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Lower the front of the wheelchair smoothly, holding the handles firmly. Use your
weight on the foot step tube to act as a counterweight. Do not lower the wheelchair
suddenly for the last few centimetres before returning to the normal position. This
might hurt the user.
1.5 - Kerbs or obstacles 30 to 50 mm high
Method 1 - Negotiating the obstacle forwards
(Figure 17)
The helper should tilt the wheelchair
until the castors have passed over
the kerb.
Move the wheelchair
forwards and lower the castors
gently onto the pavement. Push the
wheelchair until the rear wheels
touch the kerb. Lift and push until the
rear wheels have mounted the kerb.
Do not just lift by the handles on the
backrest.
Method 2
(Figure 18)
The helper should stand on the pavement
and turn the wheelchair until the rear
wheels are against the kerb. Tilt the
wheelchair backwards to the point of
equilibrium and, in a continuous
movement, pull the wheelchair until the
rear wheels mount the kerb and pass
onto the pavement. Do not lower the
castors to the ground until you have
pulled the backrest of the wheelchair
sufficiently far to clear the kerb.
NB: Folding backs should always be
checked to ensure they are engaged.
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1.6 - Steps, stairs or obstacles over 50 mm high
We recommend that you take very great care when taking a wheelchair up
or down stairs. Two people are required for this.
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Make sure that you get hold of
fixed, non-removable par ts only.
Use the following procedure for
going up stairs. (Figure 19):
Tilt the wheelchair to its point of
equilibr ium. One helper (at the
back) holds the wheelchair up
against the first step, gripping the
handles firmly to lift.
The second helper, holding firmly a fixed par t of the front frame, lifts
the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first helper
places one foot on the following step and repeats the operation.
The wheelchair must not be lowered until the last step has been
negotiated and until the chair is clear of the stairs.
Escalators
Do not use an escalator when moving a wheelchair from one floor to another.
This might cause serious injury.
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Summary of Contents for Zipper 2
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