Tipping - Curbs; Stairways - Invacare A4 Owner's Manual

Tipping - Curbs

Invacare does not recommend that sport wheelchairs be used where traversing curbs present an
obstacle. Possible injury to occupant and/or assistant(s) can occur. Transfer to an everyday use
wheelchair is recommended if any such obstacles may be encountered.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.4.
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use the following method to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
Turn the anti‐tippers, if equipped, so the wheels are facing UP. Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body
strength, it is recommended that two assistants perform this operation. The second assistant should be positioned at the
front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non‐removable (non‐detachable) 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. 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.
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 occupant and/or damage to the wheel-
chair.
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. Turn the anti‐tippers
so the wheels are facing down.

Stairways

Concerning stairway access: Invacare does not recommend that wheelchairs be transported up
or down stairways with occupant in the wheelchair. Possible injury to occupant and/or
assistant(s) can occur. Transfer to an everyday use wheelchair is recommended.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of
any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to
the wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair up or down a
stairway. Invacare recommends that, if possible, the user be removed from the wheelchair prior
to moving. Invacare recommends using two assistants and making thorough preparations. Make
sure to use only secure, non-detachable parts for hand-held supports.
Part No 1110545
WARNING
WARNING
FIGURE 2.4 Tipping - Curbs
WARNING
15
SECTION 2—SAFE HANDLING
A4 Owner's Manual