SAFETY/HANDLING
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 operation and mainte- nance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around thefrequently encountered architec- tural 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.
Individualwheelchairusersoftendevelopskillstodealwith daily living activities that may differ from those described in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcom- ing architectural obstacles that they may encounter.Tech- niquesinthismanualareastartingpointforthenewwheel- chair user and assistant with “safety” as the most impor- tant consideration 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 additional 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 during nor- mal 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.
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 lift- ing on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (de- tachable) parts of a wheelchair may re- sult 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.
TILTING
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assis- tance.
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 one of the following methods to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
S A F E T Y
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H A N D L I N G
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