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2. SAFETY
2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the chair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands
on the push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to
force yourself over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a
doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause
your to lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Navigating Inclines
Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
When pushing a wheelchair, go straight up a slope. If you need to go down,
walk backwards until user is on level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
Avoid stopping on an incline; it can potentially cause you to lose control of the
chair.
Do not use the parking brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair; this could
cause it to seize up or pull to on side, causing you to lose control of the
wheelchair.
Whenever possible, navigate inclines with an attendant.
2.4 Kerbs(Curbs)
Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have assistance
make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles).
Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb(curb). A hard impact could
adversely affect the chair.
Never try to scale or descend kerb(curb) that exceed a normal height (30-50mm).
Always be careful when climbing kerb(curb) and never move up or down a
kerb(curb) in reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium.
One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step,
gripping the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed
part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the
first attendant places one foot on the following step and repeat the operation
(See below Figure)
Never go down steps forwards.
Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2
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