6
Many activities require the HTR user to reach, bend
and transfer in and out of the HTR. These move-
ments will cause a change to the normal balance,
the center of gravity, and the weight distribution
of the HTR. To determine and establish your par-
ticular 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 HTR.
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.
Functional Reach From the HTR
The approximate reach-limit values shown in the
accompanying graphs were derived on the basis of
a sample of 91 male and 36 female subject users.
Note the difference between the maximum and the
comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important
consideration in design.
PROCEDURE 1
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward
Position the front casters so that they are extended as
far forward as possible and engage wheel locks.
WARNING
DO NOT lean forward of the armrests.
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.
Reaching, Leaning - Backwards
WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back uphol-
stery. This will change your center of gravity and
may cause you to tip over.
Position the HTR as close as possible to the desired
object. Point front casters forward to create the longest
possible wheelbase. Reach back only as far as your arm
will extend without changing your sitting position.
Tilting - Curbs
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the HTR without assistance.
When lowering the front casters of the HTR, do
not let the HTR drop the last few inches to the
ground. This could result in injury to the occupant
and/or damage to the HTR.
The following procedure applies ONLY to HTR
MODELS 5000/5500 with rear wheels larger than
8-inches.
C E N T E R
O F
G R AVITY
Example:
46% 54% 103 lbs. 130lbs.
L O C K
B O T H
R E A R
W H E E L S
F R O N T
C A S T E R
E X T E N D E D
F O RW A R D
L O C K
B O T H
R E A R
W H E E L S
F R O N T
C A S T E R
E X T E N D E D
F O RW A R D
F O RW A R D
R E A C H
(
A D U LT S
)
C O M F O RTABLE
MAXIMUM
INCHES
INCHES
