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.

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lift- ing by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.

Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or leg‐rests. These must NEVER be used for hand‐hold or 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.

Tilting

WARNING

DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.

When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non‐removable (non‐detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tilting the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.

Tilting - Curbs

After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.

This procedure requires two (2) assistants. The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non‐removable (non‐detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.

The first assistant should turn the anti‐tippers so the wheels are pointing up, apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistants will feel a difference in the weight distribution.

Part No.1106645

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Nutron® Series

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Invacare R51LXP, R50LX manual Tilting Curbs