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length of the armrests. Also, do not attempt to reach for objects on the floor by moving forward in
the seat, or leaning over between the knees to pick them up.
If the client does 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 the 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, then the client can reach back only as far as their arm will extend
without changing their sitting position.
When attempting a transfer in or out of the chair, reduce the distance of the gap between the
chair and the destination of the transfer. Ensure the casters are turned parallel to the object the
client is transferring onto, and that the caster 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 not
advisable, as they may be inadvertently released causing possible injury or damage to the chair.
Stairways
BRODA does not recommend that the occupant be seated in the chair when moving the chair
between floors when no elevator is available. If there is no other option, two assistants are
required. With one assistant behind the chair, tilt the chair back to the balance point and back
the chair up against the first step.
A second assistant (at the front of the chair), with a firm grasp on a non-detachable part of the
frame, should lift the chair up and over the stair, steadying the chair as the first assistant places
one foot on the next step and repeats the process.
Never use an escalator to move a chair between floors.
