Invacare Tracer EXIR manual SAFETY/HANDLING of Wheelchairs, Stability and Balance

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GENERAL GUIDELINES

SECTION 1

SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

“Safety and Handling” of the wheelchair requires the close attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant. This manual points out the most common procedures and tech- niques 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 users.

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 indi- vidual 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 followed. 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/chest positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT/ CHEST POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or without the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times maintain proper balance. 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.

COPING WITH EVERYDAY OBSTACLES

Coping with the challenge of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability and balance.

A NOTE TO WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANTS

When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tipping the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Part No. 1110547

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Tracer® EXI

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Contents Tracer R EXI Tracer EXI Table of Contents ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL Locks Special Notes Special NotesLabel Locations LocationslabelSpecifications SpecificationsSection General Guidelines Stability ALL ModelsGeneral Guidelines General Guidelines Section Operating InformationTire Pressure Weight TrainingWeight Limitation Coping with Everyday Obstacles SAFETY/HANDLING of WheelchairsStability and Balance Percentage of Weight Distribution Do not tip the wheelchair without assistance TippingMethod 2 Wheelchair Without Step Tube Method 1 Wheelchair with Step TubesTipping Curbs Method 2 Wheelchair Without Step Tube ESCALATORS? Sorry StairwaysUnfolding and Folding the Wheelchair Transferring to and from Other SeatsUnfolding Folding FoldingSection Safety Inspection Safety Inspection ChecklistSafety Inspection Suggested Maintenance Procedures TroubleshootingMaintenance Maintenance Safety PrecautionsSafety Inspection Front Riggings Section INSTALLING/REMOVING the Front Riggings FigureInstalling RemovingRiggings Footplate Height AdjustmentSpring Button Height Adjustment Figure BOLT-IN-PLACE Height Adjustment FigureOutside of Swingaway Front Rigging Fixed Frame FigureHeel Loop Replacement Figure RAISING/LOWERING the Elevating Legrest Assembly FigureInside Outside Swingaway Front Rigging Detail a Footplates with BOLT-IN-PLACESpring Buttons Footplates Arms Removing and Installing Armrest FigureInstalling Armrest Removing ArmrestSeat and Back Replacing Back Upholstery FigureReplacing Seat Upholstery Figure Seat and Back SectionSection Seat and Back Adjusting the Seat WidthEXI with Swingaway Front Riggings Figure Seat BackandCrossbrace Hardware DetailDetail B Removing Upper Mounting Hardware EXI with Fixed Frame FigureDetail a Removing Lower Mounting Hardware Rear Wheels REMOVING/INSTALLING the Rear WheelsPermanent Axles Figure Rear Wheels SectionWheelsrear REPLACING/REPAIRING Rear Wheel TIRE/TUBEReplacing Rear Wheel Handrim Figure Section Rear WheelsFront Casters INSTALLING/REPLACING Fork Assemblies FigureAdjusting Forks Figure Front Casters SectionSection Front Casters REPLACING/REPAIRING Front Caster TIRE/TUBEReplacing Front Casters Figure CastersfrontANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL Locks INSTALLING/ADJUSTING the ANTI-TIPPERSInstalling the ANTI-TIPPERS Figures 1 ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL Locks SectionAnti Adjusting the ANTI-TIPPERS FigureSection ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL Locks LOCKSTIPPERS/WHEELAdjusting the Disk Wheel Locks Figure USING/ADJUSTING the Disk Wheel LocksUsing the Patient Operated Disk Wheel Locks Figure Locks Installing Wheel Lock Shoe Extensions FigureSEAT-TO-FLOOR Height Changing SEAT-TO-FLOOR Height FigureSEAT-TO-FLOOR Height Section Changing SEAT-TO-FLOOR Height Options Installing the Seat Positioning Strap FigureOptions Section Tracer EXI Warranty WarrantyCanada Made in Mexico