Invacare Lightweight manual SAFETY/HANDLING of Wheelchairs, Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs

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SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs

Safety and handling of the wheelchair require the close attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant. This manual points out the most common procedures and techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.

Use this information only as a basic guide. The techniques that are discussed on the following pages have been used successfully by many.

Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that may differ from those described in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they may encounter. However, all warnings and cautions given in this manual MUST be heeded. Techniques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with safety as the most important consideration for all.

Stability and Balance

WARNING

ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the seat positioning strap is an option on this wheelchair (you may order with or without the seat positioning strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat positioning strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user. The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST be replaced immediately.

To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you MUST maintain proper balance at all times. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable during normal daily activities as long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.

Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheelchair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare recommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.

DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean forward. This can be achieved by advancing the wheelchair and then reversing it in a straight line.

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Contents Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs Table of Contents Front Riggings Table of Contents Register Your Product Complete and mail the form on the nextProduct Registration Form City State/ProvinceFold here Cut Along Line Special Notes Wheelchair TIE-DOWN Restraints and Seat RestraintsSpecial Notes Label Location Important NoticeLightweight Typical Product ParametersTypical Product Parameters General Guidelines Stability All ModelsAnti-Tippers Operating Information Tire Pressure Weight Training Weight LimitationSAFETY/HANDLING of Wheelchairs Safety/Handling of WheelchairsStability and Balance Coping With Everyday Obstacles Tipping Reaching, Leaning and Bending ForwardReaching and Leaning Backwards Do not tip the wheelchair without assistanceMethod 1 Wheelchair With Step Tubes Method 2 Wheelchair Without Step TubesStairways Escalators Transferring To and From Other SeatsUnfolding and Folding Wheelchair UnfoldingFolding Wheelchair Do not allow upholstery to hang between the cross bracesSafety INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING Safety Inspection ChecklistInspect/Adjust Initially Inspect/Adjust Weekly Inspect/Adjust MonthlyTroubleshooting Inspect/Adjust PeriodicallyMaintenance Maintenance Safety PrecautionsSuggested Maintenance Procedures Safety INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING Front Riggings Installing/Removing Front RiggingsInstalling RemovingAdjusting Footplate Height Spring Button HeightBolt-In-Place Height Fixed Frame Fixed FrameRaising/Lowering Elevating Legrest Assembly Installing Impact Guards/Calf StrapInstalling Impact Guards/Calf Strap Replacing Heel LoopFootrest shown Using ArmsRemoving/Installing Armrests ReplacingInstalling Armrest Removing ArmrestInstalling Back Canes Lightweight Wheelchair Only Seat and BackAdjusting Seat Width Replacing Back UpholsteryReplacing Seat Upholstery Pivot Link Seat and Back Removing Lower Mounting Hardware Standard Wheelchair with Fixed FrameHeavy Duty Wheelchairs Removing Upper Mounting HardwarePivot Link Seat and Back Removing/Installing Rear Wheels Rear WheelsReplacing/Repairing Rear Wheel Tire Replacing Rear Wheel HandrimInstalling/Replacing/Adjusting Front Casters and Forks Installing/Replacing Front Casters and ForksFront Casters Adjusting Forks Replacing Front CastersReplacing/Repairing Front Caster Tire/Tube Replacing Front CastersInstalling/Adjusting Anti-tippers Installing Anti-TippersANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL Locks Adjusting the Anti-Tippers Installing/Adjusting Anti-tippers- Anti-Tipper LengthUsing/Adjusting Disk Wheel Locks Using Patient Operated Disk Wheel LocksAdjusting Patient-Operated Wheel Locks Adjusting Patient-Operated Wheel LocksInstalling Wheel Lock Shoe Extensions Installing Wheel Lock Shoe ExtensionsSeat to Floor Changing Seat-to-Floor HeightHeight Mounting Position Installing the Seat Positioning Strap OptionsStandard and Heavy Duty/Extra Wide Wheelchairs Lightweight Wheelchairs Options Options Limited Warranty Made in Mexico