9
SAFETY/HANDLING
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TIPPING
WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.
When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp
the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-
detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant be-
fore tipping the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean
back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear
of all wheels.
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheel-
chair, use one (1) of the following methods to tackle
curbs, short stairs, etc.
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair with
Step Tubes
Apply a continuous downward motion until the bal-
ance point is achieved and the front casters clear the
curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in
the weight distribution.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheel-
chair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in in-
jury to the occupant and/or damage to the
wheelchair.
Step Tube
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair
without Step Tubes
This method requires two (2) assistants. The second
assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheel-
chair lifting upward on a non-removable (non-detach-
able) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the
wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the
wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and
turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against
the curb. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels
are pointing up, The wheelchair should be tilted back
to the balance point and, in one continuous upward
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and
over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the
ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward
far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of
the curb.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheel-
chair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in in-
jury to the occupant and/or damage to the
wheelchair.
Roll the wheelchair backward and SLOWLY lower the
wheelchair in one continuous movement. DO NOT let
the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground.
This could result in injury to the occupant.
METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBE
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front
of the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto
the sidewalk. Do not let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to
the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the
rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBE
