4 SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
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4 Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs
4.1
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 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 individual 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.
4.2
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. The seat positioning strap is a positioning strap only. It is not designed for use
as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, strap MUST be
replaced IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable
(detachable) parts of the wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or worn, replace IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT climb, go up, or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9°.
Invacare strongly recommends proceeding down ramps or slopes slowly to avoid hard braking or sudden stops.
DO NOT leave elevating legrests in the fully extended position when proceeding down ramps or slopes.
Be aware that carrying heavy objects on your lap while occupying the wheelchair may adversely affect the stability of the
wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user, damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property.
