SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Power Tiger™
18
Part No 1134839
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance,
center of gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and
establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring
activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare
professional before attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or
bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be somewhat alleviated by learning
how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability
and balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body
mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting wheelchair or
traversing curbs or other impediments.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or legrests. These must NEVER be used
to move the wheelchair or as 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 experienced assistant help you before
attempting it alone.
Reaching, Leaning and
Bending - Forward
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to
FIGURE 2.1.
Position the casters so that they are
extended away from the drive wheels and
engage wheel locks/clutches.
FIGURE 2.1
Reaching, Leaning and Bending
- Forward
