Tipping - Invacare Insignia Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Tipping

WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or worn,
replace IMMEDIATELY.
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.
Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.3.
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 wheel-
chair, 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
wheelchair.
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front of
Step Tube
the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto the
sidewalk. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels
FIGURE 2.3 Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
roll up and over the curb.
Method 2 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.4.
This method requires two assistants. 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.
FIGURE 2.4 Method 2 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes
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.
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Part No. 1163197 Insignia