
R Healthcare
Modular
User Guide
Page
30
August 2013 Revision E
www.rhealthcare.co.uk
safe slope of 8 degrees is our recommendation for the R Healthcare
range of manually propelled wheelchairs.
However this
recommendation may need to be changed if the wheelchair has
attachments added to it, such as an elevating legrest or carry bag,
which adversely affects stability. Such changes to the chair
specification may have a critical effect, and they require re-assessment
by a rehabilitation professional.
SAFE SLOPE OF 8 DEGREES FOR MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS.
Where possible, the hazard of negotiating steps should be avoided.
Many falls and injuries to both occupant and helper can occur when
inexperienced people are carrying out this operation, and if users or
carers are concerned about a particular hazard in the usage
environment, which they must regularly overcome, they should consult
their wheelchair rehabilitation service, or community services
department., as appropriate.
There may still be occasions when steps must be negotiated.
In the
event of the chair having detachable pushing handles, these should be
checked for security in the locked in position before attempting this
manoeuvre. Stabilisers may require removal if they interfere with the
chair balance angle on a flight of steps. This should first be checked
out with an unoccupied chair.
2.10 TRANSPORTATION
Wherever possible it is recommended that wheelchair occupants
transfer to a vehicle seat during a journey, with the wheelchair
securely stored separately in a purpose made storage area.
Stowing the wheelchair in a car boot
The folded chair should be placed close to the car boot with armrests,
footrests and other removable parts detached to split total weight into
component form. Wheelchairs with detachable wheels reduce the
weight for lifting. The person stowing the chair should grip convenient
fixed parts of the chair, and lift keeping the back straight, bending from
the hips and knees. If in any doubt about handling the weight,
assistance should be sought.
If stowing proves difficult due to
weight or space limitations, a
compact folding wheelchair such
as the R Healthcare Stowaway
may provide a practical and
additional alternative for transit
purposes and occasional use
Figure 12
R Healthcare
Stowaway