Invacare 1026793 User Manual

Owner’s Operator and Maintenance Manual

Xtra™

DEALER: This manual MUST be given to the user of the wheelchair.

USER:

this manual and save for future reference.

BEFORE using this wheelchair, read

For more information regarding

Invacare products, parts, and services,

please visit www.invacare.com

NOTE: Information in this manual applies to chairs manufactured after 08/01/04.

 WARNING

A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN MUST PERFORM THE INITIAL SET UP OF THIS WHEELCHAIR. ALSO, A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN MUST PERFORM ALL PROCEDURES SPECIFICALLY INDICATED IN THE MANUAL.

WHEELCHAIR USERS: DO NOT SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING (1) THE OWNER’S OPERATOR AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL AND (2) THE SEATING SYSTEM’S MANUAL (IF APPLICABLE). IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT INVACARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE INJURY OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

DEALERS AND QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS: DO NOT SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING (1) THE OWNER’S OPERATOR AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL, (2) THE SERVICE MANUAL (IF APPLICABLE) AND (3) THE SEATING SYSTEM’S MANUAL (IF APPLICABLE). IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT INVACARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE, INJURY OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

NOTE: Updated versions of this manual are available on www.invacare.com.

Xtra™ 2 Part No 1026793

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTES ................................................................................ 9

LABEL LOCATIONS ......................................................................... 10

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS .................................................. 11

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................. 12

Stability........................................................................................................................................................12

Repair and Service Information.............................................................................................................13

Operating Information.............................................................................................................................13

Tire Pressure .............................................................................................................................................15

Weight Training ........................................................................................................................................15

Weight Limitation.....................................................................................................................................15

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ......................... 16

Stability and Balance.................................................................................................................................16

Coping with Everyday Obstacles ..........................................................................................................17

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants ........................................................................................................17

Tipping.........................................................................................................................................................18

Tipping - Curbs.....................................................................................................................................18

Stairways.....................................................................................................................................................19

Transferring To and From Other Seats ..............................................................................................20

Percentage of Weight Distribution ......................................................................................................21

Adjusting the Wheelbase for Stability.............................................................................................21

Reaching, Leaning and Bending - Forward ..........................................................................................22

Reaching, Bending - Backward...............................................................................................................22

SECTION 3—SAFETY INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING .................... 23

Safety Inspection Checklists...................................................................................................................23

Inspect/Adjust Weekly........................................................................................................................24

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................26

Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................26

Suggested Maintenance Procedures ................................................................................................27

Part No 1026793 3 Xtra

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 4—FRONT RIGGINGS ........................................................ 28

Installing/Removing/Adjusting the Footrests......................................................................................28

Swingaway Front Frame .....................................................................................................................28

Adjusting 70° MFX and 90° Footrests ............................................................................................29

Installing Elevating Legrests ....................................................................................................................30

Raising/Lowering Elevating Legrests.....................................................................................................30

Adjusting Calfpads ....................................................................................................................................31

Installing Adjustable Angle Flip-Up Footplate Hinge ........................................................................31

Adjusting Adjustable Angle Flip-Up Footplates .................................................................................32

Depth Adjustment ...............................................................................................................................32

Angle Adjustment ................................................................................................................................32

Heel Loop Replacement..........................................................................................................................33

Installing Impact Guards/Calf Strap ......................................................................................................33

SECTION 5—BACK ......................................................................... 34

Adjusting the Back Height ......................................................................................................................34

Adjusting the Back Angle ........................................................................................................................35

Installing/Removing the Chest Positioning Strap...............................................................................36

Installing the Stroller Handles................................................................................................................37

Installing and Removing a Seating System ...........................................................................................37

SECTION 6—SEAT ........................................................................... 38

Folding/Unfolding the Wheelchair........................................................................................................38

Unfolding................................................................................................................................................38

Folding ....................................................................................................................................................38

Replacing Seat Upholstery......................................................................................................................39

