Safety / Handling of Your Wheelchair
Forward or sideward
1. Operate the wheelchair as close as possible to the object you wish
to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters fully forward.
3. Engage both wheel locks.
Backward
1. Operate your wheelchair as close as possible to the object.
2. Rotate front casters fully forward. Reach only as far as your arm will
extend without changing your sitting position. If in doubt, reposition
the wheelchair or ask for help.
TRANSFERRING
1. Position the wheelchair as closely as possible along side the seat
to which you are transferring.
2. Remove or flip back the armrest.
3. Engage wheel locks.
4. Shift body weight into the seat with transfer.
TILTING
Tilting should only be performed with the assistance of an attendant.
1. Grasp the push handles securely and ensure that handgrips
are firmly attached.
2. Make sure the occupant's feet are secure on the footplates and that arms,
hands and fingers are clear of wheels and/or pinch points.
3. Advise the occupant prior to tilting the wheelchair backward.
4. Place one foot on the tipping lever (located on the rear bottom
of the wheelchair) and apply downward force until the balance
point is reached (approximately 30°).
5. Lower the front end slowly.
FOLDING AND UNFOLDING THE WHEELCHAIR
Unfolding
1. Tilt the wheelchair toward you far enough to take the weight off the
opposite wheel.
2. Push down on the top of the seat rail closest to you until the wheelchair
is fully open.
3. Make sure seat rails are fully seated into frame saddles.
Folding
1. Fold up the footplates and ensure that the swing-away footrests / leg rests
are in locked position in front of the wheelchair.
2. Standing at one side of the chair, use both hands to grasp the middle of the
seat upholstery at the front and back edge and lift up. The wheelchair will
fold slightly.
3. Standing at one side of the chair, use both hands to grasp the armrest
furthest from you and pull the armrests towards you until the wheelchair
folds completely.
Stability & Balance
Your wheelchair has been designed and engineered to maintain balance
during normal daily activity as long as you do not move beyond the center of
gravity. To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must
at all times maintain proper balance.
REACHING, LEANING AND BENDING
Although it is not recommended, you might occasionally lean, bend or reach
while sitting in your wheelchair. Consult with your health care advisor and/or
authorized dealer for assistance in developing safe techniques suited to
your abilities and limitations.
WARNING:
•
DO NOT place your hands or fingers
between seat rail and side panel.
•
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you must
move forward in the seat or if you must
reach down between your knees.
•
DO NOT shift your weight in the direction
you are reaching.
!
WARNING:
•
DO NOT sit or transfer into the wheelchair
unless it is fully open and the seat frame rails
are fully seated into the frame saddles.
•
Before attempting a transfer, always engage
both wheel locks.
•
DO NOT step on the foot-plates, as this
could cause the wheelchair to tip over.
•
DO NOT attempt to tilt your wheelchair
without assistance. Tilting the wheelchair
backward beyond its balance point can be
dangerous and may result in injuries.
!
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