Invacare HTR5000 Owners Manual - Page 5

GENERAL GUIDELINES PROCEDURE 1 GENERAL WARNINGS (CONTINUED) WEIGHT LIMITATION The HTR Tilt/Recline has a weight limitation of 250 lbs. SAFETY/HANDLING OF THE HTR Virtually all activities which involve movement in the HTR have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare "Safety and Handling" of the HTR requires the close recommends using seat/chest positioning straps for addi- attention of the HTR user as well as the assistant. tionalsafetywhileinvolvedinactivitiesthatshiftyourweight. This manual points out the most common procedures DO NOT lean forward out of the HTR any further than and techniques involved in the safe operation and the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters are maintenance of the HTR. It is important to practice pointing in the forward position whenever you lean and master these safe techniques until you are forward. This can be achieved by advancing the HTR comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently and then reversing it in a straight line. encountered architectural barriers. The HTR Tile/Recline MUST be operated by an atten- Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The dant when the chair is in any tilted or reclined position. techniques that are discussed on the following pages Coping With Everyday Obstacles have been used successfully by many. Individual HTR users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that may differ from those described in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your HTR. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability and balance. A Note To HTR Assistants they may encounter,however ALL WARNINGS and When assistance to the HTR user is required, CAUTIONS given in this manual MUST be followed. remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your Techniques in this manual are a starting point for the back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting new HTR user and assistant with "safety" as the most the HTR or traversing curbs, or other impediments. important consideration for all. WARNING Stability And Balance WARNING ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP is an option on the HTR (You may order with or without the seat positioning strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat positioning strap as an additional safeguard for the HTR user. 5000/5500 MODELS ONLY - Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times. Inasmuch as the ANTI-TIPPERS are an option on the HTR (You may order with or without the anti-tippers), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the HTR user. DO NOT attempt to lift the HTR by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the HTR may result in injury to the user or damage to the HTR. 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 experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone. Percentage of Weight Distribution WARNING To assure stability and proper operation of your HTR, you must at all times wear your seat positioning strap and maintain proper balance. Your HTR 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 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. Changing the seat depth of the chair changes the stability of the HTR. To maintain stability, safety limits for bending, reaching and transferring activities MUST be re-evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional BEFORE using the HTR. G U GI ED NE EL RI AN LE S 5