SAFETY/HANDLING
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
S A F E T Y
&
H A N D L I N G
“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 operation and main- tenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently encountered ar- chitectural 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 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. 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 restraint. Inasmuch as the SEAT RESTRAINT is an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or without the seat restraint), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat restraint as an additional safeguard for the wheel- chair user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel- chair, you must at all times wear your seat restraint and maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair has been de- signed 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. 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.
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.
Also, be aware of any removable (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.
TILTING
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a
TILTING - CURBS:
After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
Method 1 - Wheelchairs With Step Tubes
Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution.
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the wheel- chair in one continuous movement onto the sidewalk. Do not let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
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.
METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBES
Method 2 - Wheelchairs Without Step Tubes
Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body strength, it is recommended that METHOD 2 use two (2) assistants.
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