Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs - Invacare Top End T-3 Tennis Adjustable Operating And Maintenance Manual

PROCEDURE 1

SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

"Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair requires the close attention of the wheelchair user as well
as the assistant. This manual points out the most common procedures and techniques involved in
the safe operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these
safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently encountered
architectural barriers. Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The techniques that are dis-
cussed on the following pages have been used successfully by many.
Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that may differ
from those described in this manual. Invacare Top End recognizes and encourages each individual
to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they may encoun-
ter, however, ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual MUST be followed. Tech-
niques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with "safety" as
the most important consideration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT POSI-
TIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or
without the seat positioning strap), Invacare Top End strongly recommends
ordering the seat positioning strap as an additional safeguard for the wheel-
chair user.
The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use
as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety
belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST be replaced immediately.
Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times. Inasmuch as the ANTI-TIPPERS
are an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or without the anti-
tippers), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an addi-
tional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
Anti-tippers MUST be used at all times. when outdors on wet, soft ground or
on gravel surfaces, anti-tippers may not provide the same level of protection
against tip over. Extra caution MUST be observed when traversing such
surfaces.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times wear your seat
positioning strap and maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain upright
and stable during normal daily activities as long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the chair have an effect on the center of gravity.
Invacare Top End recommends using seat positioning straps for additional safety while involved in
activities that shift your weight.
DO NOT lean forward out of the chair any further than stability will allow. Make sure the caster
is pointing in the forward position whenever you lean forward. This can be achieved by advancing
the chair and then reversing it in a straight line.
Part No. 1054916
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WARNING
13
T-3™ and T-4™ Series