SECTION 2—SAFE HANDLING
Part No 1134872
13
Crossfire
™
Series Wheelchairs
SECTION 2—SAFE HANDLING
“Safety
and
Handling”
of
the
wheelchair
requires
the
close
attention
of
the
wheelchair
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
wheelchair.
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
wheelchair
users
often
develop
skills
to
deal
with
daily
living
activities
that
may
differ
from
those
described
in
this
manual.
Invacare
recognizes
and
encourages
each
individual
to
try
what
works
best
for
him/her
in
overcoming
architectural
obstacles
that
they
may
encounter,
however,
ALL
WARNINGS
and
CAUTIONS
given
in
this
manual
MUST
be
followed.
Techniques
in
this
manual
are
a
starting
point
for
the
new
wheelchair
user
and
assistant
with
“safety”
as
the
most
important
consideration
for
all.
Stability and Balance
WARNING
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the seat positioning strap is
an option on this wheelchair (you may order with or without the seat positioning
strap), Invacare Top End strongly recommends ordering the seat positioning strap
as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user. The seat positioning strap is a
positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high
stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, seat
positioning strap MUST be replaced IMMEDIATELY.
Anti-tippers MUST be attached at all times. Inasmuch as the anti-tippers are an
option on this wheelchair (you may order with or without the anti-tippers), Invacare
strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the
wheelchair user.
To
assure
stability
and
proper
operation
of
your
wheelchair,
you
must
at
all
times
maintain
proper
balance.
Your
wheelchair
has
been
designed
to
remain
upright
and
stable
during
normal
daily
activities
as
long
as
you
do
not
move
beyond
the
center
of
gravity.
Virtually
all
activities
which
involve
movement
in
the
wheelchair
have
an
effect
on
the
center
of
gravity.
Invacare
recommends
using
seat
positioning
straps
for
additional
safety
while
involved
in
activities
that
shift
your
weight.
DO
NOT
lean
forward
out
of
the
wheelchair
any
further
than
stability
will
allow.
Make
sure
casters
are
pointing
in
the
forward
position
whenever
you
lean
forward.
This
can
be
achieved
by
advancing
the
wheelchair
and
then
reversing
it
in
a
straight
line.
