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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 tech-
niques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of
the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these
safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering
around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a basic guide. The techniques
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 in-
dividual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming
architectural obstacles that they may encounter, however
ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual
MUST be followed. 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 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.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair,
you must at all times maintain proper balance. Your wheel-
chair has been designed to remain upright and stable dur-
ing normal daily activities as long as you do not move be-
yond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheel-
chair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare rec-
ommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional
safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
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 wheelchair 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 tipping the wheel-
chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any re-
movable (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 detachable parts such as armrests or
legrests. These must NEVER be used for hand-held 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.
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 owner 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.