SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants

When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting wheelchair or traversing curbs or other impediments.

Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or legrests. These must NEVER be used to move the wheelchair or as lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently released, resulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).

When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.

Lifting/Stairways

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors using a stairway. Use an elevator to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors. If moving a power wheelchair 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 assistants and making thorough preparations.

Use only secure, nondetachable parts for hand-hold supports.

It is strongly recommended to lift the wheelchair only by the rear frame and the front forks - otherwise injury or damage may occur.

DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by 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.

The weight of the wheelchair with batteries and without the user is 212 lbs. Use proper lifting techniques (lift with your legs) to avoid injury.

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 3.2 on page 19.

Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is not available or lifting the wheelchair is necessary:

Pronto® M51Base with SureStep®

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Part No. 1148076

Page 18
Image 18
Invacare Pronto M51 Base manual Lifting/Stairways