11
STAIRWAYS
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors using a stairway
or escalator. Use an elevator to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors. If
moving a power wheelchair between floors by means of a stairway, the occupant MUST be
removed and transported independently of the power wheelchair Again, DO NOT use an
escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur..
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an UNOCCUPIED power wheel-
chair up or down the stairs. Leisure-Lift recommends disassembling your wheelchair into
smaller, more manageable components to keep from personal injury. Lifting by means of
any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage
to the wheelchair.
Follow this procedure for moving wheelchair between floors when an elevator is NOT available:
ESCALATORS
WARNING
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
TRANSFERRING TO/FROM OTHER SEATS
WARNING
ALWAYS turn the wheelchair power OFF and engage the motor locks/clutches to prevent
the wheels from moving BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair. Also
make sure every precaution is taken to reduce the gap distance. Always have an attendant or
healthcare professional present while learning to properly transfer yourself.
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in the seat. This will prevent
damaging the upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward. See Getting
On and Off the Power Wheelchair.
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.
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 health professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheel
-
chair. Remember. . . Keep your lap belt on at all times.
Never roll backward down an incline as caster rotation reduces rearward stability.
