Safety information

Using SAW Safely

The StairAssist Walker is safe when it's used the way it was designed to be used. Read this before every use, and always follow the full Instructions for Use.

On the stairs, three things are required. Every time.

A SAW Certified™ Caregiver.

SAW is not for independent use by the patient on stairs. A SAW Certified™ Caregiver helps with positioning, operation, and stair navigation.

A gait belt.

Worn by the patient, used by the SAW Certified™ Caregiver, on every stair.

One handrail.

At least one handrail is required for stair use.

SAW is used with a SAW Certified™ Caregiver on every step. Certification is required before stair use, and it's free.

Before every use.

  • Clear the stairs. Make sure the stairs are completely clear of objects, loose rugs or carpet, cords, and debris. Anything on the stairs can cause a trip or make the walker unstable.
  • Check the device. Make sure it's fully open and the seat is locked in place. Don't use it if any part is damaged, missing, or not working properly.
  • Four points of contact. The rear legs and either the front wheels or the Stair Rise Legs must stay in contact with the surface at all times. Check that SAW is stable before use.
  • Stay within the limits. Maximum patient weight is 300 lbs. Patient height is 5 ft 2 in to 6 ft. Exceeding either can cause injury.

On the stairs.

  • Locked before you start. Make sure the Stair Mode Safety Lock and Knee Conversion Mechanism are locked in stair mode before using SAW on the stairs. Never try to use it on stairs while it's locked in walker mode.
  • Don't lean. Don't lean toward the top or bottom of the stairs while in stair mode. It can cause a fall.
  • Don't touch the Stair Mode Safety Lock mid-stair. Don't press the Stair Mode Safety Lock button or lever while on the stairs. It can throw off the balance of the device.

What SAW is not for.

  • It's not a wheelchair. Don't roll or push the walker while the patient is sitting on the seat.
  • The seat and Back Rest have limits. The seat is for resting, not for carrying people or objects. The Back Rest supports you while sitting; don't lean your full body weight on it.
  • Don't hang loads on it. Don't hang or attach bags or other items. It changes the balance of the device and raises the risk of tipping.
  • Stay within intended use. Don't use it to walk backwards, go down slopes, or go over obstacles in stair mode. Don't sit on it on a slope, or while it's being loaded into or moved in a vehicle.
  • One person, approved accessories only. SAW is for individual use, and only with accessories approved by the manufacturer for the StairAssist Walker.

Keeping SAW safe to use.

  • Keep it dry. SAW isn't waterproof. Avoid wet conditions, don't submerge it, and wipe up any spills and let it dry fully before use.
  • Mind the temperature. Don't use or store it in extreme heat or cold, in direct sun, in a hot car, or near heaters or open flames. Let it return to room temperature before use if it's been in the heat or cold.
  • Watch your hands near the lever. The Stair Mode Safety Lock lever has moving parts. Keep fingers, hands, and loose clothing clear of the lever and surrounding gaps when operating it. Keep children and bystanders away during adjustments.
  • Inspect it regularly. Check monthly for wear, damage, or looseness. If it doesn't move smoothly, makes an unusual noise, feels less stable, or looks damaged, stop using it and contact us.

Who should not use SAW.

SAW is not right for everyone. It should not be used by a patient who has any of the following:

  • A psychiatric or cognitive condition that could interfere with using SAW safely.
  • Oxygen dependence that requires a portable oxygen tank.
  • A high risk of fracture or spinal instability, including severe osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or spinal metastatic bone cancer.

If the patient has other health conditions, check with their healthcare provider first. To see the full picture of who SAW is for, take the fit check.

Report a safety concern.

If you have any concern about the safety or performance of your StairAssist Walker, tell us right away.

Call: 1-888-853-2160

Email: Issues@StairAssistWalker.com

Read the full instructions.

This page is a summary. The complete Instructions for Use has every warning, step, and diagram. Read it before using SAW.

Read the Instructions for Use