SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No. 1123839
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5. Using non-removable (non-detachable) parts of the wheelchair, lift the wheelchair off
the ground and transfer the wheelchair up or down the stairs.
6. The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the
wheelchair has been carried away from the stairway.
ESCALATORS WARNING
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily
injury may occur.
Transferring to and From Other Seats
WARNING
ALWAYS turn the wheelchair power Off and engage the clutches to prevent the
wheels from moving before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair. Also
make sure every precaution is taken to reduce the gap distance by turning both
casters parallel to the object you are transferring onto.
CAUTION
When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in the seat. This will
prevent broken screws, damaged upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair
tipping forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed
independently provided you have adequate
mobility and upper body strength.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to
FIGURE 3.1.
1. Position the wheelchair as close as
possible along side the seat to which
you are transferring, with the casters
pointing parallel to it.
2. After the wheelchair is positioned
properly for transfer, verify that the
clutches are engaged. Refer to
Engaging/Disengaging the Clutches on
page 56.
FIGURE 3.1
Transferring to and From
Other Seats
3. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer
board if at all possible.
Minimum Gap Distance
