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6
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 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.
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.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts.
These must NEVER be used for hand-held or lifting sup-
ports, 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 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 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.
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.
SAFETY/HANDLING
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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.