1.7.2 Going up a kerb. (First Method)
The chair footrest, or occupant feet if longer, should be taken to just in front of the kerb edge. The attendant pushing should grip the chair push bar firmly, pressing down on the tipping lever, tilting the chair backwards using body weight leverage, bringing chair forward till the back wheels touch the kerb.
The front castors wheels can then be lowered down onto the path, making sure that the wheels are facing rearwards. With the push handles held firmly the attendant should now lift and push the chair.
1.7.3 Going up a kerb (Second Method)
The chair should be turned round so that the back wheels are against the kerb and the attendant should hold the pushing handles firmly and tip the chair backwards.
Using body weight as leverage the attendant should then pull the chair off the kerb and up onto the pavement, making sure, as above that the castor wheels are facing rearwards .
The chair may then be pivoted to face the direction of travel and pushed forward.
1.7.4Going down/up a flight of steps.
Where possible, the hazard of negotiating steps should be avoided. Modern public buildings should provide permanent wheelchair ramps, with a practical slope angle for safe access, loose ramps pushed against a kerb are not recommended. Learning the geography of an area is important.
A little journey planning can eliminate difficult manoeuvres.
Many falls and injuries to both occupant and helper can occur when inexperienced people are carrying out this operation.
Two attendants at least are required for step operation as shown typically above. The attendant supporting the main load should grip the chair at the push handles, and repeat the procedure for getting down a kerb at each step, the second attendant at the front will be required to guiding the footrest area, and provide reassurance to the occupant.
A third person could act as guide for the chair team if the steps are high. Reverse this procedure for going up a flight of steps, with the attendant supporting the main load at the push handles pulling, and the second attendant at the front pushing the chair by gripping the corner of each side frame.
Page 9 | March 2005 Revision B |