SECTION 1—SAFETY AND HANDLING
21
SECTION 1—SAFETY AND
HANDLING
“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.
Stability and Balance
WARNING
ALWAYS wear your seat/chest positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT/CHEST
POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or
without the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering
the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt 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, seat positioning strap MUST be replaced 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.
This wheelchair has been designed to accommodate one individual. If more than
one individual occupies the wheelchair this may adversely affect the stability of the
wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user and passenger and damage
to the wheelchair and surrounding property.
