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A-4 12 Part No. 1110545
SECTION 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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 the
wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on 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.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts, such as armrests of 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.
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat
or pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in
and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the
normal balance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribution of the
wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular safety limits,
practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several
combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional
BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or
bending forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to
maintain stability and balance.
The position of the footrest, seat angle, back angle, seating system/
upholstery, caster size and position, rear wheel size and position, use of
anti-tippers, as well as the user condition directly relate to the stability of
the wheelchair. Any change to one (1) or any combination of the ten (10)
may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. EXTREME care MUST
be taken when changing the stability of the wheelchair.
LENGTHENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the stability and maintain
standard maneuverability of the wheelchair.
SHORTENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the maneuverability, distribute
additional weight onto the rear wheels and make the wheelchair less stable.