4 SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
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4.8 Transferring To and From Other Seats
1.
Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to
which you are transferring, with the front casters parallel to it.
2.
Engage wheel locks and fold down the wheel lock handles.
3.
Remove or flip back armrests.
4.
Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
FIGURE
4
Transferring To and From Other Seats
WARNING
Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance.
Align both casters parallel with the object you are transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged to help
prevent the wheels from moving.
Engaging the wheel locks may not prevent the
wheelchair from moving on all floor surfaces
including those that may be wet or slick. Always
exercise caution when transferring into or out of
your wheelchair
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far back as
possible in the seat. This will prevent damaged
upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair
tipping forward.
This activity may be performed independently
provided you have adequate mobility and upper
body strength.
Maximum Gap Distance
During independent transfer, little or no seat
platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board
if at all possible.