Stairways And Escalators - Invacare FDX User Manual

2 SAFETY

Stairways and Escalators

WARNING
DO NOT attempt to move an occupied power wheelchair between floors using a stairway. Use an elevator to move an
occupied power wheelchair between floors.
If moving a power wheelchair between floors by means of a stairway, the occupant MUST be removed and transported
independently of the power wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an unoccupied power wheelchair up or down the stairs. Invacare
recommends using two assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure, non-detachable
parts for hand-hold supports.
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
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.
The weight of the wheelchair without the user and without batteries is between 220 and 300 lbs. Use proper lifting
techniques (lift with your legs) to avoid injury.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is NOT available:
 When using a stairway to move the wheelchair and any accessories, move all wheelchair components away from the
stairway prior to reassembly.
1. Remove the occupant from the wheelchair.
2. Remove the batteries from wheelchair. Refer to Batteries on page 76.
3. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
4. Using non-removable (non-detachable) parts of the wheelchair, lift the wheelchair off of the ground and transfer the wheelchair up or down the
stairs.
5. The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair has been carried away from the stairway.
Invacare® FDX®
14
Part No 1163181