User Safety Briefing: Why and When to Check the Brake Cables and Wheel Functionality
Mobility aid users and caregivers must understand how to safely operate rollators and walkers. A critical aspect is knowing when to check the brake cables and wheel functionality. This knowledge helps reduce accidents and prolongs the lifespan of mobility equipment. This article presents easy-to-follow guidelines for both routine and reactive inspections.
When to Perform Checks
Before each use: Perform a quick brake squeeze and spin wheels for resistance
Weekly at home: Clean debris from wheels and inspect cables for slack
Monthly: Ask a technician or caregiver to check the brake cables and wheel functionality thoroughly
Routine checks create confidence in daily use, especially for seniors or individuals with reduced mobility.
Signs of Malfunction
Brakes feel soft or unresponsive
Rollator veers left or right
Clicking, dragging, or rough rolling sound
Brake cable hanging loosely or not returning after squeezing
These are strong indicators to check the brake cables and wheel functionality immediately.
Training Users and Staff
Healthcare institutions should provide regular briefings or workshops covering:
Hands-on brake testing
Visual cable integrity check
Cleaning techniques
Emergency maintenance request protocols
Creating a Maintenance Culture
Integrating inspection tasks into morning routines or care shifts builds a culture of safety. Providing access to visual aids or laminated checklists near walker storage helps remind users to check the brake cables and wheel functionality daily.
Conclusion
Empowering users and staff with simple inspection skills can drastically reduce rollator failure rates. Regularly check the brake cables and wheel functionality as part of your mobility program’s safety checklist to enhance reliability and confidence for all users.
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