GENERAL GUIDELINES | PROCEDURE 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 techniquesinvolvedinthesafeoperationandmaintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneu- vering around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Usethisinformationonlyasa“basic”guide.Thetechniques 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 de- scribed in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encour- ages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they may encoun- ter, 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 as- sistant with “safety” as the most important consideration for all.
Stability and Balance
WARNING
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap.
Stairways
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors using a stairway. Use an elevator to move an occupied power wheel- chair between floors. If moving a power wheel- chair between floors by means of a stairway, the occupant MUST be removed and transported independently of the power wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an UNOCCUPIED power wheelchair up or down the stairs. Invacare recommends using two (2) assistants and making thorough prepara- tions.Makesure to use
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheel- chair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair be- tween floors when an elevator is NOT available:
WARNING
The weight of the wheelchair without the user and batteriesisstill between83 and142lbs.Useproper lifting techniques (lift with your legs) to avoid injury.
1. Remove the occupant from the wheelchair.
G E N E R A L
G U I D E L I N E S
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel- chair, 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. DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to main- tain stability and balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, re- member to use good body mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting wheel- chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or leg- rests. These must NEVER be used for
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
2.Remove the battery boxes from the wheelchair. Re- fer to one (1) of the following:
FWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERYBOXESinPROCEDURE11ofthismanual.
MWD WHEELCHAIRS - INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERYBOXESinPROCEDURE12 ofthismanual.
3.Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
4.Using
5.The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair has been carried away from the stairway.
ESCALATORS? SORRY!
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
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