SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No. 1123839
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DO NOT go down ramp at full speed. Some seat/back positions will cause wheelchair to
feel unstable.
CAUTION
Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a
slippery surface. Proceed with caution.
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.
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.
Tipping
WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.
When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a
non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tipping the
wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are
clear of all wheels.
Tipping - Curbs
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle
curbs, short stairs, etc.
This procedure requires two assistants. The second assistant should be positioned at the
front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable (non-detachable) part of the
wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the
wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should turn the anti-tippers so the wheels are pointing up, apply a
continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters
clear the curb. At this point, the assistants will feel a difference in the weight distribution.
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