Installing/Removing Seat Positioning Strap .........................................................................................39

Installing Fabric Clothing Guards..........................................................................................................40

Installing Clothing Guards.......................................................................................................................41

Xtra 4 Part No 1026793

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 7—ARMS ......................................................................... 42

Installing the Half Arm.............................................................................................................................42

Adjusting Half Arm Height .....................................................................................................................43

Using/Adjusting Dual Point Arms .........................................................................................................44

Adjusting Armrest Height..................................................................................................................44

Removing Armrests.............................................................................................................................44

Replacing Armrests..............................................................................................................................44

Replacing Dual Point Arm Pad/Clothing Guards...............................................................................45

Replacing Arm Pad...............................................................................................................................45

Replacing Clothing Guards ................................................................................................................45

Installing/Removing T-Arms ...................................................................................................................45

Installing T-Arms ..................................................................................................................................45

Removing T-Arms................................................................................................................................46

Adjusting the T-Arms ..............................................................................................................................46

Adjusting T-Arm Height .....................................................................................................................46

Adjusting T-Arm Width .....................................................................................................................47

Adjusting T-Arm Depth......................................................................................................................48

Adjusting T-Arm Sockets ...................................................................................................................49

Adjusting T-Arm Transfer Assists and/or Side Guards ...................................................................50

SECTION 8—WHEELS ....................................................................... 51

Repairing/Replacing Pneumatic Tire/Tube ..........................................................................................51

Removing/Installing Rear Wheels .........................................................................................................51

Quick-Release Axles ...........................................................................................................................51

Permanent Axles..................................................................................................................................52

Adjusting Quick-Release Axles..............................................................................................................53

Installing Quad-Release Axles................................................................................................................54

Adjusting Quad-Release Handles..........................................................................................................55

In and/or Out........................................................................................................................................55

Removing the Play From the Rear Wheels....................................................................................55

Adjusting Forks .........................................................................................................................................56

Part No 1026793 5 Xtra

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 9—WHEEL LOCKS/ANTI-TIPPERS ....................................... 57

Replacing/Adjusting the Wheel Locks .................................................................................................57

Replacing the Wheel Lock .................................................................................................................57

Adjusting the Wheel Lock .................................................................................................................57

Installing/Adjusting the Anti-Tippers....................................................................................................58

Installing Anti-Tippers .........................................................................................................................58

Adjusting Anti-Tippers........................................................................................................................58

Installing Amputee Attachments.......................................................................................................59

LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 60

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT

The benefits of registering:

1. Safeguard your investment.

2. Ensure long term maintenance and servicing of your purchase.

3. Receive updates with product information, maintenance tips, and industry news.

4. Invacare can contact you or your provider, if servicing is needed on your product.

5. It will enable Invacare to improve product designs based on your input and needs.

- or -

Complete and mail the form on the next page

Any registration information you submit will be used by Invacare Corporation only, and

protected as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Xtra 6 Part No 1026793

PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM

Complete and mail this form

Name _______________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ___________________State/Province __________

Zip/Postal Code ________

Email ___________________________________ Phone No. _________________

Invacare Model No. ______________________ Serial No. __________________

Purchased From _________________________Date of Purchase:___________

1. Method of purchase: (check all that apply) ❏ Medicare ❏ Insurance ❏ Medicaid ❏ Other __________________________

2. This product was purchased for use by: (check one) ❏ Self ❏ Parent ❏ Spouse ❏ Other

3. Product was purchased for use at: ❏ Home ❏ Facility ❏ Other

4. I purchased an Invacare product because:

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❏ Price ❏ Features (list features) _________________________________________

5. Who referred you to Invacare products? (check all that apply)

❏ Doctor ❏ Therapist ❏ Friend ❏ Relative ❏ Dealer/Provider ❏ Other_________ ❏ Advertisement (circle one): TV, Radio, Magazine, Newspaper ❏ No Referral_____

