Invacare R51 Owners Manual - Page 17

SECTION 3-SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS Coping With Everyday Obstacles 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, center 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. 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 maintain stability and balance. 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. ƽ WARNING 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. Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or leg-rests. 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 experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone. Part No. 1106645 17 R51™and R51LXP