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Lower the front of the wheelchair smoothly, holding the handles firmly. Use
your weight on the foot step tube to act as a counterweight. Do not lower the
wheelchair suddenly for the last few centimetres before returning to the
normal position. This might hurt the user.
1.7 - Kerbs or obstacles 30 to 50 mm high
Method 1 - Negotiating the obstacle forwards
(Figure 18)
The helper should tilt the wheelchair
until the castors have passed over
18
the
kerb.
Move
the
wheelchair
forwards and lower the castors
gently onto the pavement. Push the
wheelchair until the rear wheels
touch the kerb. Lift and push until the
rear wheels have mounted the kerb.
Do not just lift by the handles on the
backrest.
Method 2
(Figure 19)
The helper should stand on the pavement and turn the wheelchair until
the rear wheels are against the kerb. Tilt the wheelchair backwards to the
point of equilibrium and, in a continuous movement, pull the wheelchair
until the rear wheels mount the kerb
19
and pass onto the pavement. Do not
lower the castors to the ground until
you have pulled the backrest of the
wheelchair sufficiently far to clear the
kerb.
NB: Folding backs should always be
checked to ensure they are engaged.
9
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