Invacare Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs User Manual

Owner’s Operator and Maintenance Manual

Lightweight, Standard and

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

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

USER:

manual and save for future reference.

BEFORE using this product, read this

For more information regarding

Invacare products, parts, and services,

please visit www.invacare.com

 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.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 2 Part No. 1114811

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

LABEL LOCATION .......................................................................... 11

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS .................................................. 12

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................. 14

Stability - All Models ................................................................................................................................14

Anti-Tippers...............................................................................................................................................14

Operating Information.............................................................................................................................15

Tire Pressure .............................................................................................................................................16

Weight Training ........................................................................................................................................17

Weight Limitation.....................................................................................................................................17

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ......................... 18

Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs.............................................................................................................18

Stability and Balance.................................................................................................................................18

Coping With Everyday Obstacles.........................................................................................................19

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants ........................................................................................................19

Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward.............................................................................................20

Reaching and Leaning Backwards..........................................................................................................20

Tipping.........................................................................................................................................................20

Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes......................................................................................21

Method 2 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes ...............................................................................21

Stairways.....................................................................................................................................................22

Escalators....................................................................................................................................................23

Transferring To and From Other Seats ..............................................................................................23

Unfolding and Folding Wheelchair .......................................................................................................24

Unfolding................................................................................................................................................24

Folding Wheelchair..............................................................................................................................25

SECTION 3—SAFETY INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING .................... 26

Safety Inspection Checklist.....................................................................................................................26

Inspect/Adjust Initially ...................................................................................................................26

Inspect/Adjust Weekly ..................................................................................................................27

Inspect/Adjust Monthly .................................................................................................................27

Inspect/Adjust Periodically ...........................................................................................................28

Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................28

Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................29

Maintenance Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................29

Suggested Maintenance Procedures ................................................................................................29

Part No. 1114811 3 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 4—FRONT RIGGINGS ........................................................ 31

Installing/Removing Front Riggings .......................................................................................................31

Installing..................................................................................................................................................31

Removing ...............................................................................................................................................31

Adjusting Footplate Height.....................................................................................................................32

Spring Button Height...........................................................................................................................32

Bolt-In-Place Height.............................................................................................................................32

Fixed Frame...........................................................................................................................................33

Raising/Lowering Elevating Legrest Assembly....................................................................................34

Installing Impact Guards/Calf Strap ......................................................................................................34

Replacing Heel Loop................................................................................................................................35

SECTION 5—ARMS ......................................................................... 37

Using or Replacing Flip-Back Armrest (Lightweight Wheelchairs Only).....................................37

Using .......................................................................................................................................................37

Replacing ................................................................................................................................................38

Removing/Installing Armrests ................................................................................................................38

Removing Armrest...............................................................................................................................39

Installing Armrest.................................................................................................................................39

SECTION 6—SEAT AND BACK ......................................................... 40

Installing Back Canes (Lightweight Wheelchair Only) .....................................................................40

Replacing Back Upholstery.....................................................................................................................41

Replacing Seat Upholstery......................................................................................................................41

Adjusting Seat Width...............................................................................................................................41

Lightweight and Standard Wheelchairs with Swingaway Front Riggings.................................41

Standard Wheelchair with Fixed Frame .........................................................................................44

Removing Lower Mounting Hardware ......................................................................................44

Removing Upper Mounting Hardware ......................................................................................44

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs ...................................................................................................................44

SECTION 7—REAR WHEELS ............................................................. 47

Removing/Installing Rear Wheels .........................................................................................................47

Replacing Rear Wheel Handrim............................................................................................................48

Replacing/Repairing Rear Wheel Tire..................................................................................................48

SECTION 8—FRONT CASTERS ......................................................... 49

Installing/Replacing/Adjusting Front Casters and Forks...................................................................49

Installing/Replacing Front Casters and Forks.................................................................................49

Adjusting Forks.....................................................................................................................................50

Replacing Front Casters..........................................................................................................................50

Replacing/Repairing Front Caster Tire/Tube .....................................................................................51

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 4 Part No. 1114811

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 9—ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL LOCKS ....................................... 52

Installing/Adjusting Anti-tippers ............................................................................................................52

Installing Anti-Tippers .........................................................................................................................52

Adjusting the Anti-Tippers.................................................................................................................53

Using/Adjusting Disk Wheel Locks ......................................................................................................54

Using Patient Operated Disk Wheel Locks...................................................................................54

Adjusting Patient-Operated Wheel Locks .....................................................................................55

Installing Wheel Lock Shoe Extensions...............................................................................................56

SECTION 10—SEAT TO FLOOR ......................................................... 57

Changing Seat-to-Floor Height..............................................................................................................57

SECTION 11—OPTIONS ................................................................... 59

Installing the Seat Positioning Strap......................................................................................................59

Standard and Heavy Duty/Extra Wide Wheelchairs ...................................................................59

Lightweight Wheelchairs....................................................................................................................60

LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 63

Part No. 1114811 5 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

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.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 6 Part No. 1114811

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.

