SECTION 1—SAFETY AND HANDLING
22
To
assure
stability
and
proper
operation
of
your
wheelchair,
you
must
at
all
times
maintain
proper
balance.
Your
wheelchair
has
been
designed
to
remain
upright
and
stable
during
normal
daily
activities
as
long
as
you
do
not
move
beyond
the
center
of
gravity.
Virtually
all
activities
which
involve
movement
in
the
wheelchair
have
an
effect
on
the
center
of
gravity.
Invacare
recommends
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.
The
Invacare
Solara/Spree
GT
wheelchair
should
be
operated
by
an
assistant
when
the
wheelchair
is
in
any
tilted
position.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping
with
the
irritation
of
everyday
obstacles
can
be
somewhat
alleviated
by
learning
how
to
manage
your
wheelchair.
Keep
in
mind
your
center
of
gravity
to
maintain
stability
and
balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When
assistance
to
the
wheelchair
user
is
required,
remember
to
use
good
body
mechanics.
Keep
your
back
straight
and
bend
your
knees
whenever
tilting
wheelchair
or
traversing
curbs
or
other
impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (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.
DO NOT use the spreader bar for lifting or transporting the wheelchair. DO NOT
use the spreader bar as a weight bearing support.
Also,
be
aware
of
detachable
parts
such
as
arms
or
legrests.
These
must
NEVER
be
used
to
move
the
wheelchair
or
as
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
experienced
assistant
help
you
before
attempting
it
alone.
