A Note To Wheelchair Assistants; Lifting/Stairways - Invacare Pronto M51 Base Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants

When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body
mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting wheelchair or
traversing curbs or other impediments.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or legrests. These must NEVER be used
to move the wheelchair 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.

Lifting/Stairways

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.
Use only secure, nondetachable parts for hand-hold supports.
It is strongly recommended to lift the wheelchair only by the rear frame and the
front forks - otherwise injury or damage 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 with batteries and without the user is 212 lbs. Use
proper lifting techniques (lift with your legs) to avoid injury.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 3.2 on page 19.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is not
available or lifting the wheelchair is necessary:
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Pronto M51 Base with SureStep Part No. 1148076