Part No. 1114811 7 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

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Invacare Product Registration Form

Please Seal with

Tape Before Mailing

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 8 Part No. 1114811

SPECIAL NOTES

Signal words are used in this manual and apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury or property damage. Refer to the following table for definitions of the signal words.

SIGNAL WORD MEANING

DANGER Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in

death or serious injury.

WARNING Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in

death or serious injury.

CAUTION Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in

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.

WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEAT RESTRAINTS

Wheelchair users should 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 positioning straps - it is the obligation of the DME dealer, therapists and other healthcare professionals to determine if a seating restraint 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.

Part No. 1114811 9 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

SPECIAL NOTES

 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.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 10 Part No. 1114811

LABEL LOCATION

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The wheel locks on this wheelchair have been pre-set at the factory to comply with the Veterans Administration functional Standard

8320.01 of the Federal Register, paragraph

3.2.4.5.3. If these wheel locks do not meet your needs, follow instructions below.

CAUTION

Any wheel lock adjustments should embed wheel lock shoe at least 1/8" into tire when locked (3/16" on pneumatic tires).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WHEEL

LOCK ADJUSTMENTS

1. Loosen wheel lock mounting fastener, which runs through mounting bracket and frame.

2. Slide clamp toward rear wheel until wheel lock shoe is embedded into tire material at least 1/8" when handle is engaged to the lock position (3/16" for pneumatic tires).

3. Tighten mounting fastener to secure mounting bracket in desired location and recheck lock shoe embedding.

4. Inspect for correct locking action BEFORE actual use.

00078X021-0394

Standard and

Lightweight

Wheelchairs Only

NOTE: On all adjustable anti-tippers

WARNING

Refer to Owner's Manual for proper anti-tipper setting.

1085379

LABEL LOCATION

Crossmember

Lower Frame

Tube

Heavy Duty

Wheelchairs Only

WARNING

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

THE ANTI-TIP TUBES

REV. 5/98

Part No. 1114811 11 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

INSTALLED.

P/N 60106X144

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS

LIGHTWEIGHT

OVERALL WIDTH 24½, 26½, and 28½ inches

OVERALL DEPTH

(WITHOUT FRONT RIGGINGS)

SEAT WIDTH 16 or 18 inches and 20 inches

SEAT DEPTH 16 inches

SEAT-TO-FLOOR**

(WITH 24-INCH WHEELS) ADULT: HEMI:

BACK STYLE Sectional

BACK HEIGHT 16 or 18 inches

ARM STYLES Fixed Height; Desk or Full Length; Flip Back

FRONT RIGGINGS Swingaway Footrests, Elevating Legrests

REAR AXLE Permanent

REAR WHEELS 24*-inch Composite* Urethane*, Pneumatic or Pneumatic Flat Free Insert

HANDRIMS Composite*, Black Painted Aluminum

31-7/8-inches

19½ inches 17½ inches

WHEEL LOCKS Push to Lock (Adult), Pull to Lock (Hemi)

CASTER SIZE 8x1-inch Solid Rubber* and 8x1¼ inch Pneumatic or Pneumatic Flat Free

Insert

UPHOLSTERY Black Nylon

WEIGHT*** 33¾ pounds

SHIPPING WEIGHT*** (APPROX.) 43½ pounds

WEIGHT LIMIT 250 lbs (114 kg)

*NOTE: These options are standard for this model.

**NOTE: The seat-to-floor heights are based on urethane tires. If wheelchair is equipped with pneumatic (properly inflated) or solid rubber tires, add ¼ inch to the measurements listed above. These heights can vary ±¼ inch due to tire wear and manufacturing tolerances.

***NOTE: Weights based on 18x16 inch wheelchair without front riggings. Weights will vary depending on how wheelchair is equipped.

STANDARD HEAVY DUTY

OVERALL WIDTH

PERMANENT ARM: REMOVABLE ARM:

OVERALL DEPTH

(WITHOUT FRONT RIGGINGS)

23¼, 25¼, 27¼ inches 24½, 26½, 28½ inches

31-7/8-inches 33½ inches

N/A 28¼, 30¼, 32¼ inches

SEAT WIDTH 16, 18 and 20 inches 20, 22 and 24 inches

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 12 Part No. 1114811

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS

STANDARD HEAVY DUTY

SEAT DEPTH

SA FRAME: FF FRAME:

SEAT-TO-FLOOR**

(WITH 24-INCH WHEELS) ADULT:

HEMI:

BACK STYLE Fixed

BACK HEIGHT 16 inches

16 inches 16 inches

19½ inches (SA Frame) 21 inches (FF Frame) 17½ inches (N/A on FF)

18 inches N/A

19½ inches (SA Frame)

17½ inches

ARM STYLES Fixed Height; Desk or Full Length;

Permanent or Removable

FRONT RIGGINGS Swingaway Footrests, Elevating Legrests, (N/A on FF)

REAR AXLE Permanent

REAR WHEELS 24*-inch Composite* Urethane*,

Pneumatic or Pneumatic-Flat Free Insert

HANDRIMS Composite*, Chrome Plated Steel Chrome Plated Steel

WHEEL LOCKS Push to Lock* (Adult*), Pull to Lock (Hemi*)

