Obtaining Assistance; Standing On Your Chair - TiLite Rigid TR Series Owner's Manual

K. OBTAINING ASSISTANCE
WARNING
For The Wheelchair User:
ALWAYS make sure that each person who assists you reads and understands this entire Manual,
especially the Warnings in this Chapter 1.
For Attendants/Assistants:
1. ALWAYS work with the user's health care advisor to learn safe methods to assist the wheelchair
user and to determine which methods are best suited to your abilities and those of the user.
2. ALWAYS communicate to the user what you plan to do before you do it and explain what you
expect the user to do while you are taking such action. This will put the user at ease and reduce
the risk of an accident due to a miscommunication.
3. ALWAYS use good posture and proper body mechanics in order to avoid injury to your back.
4. When you lift or support the user or tilt the chair, ALWAYS bend your knees slightly and keep
your back as upright and straight as you can.
5. Wheelchair push handles are designed to provide a secure location for an attendant to grip the
rear of the wheelchair to prevent a fall or tip-over. ALWAYS make sure the wheelchair has push
handles and ALWAYS use them. REGULARLY check to make sure the push handle grips are
securely seated on the back canes so they will not rotate or slip off.
6. If you are going to tilt the chair backward, ALWAYS remind the user to lean back.
7. If you are going to descend a curb or single step, ALWAYS lower the chair slowly in one easy
movement. NEVER let the chair drop the last few inches to the ground. This may damage the
chair or injure the user.
8. ALWAYS become familiar with the user's wheelchair and all of its parts and components. In
particular, be very aware of any removable parts. Removable parts must NEVER be used for a
hand-hold or lifting supports because they may inadvertently release, resulting in possible injury
to the user and/or assistant.
9. Anti-tippers may present a tripping hazard to the attendant. To avoid tripping over the anti-
tippers, unlock and rotate anti-tip tubes up, out of the way. However, if you must leave the user
unattended, even for a moment, ALWAYS rotate the anti-tippers back into the down position and
lock the rear wheels. This will reduce the risk of a tip-over or loss of control of the chair.
10. When you are learning a new assistance technique, ALWAYS have an experienced attendant
help you before attempting it on your own.
If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose control of the wheelchair and seriously
injure yourself or others or damage the wheelchair.
L. STANDING ON YOUR CHAIR
WARNING
Your TiLite wheelchair has been designed for use as a wheelchair, not as a step ladder. NEVER
stand on your TiLite wheelchair.
If you ignore these Warnings, you may fall, tip over or lose control of the wheelchair and seriously
injure yourself or others or damage the wheelchair.
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TiLite ® OM000007 - Rev. B