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Issue_B November 2015 11 Dash Stowaway
The model Stowaway is not fitted with Stabilizers and therefore the chair attendant must be aware of instability when
the possibility of chair rearward tilt is
Outdoor Safety Hints
Most pavements slope slightly towards the kerb and the wheelchair may have a tendency to pull towards the
road
.
Occupant controlled Active User wheelchairs with cambered wheel setting reduce this tendency.
The fitting of polyurethane tyres eliminates punctures, and provides reassurance of not being stranded some distance
from a service centre, but the use of these tyres imposes a harder ride and the wheels must be checked more
frequently, to ensure that there is no deterioration of spoke tension and security. Polyurethane tyres have slightly less
grip than pneumatic tyres; therefore, self propelled chairs fitted with polyurethane tyres are also fitted with a high
friction brake shoe grip.
When out at night, ensure that both you and your wheelchair are visible, consider both clothing, and light reflective trim
features.
8.
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
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 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.
Two attendants at least are required for this operation. The attendant supporting the main load should grip the
chair at the push handles, and repeat the procedure as section 2.6 for getting down a kerb at each step, the
second attendant at the front will be required to guiding the footrest area, and provide reassurance to the
occupant.
A third person could act as guide for the chair team if the steps are high. Reverse this procedure
for going up a flight of steps, with the attendant supporting the main load at the push handles pulling, and the
second attendant at the front guiding the chair using the corner of each side frame.
Specialist training for very experienced users to negotiate a flight of stairs independently is available, but this is
beyond the context of this guide.
keeping the back straight,
bending from the hips and
knees. If in any doubt about
handling
the
weight,
assistance should be sought.
Car Driver Information
Physically active wheelchair users can drive cars and store the wheelchair in the car independently, with a lot of
practice. Training at specialist driving centres is recommended. Two door cars provide the greatest access space.
Gaining entry to the car first involves side transfer as section 3. When carrying this manoeuvre wheelchair users
should chose a position where there is no risk of interference from other traffic.
The stored wheelchair requires locating not only so that the driver can reach it, but also to remain safely secured
during the journey.
It is recommended that wheelchairs stored on the front passenger seat are secured using the car seat belt through
the frame. A wheel bag may be useful for long journeys or for keeping dirt away from the car seating area. When
there is another able bodied passenger present, the storing options as section 9.1 are recommended.
FIG 10
