Invacare Spyder 1098318 - Manual (Page 9)

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PROCEDURE 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES
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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 op-
eration and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is impor-
tant to practice and master these safe techniques un-
til you are comfortable in maneuvering around the fre-
quently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The tech-
niques that are discussed 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 recognizes and en-
courages each individual to try what works best for
him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they
may encounter, however ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS
given in this manual MUST be followed. Techniques in this
manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user
and assistant with “safety” as the most important con-
sideration for all.
Stability And Balance
WA R N I N G
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap.
Inasmuch as the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP
is an option on this wheelchair (You may
order with or without the seat positioning
strap), Invacare strongly recommends or-
dering the seat positioning strap as an ad-
ditional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times.
Inasmuch as the ANTI-TIPPERS are an op-
tion on this wheelchair (You may order with
or without the anti-tippers), Invacare
strongly recommends ordering the anti-
tippers as an additional safeguard for the
wheelchair user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel-
chair, you must at all times wear your seat positioning
strap and maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair
has been designed to remain upright and stable dur-
ing normal daily activities as long as you do not move
beyond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheel-
chair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare rec-
ommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional
safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further
than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters
are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean
forward. This can be achieved by advancing the wheel-
chair and then reversing it in a straight line.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be
alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your
wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to main-
tain stability and balance.
A Note To Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, re-
member to use good body mechanics. Keep your back
straight and bend your knees whenever tilting the wheel-
chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift a wheelchair by
lifting on 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.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts. These
must NEVER be used for hand-hold or 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 ex-
perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you
have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
The seat dump, back angle, seating sys-
tem, caster size and position, rear wheel
size and position, anti-tippers, as well as
the user condition directly relate to the
stability of the wheelchair. Any change
to one (1) or any combination of the nine
(9) may cause the wheelchair to de-
crease in stability. These adjustments MUST
be performed by a qualified technician
ONLY.