9
GUIDELINES:
SAFETY & HANDLING OF TRANSPORT CHAIRS
Center of Gravity, Balance and Stability
The transport chair has been designed to be safe and stable during normal transport activity as long
as proper balance is maintained. The point at which a transport chair will tip forward, backward, or
to the side depends on its center of balance. To assure stability and proper operation of the
transport chair, the center of gravity must be maintained in the transport chair. Center of gravity is
the point at which all the weight of an object can be considered to be concentrated and represents
the balance point.
Most activities such as transferring in and out of the transport chair, bending, and reaching affect
the center of gravity and weight distribution of the transport chair. Addition of accessories such as a
backpack will also re-distribute weight. Loss of proper balance may cause the transport chair to tip
over. Use of the seat belt is advised to help maintain stability by minimizing movement within the
transport chair seat. The use of anti-tip devices especially when maneuvering on ramps or inclines
will also enhance safety.
Transport chairs are designed for safe and efficient transport with someone pushing the transport
chair. Transport chairs are not intended for independent use by transport chair-bound individuals.
The design does not allow maneuvering by the occupant.
To determine safety limits of the transport chair, practice with activities such as transferring,
bending, and reaching with a healthcare professional that is knowledgeable about transport chair
use.
To assure safe operation of the transport chair, ALL of the Warnings and Instructions in this manual
must be followed. Failure to do so may result in tipping the transport chair over or causing the user
to fall which may result in serious bodily injury or damage to the transport chair.
Some
basic
transport chair safety guidelines follow. The guidelines are critical for standard
transport chair use, however, the principles also hold true for transport chairs. If any of the
following activities are required while using the transport chairs, these guidelines
must
be followed
to ensure safety and to avoid potential injury to the user or the transporter and to avoid damage to
the transport chair.
Reaching / Leaning / Bending – FORWARD or SIDEWAYS
Position the transport chair as close as possible to the object.
Make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position. This extends the wheel base and
will help stabilize the transport chair.
Make sure the wheel locks are engaged before activity.
DO NOT attempt to reach for objects if doing so means you must move forward in the seat. DO
NOT shift your weight toward the direction you are reaching.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
DO NOT shift your weight or seat position toward the direction you are reaching.