6. What additional features, if any, would you like to see on this product?

7. Would you like information sent to you about Invacare products that may be available for a

__________________________________________________________________________

particular medical condition? ❏ Yes ❏ No If yes, please list any condition(s) here and we will send you information by email and/or mail about any available Invacare products that may help treat, care for or manage such condition(s):

__________________________________________________________________________

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8. Would you like to receive updated information via email or regular mail about the Invacare home medical products sold by Invacare's dealers? ❏ Yes ❏ No

9. What would you like to see on the Invacare website?

__________________________________________________________________________

10. Would you like to be part of future online surveys for Invacare products? ❏ Yes ❏ No

11. User's Year of birth: ______________________________________________________

If at any time you wish not to receive future mailings from us, please contact us at Invacare Corporation, CRM Department, 39400 Taylor Parkway, Elyria, OH 44035, or fax to 877-619-7996 and we will remove you from our mailing list.

To find more information about our products, visit www.invacare.com.

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SPECIAL NOTES

WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury and/or property damage.

NOTICE

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

WHEELCHAIR USER

As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavors to supply a wide variety of wheelchairs to meet many needs of the end user. However, final selection of the type of wheelchair to be used by an individual rests solely with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a selection.

TIE DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEAT RESTRAINTS

Invacare recommends that wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles of any kind while in wheelchairs. As of this date, the Department of Transportation has not approved any tie-down systems for transportation of a user while in a wheelchair, in a moving vehicle of any type.

It is Invacare’s position that users of wheelchairs should be transferred into appropriate seating in vehicles for transportation and use be made of the restraints made available by the auto industry. Invacare cannot and does not recommend any wheelchair transportation systems.

SEAT POSITIONING STRAP

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 ordering the seat positioning strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST be replaced immediately.

As regards restraints - seat/chest positioning straps - it is the obligation of the DME dealer, therapists and other healthcare professionals to determine if a seat/chest positioning strap is required to ensure the safe operation of this equipment by the user. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A FALL FROM A WHEELCHAIR.

 WARNING

Invacare products are specifically designed and manufactured for use in conjunction with Invacare accessories. Accessories designed by other manufacturers have not been tested by Invacare and are not recommended for use with Invacare products.

Part No 1026793 9 Xtra™

LABEL LOCATIONS

Xtra only

Xtra Heavy Duty only

Manual Title 10 Part No

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS

XTRA

OVERALL WIDTH (WITH 0º CAMBER) OPEN - Seat width plus approximately 8-1/2 inches

CLOSED - approximately 12 inches

OVERALL DEPTH Seat depth plus 14 inches (Without Front Riggings)

SEAT WIDTH 14 to 22 inches

SEAT DEPTH 14 to 22 inches

REAR FRAME TYPE Square

FRONT FRAME TYPES Swingaway, 60º, 80º

CROSSBRACE TYPE Conventional

SEAT-TO-FLOOR

REAR WHEEL SIZES

20 inch 22 inch 24 inch

FRONT CASTER SIZES

6 inch 8 inch

BACK HEIGHT Back Style Size/Range

BACK ANGLE RANGE 0° to 15°

ARM STYLES Dual Point, T-Arm, Half Arm

FOOTREST Swingaway Front Frame - 60°, 70°, 90°

REAR AXLE Quick-release, Quad-release, Permanent

AXLE MOUNTING PLATES Standard, Extended (Amputee)

REAR WHEELS 20, 22, 24-inch Composite

HANDRIMS Aluminum anodized, black plastic coated, vertical/oblique projection plastic coated,

WHEEL LOCKS High mount push-to-lock (standard), pull-to-lock wheel lock extensions, hill holder

CASTER SIZE 6 and 8-inch (urethane or pneumatic), precision sealed bearings, flat free inserts

SEAT CUSHION 2 or 3-inch (optional)

BACK UPHOLSTERY Black nylon (standard), adjustable back upholstery (optional)

APPROXIMATE SHIPPING WEIGHT 26 lbs. 32.5 lbs. (14-inch seat frame with complete package)

