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 techniques involved in the safe op- eration and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is impor- tant to practice and master these safe techniques un- til you are comfortable in maneuvering around the fre- quently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The tech- niques 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 en- courages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they may encounter, howeverALLWARNINGSandCAUTIONS giveninthismanualMUSTbefollowed. Techniques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with “safety” as the most important con- sideration 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 or- dering the seat positioning strap as an ad- ditional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel- chair, you must at all times wear your seat positioning strap and maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable dur- ing normal daily activities as long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheel- chair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare rec- ommendsusingseat/chestpositioningstrapsforadditional 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 wheel- chair and then reversing it in a straight line.
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 the wheel- chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
Also,beawareofanyremovable(detachable)parts.These must NEVER be used for
When learning a new assistance technique, have an ex- perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
The seat dump, back angle, seating sys- tem, caster size and position, rear wheel size and position,
(9)may cause the wheelchair to de- crease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician ONLY.
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