Invacare M41SR16R Owners Manual - Page 19

SECTION 4-SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times 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. DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests. Coping With Everyday Obstacles NOTE: For this information, refer to FIGURE 4.1. 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. While the walking beam allows you to traverse up to a 1‐inch bump or threshold, stopping after the wheels cross the bump poses a problem. The chair cannot reverse over the bump at this point. Continue forward and then turn around. While the wheelchair is designed for use primarily in and around the home, the provider should determine whether this chair is suitable for the actual environment the chair will be used in. DO NOT go down ramp at full speed. Some seat/back positions will cause wheelchair to feel unstable. 1-inch Bump or Threshold FIGURE 4.1 Coping With Everyday Obstacles CAUTION Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a slippery surface. Proceed with caution. 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. Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or legrests. These must NEVER be used to move the wheelchair or as 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. 1143206 19 Pronto® M41 with SureStep®