WEIGHT LIMIT 250 lbs (113.4 kg) or 300 (136 kg) with Heavy Duty Option

Range adjusts in 7/8 inch increments 14-3/4 to 17-3/4 inches 15-3/4 to 18-3/4 inches 16-1/2 to 19-1/2 inches Swingaway Front Frame 17 to 20-1/4 18-3/4 to 21-1/4

Push Handles - 10ºbend 14 to 18 inches Sportster - No push handles 10 to 14 inches Straight - Push handles 12 to 16 inches or 14 to 18 inches Adjustable angle (square frame) 12 to 16 inches Adjustable angle (square frame) 17 to 20 inches

Swingaway, Tapered, Non-tapered, Elevating Legrest, Adjustable Angle Flip-up, Footplates, Composite Footplates, Individual Tubular Footplates, Aluminum Footplates

22, 24-inch Spoke Wheels Pneumatic, Pneumatic Flat Free, Urethane, KIK-Black

spoke guards

Compass XE™and Allegro 11 Part No 1026793

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

 WARNING

SECTION 1 - GENERAL GUIDELINES contains important information for the safe operation and use of this product. DO NOT use this product or any available optional equipment without first completely reading and understanding these instructions and any additional instructional material such as Owner’s Manuals, Service Manuals or Instruction Sheets supplied with this product or optional equipment. If you are unable to understand the Warnings, Cautions or Instructions, contact a healthcare professional, dealer or technical personnel before attempting to use this equipment - otherwise, injury or damage may occur.

Stability

The seat depth, seat dump, back angle, seating system, size/position of the rear wheels, size/position of the front casters, 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 decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

NOTE: When changes to the left hand column occur, follow across the chart and refer to the X procedure to maintain the proper stability, safety and handling of the wheelchair.

SEAT DEPTH • X N/A X N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

SEAT DUMP X • N/A X N/A N/A N/A N/A X N/A

BACK ANGLE N/A N/A • X N/A N/A N/A N/A X N/A

SEATING SYSTEM X X N/A • N/A N/A N/A N/A X N/A

CASTER SIZE N/A N/A N/A N/A • X X X X X

CASTER POSITION N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A • X X X X

WHEEL SIZE N/A N/A N/A N/A X X • X X X

WHEEL POSITION N/A N/A N/A N/A X X X • X X

USER CONDITION N/AXXXXXXX •N/A

SEAT DUMP

SEAT DEPTH

BACK ANGLE

CASTER SIZE

SEATING SYSTEM

CASTER POSITION

WHEEL SIZE

WHEEL POSITION

USER CONDITION

ANTI-TIPPERS

To maintain maximum stability, position the rear wheels in the most rearward position in the axle mounting plate. Moving the rear wheels to any of the other mounting positions causes the wheelchair to decrease in stability.

Always ensure stability before moving the rear wheels forward. Test wheelchair before it is occupied by the enduser to ensure safety.

Xtra™ 12 Part No 1026793

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

Repair and Service Information

Unless otherwise noted, all service and adjustments should be performed while the wheelchair is unoccupied.

Operating Information

To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified health professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.

Anti-tippers MUST be used at all times. When outdoors on wet, soft ground or on gravel surfaces, anti-tippers may not provide the same level of protection against tip over. Extra caution must be observed when traversing such surfaces.

Mounting the front casters on the inside of the wheelchair frame will reduce the stability of the wheelchair. Try various front caster positions to find the safest front caster position for your needs.

DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.

DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9°.

DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with a water, ice or oil film.

DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your wheelchair to turn over and cause bodily harm or damage to the wheelchair.

DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.

DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in your seat.

DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.

DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects from behind as this may cause the wheelchair and/or seating system (if any) to tip over.

DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching as the wheelchair and/or seating system (if any) may tip over.

DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.

DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.

DO NOT use footplates as a platform. When getting in or out of the wheelchair, make sure that the footplates are in the upward position or swing footrests towards the outside of the chair.

