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4.21 Going Up or Down Steps/Stairs
4.21.1 Please note: avoid flights of steps particularly if no extra help is
available. Use ramps or lifts wherever possible.
4.21.2 Two attendants are necessary, each capable of carrying at least half of
the combined weight of the person and the wheelchair.
4.21.3 Each helper should bend at the knees and grip the main frame: with
the front attendant's hands just under the front of the seat, with the
back attendant's hands holding the frame just under the push handles.
CAUTION:
●
Never hold on to movable or detachable parts.
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ALL LIFTING SHOULD BE DONE WITH A STRAIGHT BACK.
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Straighten legs to lift the wheelchair. Carefully carry it up or down steps;
be aware of how you place your feet -- do not cross them and trip
yourself up.
4.22 General Use
In conditions of normal use in attendant pushing or self propelling, please
follow the instructions below.
4.22.1 Ensure that the brakes are always locked when the chair is not being
pushed. (See Figure 4.57)
4.22.2 Always make sure that both feet are safely on the footplates and that
clothing is safely tucked out of the way and cannot get caught in the
wheels. (See Figure 4.58)
4.22.3 Always use both hands on the push handles to control the chair. (See
Figure 4.59)
4.22.4 Always avoid steep or uneven surfaces because the chair may tip over.
(See Figure 4.60)
4.22.5 Always avoid soft surfaces because the casters may get bogged down.
(See Figure 4.61)
4.22.6 Always be careful not to go too fast or turn too quickly and try to
maintain a smooth and steady ride.
4.22.7 Before crossing the road, please stop completely and look both ways.
4.22.8 Cross tracks or ruts at right angles to avoid your casters getting stuck .
4.22.9 Do not drive at full speed over the railroad tracks.
