Invacare Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs manual Stairways

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against the curb. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels are pointing up. The wheelchair should be tilted back to the balance point and, in one continuous upward movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.

WARNING

When lowering the front casters of the wheelchair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant and/or damage to the wheelchair.

Roll the wheelchair backward and slowly lower the wheelchair in one continuous movement. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels are facing down.

Stairways

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 ordering the seat positioning strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user. The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST be replaced immediately.

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

ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or worn, replace immediately.

Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair up or down the stairs. Invacare recommends that, if possible, the user be removed from the wheelchair prior to moving. Invacare recommends using two assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use only secure, non-detachable parts for hand-held supports.

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.5 on page 23.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 22 Part No. 1114811