Make sure the back is locked securely BEFORE using the wheelchair - otherwise injury can occur.

ALWAYS engage both wheel locks and reduce the gap distance BEFORE transferring to and from the wheelchair. Turn all casters parallel to the object you are transferring onto.

Part No 1026793 13 Xtra™

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

Do not sit or transfer into the wheelchair unless it is fully open and the seat rails are fully seated into the seat clamps.

Wheel locks are NOT brakes. DO NOT attempt to stop a moving wheelchair with the wheel locks.

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.

NEVER try to lift or tip the wheelchair by cantilever arms or T-arms, serious injury can occur.

DO NOT overtighten hardware attaching to the frame. This could cause damage to the frame tubing.

ALWAYS keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts to avoid injury.

The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt must be replaced immediately.

ALWAYS verify that hand grips on the rear canes are secure PRIOR to use when an assistant is used to propel or lift the chair. Check for any signs of looseness or deterioration and if found, contact a qualified technician. DO NOT attempt to move the wheelchair by pulling on the hand grips if they are found to be unsecure or have deteriorated.

ALWAYS use the handrims for self-propulsion. Inasmuch as the handrims are an option on this wheelchair (you may order with or without the handrims), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the handrims as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

Xtra™ 14 Part No 1026793

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

Tire Pressure

DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tire pressure (p.s.i.). DO NOT overinflate the tires. Failure to follow these suggestions may cause the tire to explode and cause bodily harm. The recommended tire pressure is listed on the side wall of the tire.

Replacement of a tire or tube must be performed by a qualified technician.

Make sure the detent pin and locking pins of the quick/quad-release axle are fully released BEFORE operating the wheelchair.

The locking pins must be protruding past the inside of the rear wheel axle bushing for a positive lock.

Weight Training

Invacare DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus. Invacare wheelchairs have NOT been designed or tested as a seat for any kind of weight training. If occupant uses said wheelchair as a weight training apparatus, Invacare shall not be liable for bodily injury and the warranty is void.

Weight Limitation

The Invacare Xtra wheelchair has a weight limitation of 250 lbs (113.4 kg). The Xtra wheelchair with heavy duty option has a weight limitation of 300 lbs (136 kgs). The weight limit includes both occupant and any add-on items (backpacks, etc.). For example, if the weight limitation is 250 lbs and there is a backpack containing 10 lbs and a seating system weighing 10 lbs, the user weight is limited to 230 lbs (250 lbs - 20 lbs).

Part No 1026793 15 Xtra™

SECTION 2—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 operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.

Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The techniques 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 encourages 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 consideration for all.

Stability and Balance

 WARNING

The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, the strap MUST be replaced immediately.

Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times. Inasmuch as the ANTI-TIPPERS are an option 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.

DO NOT climb, go up, or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9°.

Invacare strongly recommends proceeding down ramps or slopes slowly to avoid hard braking or sudden stops.

DO NOT leave elevating legrests in the fully extended position when proceeding down ramps or slopes.

Be aware that carrying heavy objects on your lap while occupying the wheelchair may adversely affect the stability of the wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user, damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property.

Xtra™ 16 Part No 1026793

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

 WARNING

This wheelchair has been designed to accommodate one (1) individual. If more than one (1) individual occupies the wheelchair this may adversely affect the stability of the wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user and passenger and damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property.

Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheelchair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare recommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.

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

Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be somewhat alleviated 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.

 WARNING

DO NOT attempt to lift or tilt a wheelchair by using any removable (detatchable)parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detatchable)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 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 1026793 17 Xtra™

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Tipping

 WARNING

DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.

When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tipping the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.

Tipping - Curbs

After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.

Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.1.

Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution.

Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto the sidewalk.

 WARNING

DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant.

Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.

FIGURE 2.1 Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes

Method 2 - Wheelchair without Step Tubes

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.2.

It is recommended that METHOD 2 use two (2) assistants.

The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on the removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.

Xtra™ 18 Part No 1026793

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