the Pole Shortening Section below before proceeding. Basic Pole Note: if installing the Trapeze accessory, the Trapeze must be installed first see below. Install the top mount channel (1) to the top of the main tube (2) using a 3/8" x 2" bolt & nylon lock-nut. Tighten nut securely using a 9/16"wrench. Place the sleeve cap (3), sleeve (4), and sleeve retainer O-ring (5) over the bottom of the main tube. Note that the cap fits over the top of the sleeve. Have a helper hold the top of the pole in place, with the pole at an angle. Adjust the threaded rod & coupler to allow the base (7) to be installed as the pole is moved to a vertical position. The top mount should be installed to run across two ceiling joists as shown in the illustration. Wherever possible, the use of wood screws or anchors through the holes in the top mount into the ceiling joists is recommended. Hold the pole with one hand while turning the threaded rod with the bar (8) supplied to achieve a snug floor-toceiling fit. Check that the pole is level in both directions and that the top mount is flush to the ceiling, readjusting as required. Once the Pole is set in its final position, tighten the threaded rod firmly. Excessive force can damage the ceiling. Roll the O-ring down over the adjusting rod (6), then place the sleeve down over the molded base. Test the pole by pulling vigorously in both directions to ensure stability. 4
Trapeze Accessory The Sask-A-Pole Trapeze may be used in two ways either freely rotating or with four fixed but changeable positions. Determine which method you prefer before installing. For both options, begin by installing the 3/8" x 2 ¾" bolt, two 5/8" diameter by 3/8" long bushings, and nylon lock-nut (1) through the lower hole near the top of the main tube (2) as shown. Tighten moderately tight, without crushing the tube. For the free-rotating mode, install two plastic bushings (3) with one in each end of the Trapeze arm (4) and place the arm over the top of the main tube (2) with the notched end up (as shown in the drawing on the left below). For use in the fixed mode, install only one plastic bushing (3) in the un-notched end of the arm (4). Install the arm over the main tube with the notched end down as shown on the right. Rotating Fixed Installing the Trapeze Handle (if not factory-assembled) Remove the ladder-lock buckle located on the end of the long strap (5) attached to the grab bar (6) and set the buckle aside for later. Thread the end of the long strap (5) around the top of the tubing, through the retainer clip (7), then down through the buckle (8) which is pre-installed near the middle of the strap. Move this buckle if necessary to end up as shown. Re-install the buckle removed earlier on the long strap, sliding it part way up the strap as shown (9). Thread the strap down through the clamp on the other strap (10) as shown in A. Note that the straps must pass through the buckles exactly as shown, or the strap may slip and cause injury. The Pole may now be installed between the floor and ceiling as detailed above. Set the height and levelness of the Trapeze to suit your application by adjusting the strap. 5
The "TRAPEZE" Mfg. by the Sask. Abilities Council, Saskatoon Sk. LOAD LIMIT: 250 LB. (114 KG.) P/N 3038 Once satisfied, complete the installation by threading the end of the long strap (5) back through the main buckle (10) as shown in B. Thread any excess strap up through the upper buckle (9). Congratulations! Your new Sask-a-Pole is ready to provide years of trouble-free service. List of Warnings Trapeze The Load Limit / Product Decal shown at right is supplied with your Trapeze and should be visible at all times. Should it become damaged or missing, replacements are available free from the factory under Part No. 3038. Trapeze load limit is 250 Lb. (114 Kg). The "TRAPEZE" Mfg. by the Sask. Abilities Council, Saskatoon Sk. LOAD LIMIT: 250 LB. (114 KG.) POLE SHORTENING Shortening of the pole should be done at the top end, opposite the adjusting screw. The best method is to place a piece of masking tape around the pole with the top side of the tape on the cut mark. Adjust the masking tape so that the ends meet smoothly to ensure a straight cut. A hacksaw can then be used, following the tape. The tape will also prevent any paint chipping on the tube. Determine the needed pole length using the following procedures: 1) Measure ceiling height 2) Mark the top end of the pole 6" less than your measured ceiling height and cut as described in paragraph above Pole Shortening 3) After cutting the tube, drill a 7/16" diameter hole in order to secure the top mount channel to the pole. This hole must be accurately on center of the tube. Use of the top channel as a jig is recommended to ensure accurate alignment. Insert a 3/8" x 2" bolt and tighten nylon lock nut. MAINTENANCE WARNING Maintenance of your Sask-A-Pole is very important to your safety. If your Sask-A-Pole is not maintained to the Manufacturer s recommended specifications, the equipment or accessories may become unreliable or fail, leading to serious injury or death. To ensure reliable and trouble-free service, the following regular maintenance is recommended monthly or immediately if you notice any looseness of the pole or problems with the trapeze: Check the tightness of the adjusting screw, and re-tighten as required. Give the pole a firm push in both directions to ensure that there is good friction contact at top and bottom. Check the condition of the Trapeze straps (if installed) and locking clips. If wear is noted, contact your dealer for replacement parts. Do not use the trapeze if the strap is worn or frayed. 6