SECTION 1—SAFETY AND HANDLING
23
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
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.
The back height, seat depth, back angle, seating system, tilt angle, seat height,
size/position of the rear wheels, size/position of the front casters, as well as the user
condition directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any
combination of the 11 may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These
adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.
NOTE:
For
this
procedure,
refer
to
Many
activities
require
the
wheelchair
user
to
reach,
bend
and
transfer
in
and
out
of
the
wheelchair.
These
movements
will
cause
a
change
to
normal
balance,
center
of
gravity,
and
weight
distribution
of
the
wheelchair.
To
determine
and
establish
your
particular
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
wheelchair.
Proper
positioning
is
essential
for
your
safety.
When
reaching,
leaning,
bending
or
bending
forward,
it
is
important
to
use
the
casters
as
a
tool
to
maintain
stability
and
balance.
FIGURE 1.1
Reaching, Leaning and
Bending - Forward
WARNING
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.
NOTE:
For
this
procedure,
refer
to
Position
the
casters
so
that
they
are
extended
away
from
the
drive
wheels
and
engage
wheel
locks.
FIGURE 1.2
UNOCCUPIED
OCCUPIED
CENTER OF
GRAVITY
