© DDO2018
6
Propelling down a slope
We recommend that you obtain the help of one or more
assistants when going down steep and wet slopes
.
First check the slope to see if there are any particular hazards,
potholes, slippery sections
,
etc
.
Never use the user‐operated
brake to slow down
.
When you apply the brake on a downward
slope
,
the wheels lock and the wheelchair can suddenly pull to
one side
,
tip sideways or stop immediately
,
which may cause you
to be thrown out of the wheelchair
.
Always control the speed
using the hand rims. Remember that the hand rims may become
hot due to friction, and this may cause injury to your hands
.
Try
to propel down the slope in a straight line as much as possible.
Climbing a curb
This method
i
s for situations when the assistant is always behind
the wheelchair and it creates the greatest safety for the user
.
The following advice is for the assistant
Illustration 1
Adjust the anti‐tip devices upwards
.
Ensure that the user's feet
rest securely on the footrests and cannot sl
i
de off
.
Then tilt the
wheelchair backwards and p
u
sh it forwards against the curb.
Illustration 2
Lower the front part of the wheelchair onto the pavement and
place yourself as close to the chair as possible, before you lift
up the whole wheelchair
.
Illustrat
i
on 3
Lean forward and lift/roll the wheelchair over the pavement
edge
.
Illustration 4
Lower the wheelchair onto the pavement so that the we
i
ght is
divided on all four wheels
.
Ensure that the wheelchair does not
roll backwards
.
To dismount curb
,
follow the procedure above, but in reverse
order (step
4
,
3
,
2 and then I) to move off a curb.
Climbing a curb ‐ alternative
This method
is
generally used by experienced assistants who are
stronger than average
.
It can also be used when the curb or step
is
low and only constitutes a minimal obstacle.
The assistant steps backwards onto the pavement and pulls
the
wheelchair up onto the pavement
.
It is important for the
assistant to use his or her body correctly to prevent
injury.
Tip
the wheelchair backwards and roll the chair over the curb onto
the pavement. Take particular care if the curb is wet or slippery.
