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7
- When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible
in the seat to prevent breaking screws, damaging the seat
upholstery or causing the wheelchair to tip forward.
- Lock the two brakes ; they should not be used in any case
as support for transfers.
- Never stand on the footrests when you are getting in or
out of the wheelchair (figure 10).
1.3 Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)
For greater safety, this operation must be performed by an
attendant. The attendant should be aware of the required
physical effort and use appropriate positioning in order to
relieve the strain on his/her back (keep a straight back and
bend your knees during this operation).
To tilt the wheelchair, the attendant must firmly grab the han-
dles making sure both are properly fixed. Warn the occupant
in the wheelchair before tilting it and remind him / her to
lean backwards and make sure that both feet and hands of
the user are clear of the wheels. Place a foot on the footstep
tube and move continuously until the chair reaches the equi-
librium point. At this stage, the assistant will feel a difference
in weight distribution, which usually occurs at approximately
30°. At this point, the wheelchair can get over the obstacle
easily. Finally, the attendant slowly and gradually lowers the
front down to the ground, while firmly holding the handles.
!
Warning :
- Be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests :
they must NEVER be used as lifting supports as they may be
inadvertedly released, resulting in possible injury to the user
and / or attendant.
- Do not lower the wheelchair suddenly, even if it is several
centimetres from the ground, as this may result in injury of
the user.
1.4 Tilting, Kerbs
To get on the pavement :
- Method 1 (figure 11)
The attendant positions the wheelchair in front of the
pavement facing forward. Attendant tilts the wheelchair
backwards until the castors reach the pavement; attendant
pushes the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels are
against the kerb and again pushes the wheelchair until the
rear wheels climb over the kerb.
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