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7
SAFETY/HANDLING
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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 mainte-
nance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and
master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in
maneuvering around the frequently encountered architec-
tural 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 described
in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each
individual to try what works best for him/her in overcom-
ing architectural obstacles that they may encounter. Tech-
niques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheel-
chair user and assistant with safety as the most impor-
tant consideration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
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 or-
dering the seat positioning strap as an
additional safeguard for the wheelchair
user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel-
chair, you must at all times wear your seat positioning
strap and maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair has
been designed to remain upright and stable during nor-
mal 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.
WARNING
Do not attempt to lift a wheelchair by lift-
ing on any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (de-
tachable) parts of a wheelchair may re-
sult in injury to the user or damage to the
wheelchair.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts. 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 ex-
perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
TILTING
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assis-
tance.
When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the
back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detach-
able) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tilting
the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure
the occupants feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
TILTING - CURBS
After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair,
use one of the following methods to tackle curbs, short
stairs, etc.