SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
13
To
assure
stability
and
proper
operation
of
your
wheelchair,
you
MUST
maintain
proper
balance
at
all
times.
Your
wheelchair
has
been
designed
to
remain
upright
and
stable
during
normal
daily
activities
as
long
as
you
DO
NOT
move
beyond
the
center
of
gravity.
Virtually
all
activities
which
involve
movement
in
the
wheelchair
have
an
effect
on
the
center
of
gravity.
Invacare
recommends
using
seat/chest
positioning
straps
for
additional
safety
while
involved
in
activities
that
shift
your
weight.
DO
NOT
lean
forward
out
of
the
wheelchair
any
further
than
the
length
of
the
armrests.
Make
sure
the
casters
are
pointing
in
the
forward
position
whenever
you
lean
forward.
This
can
be
achieved
by
advancing
the
wheelchair
and
then
reversing
it
in
a
straight
line.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping
with
the
irritation
of
everyday
obstacles
can
be
alleviated
somewhat
by
learning
how
to
manage
your
wheelchair.
Keep
in
mind
your
center
of
gravity
to
maintain
stability
and
balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When
assistance
to
the
wheelchair
user
is
required,
remember
to
use
good
body
mechanics.
Keep
your
back
straight
and
bend
your
knees
whenever
tipping
the
wheelchair
or
traversing
curbs,
or
other
impediments.
DO
NOT
attempt
to
lift
the
wheelchair
by
any
removable
(detachable)
parts.
Lifting
by
means
of
any
removable
(detachable)
parts
of
the
wheelchair
may
result
in
injury
to
the
user
or
damage
to
the
wheelchair.
If
the
wheelchair
is
exposed
to
extreme
temperature
(above
100°F
or
below
32°F),
high
humidity
and/or
becomes
wet,
prior
to
use,
ensure
handgrips
DO
NOT
twist
on
the
wheelchair’s
handle
‐
otherwise
damage
or
injury
may
occur.
When
learning
a
new
assistance
technique,
have
an
experienced
assistant
help
you
before
attempting
it
alone.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
The seat depth, back height/angle, seat angle, size/position of the front casters,
size/position of the rear wheels, anti-tipper model, as well as the user condition
directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combina-
tion of the ten may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments
MUST be performed by a qualified technician.
