Coping With Everyday Obstacles; A Note To Transport Chair Assistants; Reaching, Leaning And Bending Forward - Invacare Transport Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending
forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
Center of
Gravity
FIGURE 2.1 Stability and Balance

Coping with Everyday Obstacles

Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning
how to manage your transport chair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain
stability and balance.

A Note to Transport Chair Assistants

When assistance to the transport chair user is required, remember to use good body
mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tipping the transport
chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the transport chair by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a transport chair may
result in injury to the user or damage to the transport chair.
Always verify that hand grips on the rear cane are secure prior to use when an assis-
tant is used to propel or lift the chair. Check for any signs of looseness or deteriora-
tion and if found, contact a qualified technician. DO NOT attempt to move the
transport chair by pulling on the hand grips if they are found to be unsecure or have
deteriorated.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be
used to move the transport chair or as lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently
released, resulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before
attempting it alone.

Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.2.
Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and lock the
hand brakes.
15
Part No.1125095 Transport Chairs