SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
15
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
before
tipping
the
wheelchair
and
remind
him/her
to
lean
back.
Be
sure
the
occupant’s
feet
and
hands
are
clear
of
all
wheels
and/or
pinch
points.
After
mastering
the
techniques
of
tipping
the
wheelchair,
use
one
of
the
following
methods
to
tackle
curbs,
short
stairs,
etc.
DO
NOT
allow
the
user
to
leave
the
wheelchair
while
the
seat
is
tilted.
ALWAYS
return
the
seat
to
upright
position
when
transferring
the
user
in
or
out
of
the
wheelchair.
Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
NOTE:
For
this
procedure,
refer
to
Place
foot
on
the
step
tube
and
begin
to
tilt
the
wheelchair
toward
you.
Apply
a
continuous
downward
motion
until
the
balance
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
wheelchair, DO NOT let the wheelchair
drop the last few inches to the ground.
This could result in injury to the occu-
pant and/or damage to the wheelchair.
Roll
the
wheelchair
forward
and
slowly
lower
the
front
of
the
wheelchair
in
one
continuous
movement
onto
the
sidewalk.
Push
the
wheelchair
forward
until
the
rear
wheels
roll
up
and
over
the
curb.
FIGURE 2.3
Method 2 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes
WARNING
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose
and/or worn, replace IMMEDIATELY.
Step Tube
