Invacare At'm - Manual (Page 20)

SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
At’m 20 Part No. 1125035
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
ƽ 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.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or
bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, cen-
ter of gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish
your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in
several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair.
REACHING, LEANING AND BENDING - FORWARD
ƽ 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.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE
3.1.
Position the front casters so that they are
extended as far forward as possible and
engage motor release levers.
FIGURE 3.1F - REACHING, LEANING
AND BENDING - FORWARD
REACHING AND BENDING - BACKWARD
ƽ WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back
upholstery. This will change your center
of gravity and may cause you to tip over.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE
3.2.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to
the desired object. Point the front casters
rearward to create the longest possible
wheelbase. Reach back only as far as your
arm will extend without changing your
sitting position.
FIGURE 3.2 - REACHING AND
BENDING - BACKWARD