Comfort-Tilt
11
Safety and Handling of Wheelchairs
This manual describes the most common procedures and techniques involved in the safe
handling and maintenance of Broda chairs. It is important to understand, both conceptually and
physically, the handling of the chair in order to prevent any injury to body, or misuse of the chair.
The information provided here is to be regarded as a general guide and is based on techniques
that have proven to be beneficial and successful by many users.
Stability and Balance
Any activities that require movement in the wheelchair have an effect on the center of gravity of
the chair. Therefore, it is very important not to lean forward out of the chair any further than the
length of the armrests. Also, do not attempt to reach for objects on the floor by moving forward in
your seat, or leaning over between the knees to pick them up.
If you do need to lean forward, ensure that the front casters are pointing forward to maintain the
stability of the chair. You can do this by pushing forward and then reversing it in a straight line.
Leaning over the top of the back will change your center of gravity and may cause the chair to tip
over. It is advisable to position the chair as close as possible to the desired object, and then point
the front casters forward. Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your
sitting position.
When attempting a transfer in or out of the wheelchair, reduce the distance of the gap between
the chair and the destination of the transfer. Ensure the casters are turned parallel to the object
you are transferring onto, and that the wheel locks are engaged.
It is recommended that you practice bending, reaching and transferring activities with the help of
a qualified healthcare professional before attempting such activities on your own. This will
familiarize yourself and your caregiver with the particular safety limits of the chair.
It is important that if assistance is required with the use of the chair, that the caregiver remember
to bend their knees, and keep their back straight whenever tipping the chair, or pushing the chair
over curbs or other obstacles.
Lifting the chair by any removable or detachable parts may result in injury to the user and will
cause damage to the chair. Check for any signs of loose fittings periodically to ensure parts are
secure. If parts are not secure, contact a qualified technician to assess, and repair, the chair
before further use. Using the detachable parts to move the chair or as lift supports is
unadvisable, as they may be inadvertently released causing possible injury or damage to the
chair.
Tipping the Chair
Never tip the wheelchair without assistance.
When tipping the chair, the assistant should
grasp the back of the chair on a non-removable part, informing the occupant of the chair as to
what is about to happen and to lean back.
It is important that the patient’s feet and hands are
clear of all pinch points and wheels.
For curbs, short stairs and other small obstacles, place your foot on the crossbar of the frame
base and begin to tilt the wheelchair toward you. Push down in a continuous motion until a
balance point is reached and until the front casters clear the obstacle. When lowering the chair,
do not let the wheelchair drop the last few inches as this could cause an injury, or damage to the
chair. Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front of the chair in a smooth, continuous
motion. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the obstacle. The
assistant may be required to slightly lift the chair to help get the rear wheels over the obstruction.
