7
GENERAL GUIDELINES
PROCEDURE 1
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SAFETY/HANDLING OF RACING
CHAIRS
“Safety and Handling” of the racing chair requires the close
attention of the racing chair user as well as the assistant.
This manual points out the most common procedures and
techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance
of the racing chair. It is important to practice and master these
safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering
around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The techniques
that are discussed on the following pages have been used
successfully by many.
Individual racing chair users often develop skills to deal with
daily living activities that may differ from those described in
this manual. Invacare Top End recognizes and encourages
each individual to try what works best for him/her in over-
coming architectural obstacles that they may encounter how-
ever, ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual
MUST be followed. Techniques in this manual are a starting
point for the new racing chair user and Assistant with “safety”
as the most important consideration for all.
Stability and Balance
To assure stability and proper operation of your racing chair,
you must at all times wear your seat positioning strap and
maintain proper balance. Your racing chair has been designed
to remain upright and stable during normal racing/training ac-
tivities as long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.
WARNING
DO NOT shift your weight or sitting posi-
tion toward the direction you are reach-
ing as the racing chair may tip over.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the racing
chair have an effect on the center of gravity.
A Note to Racing Chair Assistants
When learning assistance techniques for the Eliminator or
Eliminator OSR, have an experienced assistant help you
before attempting it alone.
When you are assisting with the Eliminator or Eliminator OSR
remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your back
straight and bend your knees whenever lifting or positioning the
Eliminator or Eliminator OSR for the end-user.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift a racing chair by lifting
on any removable (detachable) parts. Lift-
ing by means of any removable (detachable)
parts of a racing chair may result in injury to
the user or damage to the racing chair.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts. These
must NEVER be used for hand-hold or lifting supports, as
they may be inadvertently released, resulting in possible
injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an ex-
perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
The tautness of the back upholstery, knee
and/or foot position, as well as the user con-
dition directly relate to the stability of the
racing chair. Any change to one (1) or any
combination of the three (3) may cause
the racing chair to decrease in stability.
Many activities require the racing chair owner to reach, bend
and transfer in and out of the racing chair. These move-
ments will cause a change to the normal balance, the cen-
ter of gravity, and the weight distribution of the racing chair.
To determine and establish your particular safety limits, prac-
tice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several
combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare pro-
fessional BEFORE attempting active use of the racing chair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety and perfor-
mance of the racing chair.
Hand Caliper Brake
WARNING
NEVER use the hand caliper brake for im-
mediate stops. Using the hand caliper brake
for immediate stops can make the front
wheel lock up (skid) causing the front tire to
blow and go flat. If needing to stop immedi-
ately, grab the wheels with GLOVED hands.
The hand caliper brake is designed for managing safe opera-
tion of the racing chair at speeds greater than ten (10) m.p.h.
Transferring To and From Other Seats
WARNING
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of
the racing chair, every precaution should
be taken to reduce the gap distance.
The tautness of the back upholstery, knee
and/or foot position, as well as the user con-
dition directly relate to the stability of the
racing chair. Any change to one (1) or any
combination of the three (3) may cause
the racing chair to decrease in stability.
KNEELING SEAT UPHOLSTERY: Ensure that feet
slide evenly into the foot pouch and avoid
the rear wheel spokes. Ensure that the foot
pouch is securely latched to the back up-
holstery. Otherwise, injury can occur.