CASTER SIZE 8x1 inch Solid Rubber*

8x1¼ inch Pneumatic or Pneumatic Flat Free Insert

UPHOLSTERY Vinyl - Midnight Blue*, Ruby, or Black

FRAME COLORS Chrome* and colors

WEIGHT*** (APPROX.) SA FRAME

PERMANENT ARM: REMOVABLE ARM:

FF FRAME

SHIPPING WEIGHT*** (APPROX.) SA FRAME

PERMANENT ARM: REMOVABLE ARM:

FF FRAME

36 pounds 36 pounds 37 pounds

45½ pounds 45½ pounds 46½ pounds

Fixed Height; Desk or Full Length; Removable

24 inch Composite Corded Urethane

8x1¼inch Urethane

N/A 42 pounds N/A

N/A 52 pounds N/A

WEIGHT LIMIT 250 lbs (114 kg) 350 pounds (159 kg)

*NOTE: These options are standard for this model.

***NOTE: Weights based on 18 inch wide standard wheelchair and 20 inch wide Heavy Duty wheelchair without front riggings. Weights will vary depending on how wheelchair is equipped.

Part No. 1114811 13 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

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 - All Models

The seat depth, size/position of the front casters, size/position of the rear wheels, anti-tipper model, as well as the user condition directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combination of the seven 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 procedure that is checked to maintain the proper stability, safety and handling of the wheelchair.

SEAT DEPTH

CASTER SIZE

CASTER POSITION

WHEEL SIZE

WHEEL POSITION

USER CONDITION

SEAT DEPTH

CASTER SIZE

• X X X X N/A X

N/A • X X X X X

N/A X • X X X X

N/AXX • XXX

N/AXXX • XX

XXXXXX •

CASTER POSITION

WHEEL SIZE

WHEEL POSITION

ANTI-TIPPERS

USER CONDITION

The various seat-to-floor heights require specific settings depending on rear wheel size, rear wheel position, and front caster size/position. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

Anti-Tippers

Anti-tippers are specific to the different seat-to-floor heights. Refer to the charts in Installing/Adjusting Anti-tippers requirements cannot be achieved, DO NOT use the wheelchair. Contact a qualified technician.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 14 Part No. 1114811

on page 52 for correct usage and adjustment. If these

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

If changing the seat-to-floor height, the correct anti-tippers MUST be used to maintain a 1½ to 2-inch ground clearance.

Anti-tippers MUST be attached at all times. Inasmuch as the anti-tippers are an option for this wheelchair (you may order with or without the anti-tippers), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as a safeguard for the wheelchair user.

Anti-tippers MUST be fully engaged. Ensure that the release button of the anti-tipper fully protrudes out of the hole on the bottom of the wheelchair frame. Ensure both anti-tippers are adjusted to the same height.

ALWAYS use anti-tippers. When outdoors on wet, soft ground or on gravel surfaces, anti tippers may not provide the same level of protection against tipover. Extra caution must be observed when traversing such surfaces.

Operating Information

After ANY adjustments, repair or service and BEFORE use, make sure all attaching hardware is tightened securely - otherwise injury or damage may result.

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

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.

When cleaning rear cane or hand grip areas use only a clean towel lightly dampened with cool water. Verify that grips are dry prior to use. Use of soap or ammonia based cleaning solutions will result in the hand grips sliding off the cane assembly. Failure to observe this warning may result in injury to the user or bystanders.

If the wheelchair is exposed to extreme temperature (above 100°F or below 32°F), high humidity and/or becomes wet, prior to use, ensure that the handgrips do not twist on the handle. Otherwise, damage or injury may occur.

Avoid storing or using the wheelchair near open flame or combustible products. Serious injury or damage to property may result.

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

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

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

NEVER leave an unoccupied wheelchair on an incline.

DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.

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

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

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

Part No. 1114811 15 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects behind you, as this may cause the wheelchair to tip over.

DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward direction you are reaching as the wheelchair may tip over.

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

DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.

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

Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters parallel to the object you are transferring onto. When transferring to and from the wheelchair, ALWAYS engage both wheel locks.

DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.

DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.

DO NOT stand on the footplates. When getting in or out of the wheelchair, make sure that the footplates are in the upward position or swing the footrests toward the outside of the wheelchair.

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.

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 instructions 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 pneumatic tire or tube MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 16 Part No. 1114811

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

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 or damage to the wheelchair and the warranty is void.

Weight Limitation

The Standard and Lightweight wheelchairs have a weight limitation of 250 lbs (114 kgs). The Heavy Duty wheelchair has a weight limitation of 350 lbs (159 kgs).

Part No. 1114811 17 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs

Safety and handling of the wheelchair require 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 heeded. 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

To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you MUST maintain proper balance at all times. 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.

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.

DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean forward. This can be achieved by advancing the wheelchair and then reversing it in a straight line.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 18 Part No. 1114811

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Coping With Everyday Obstacles

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 tipping the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.

ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or worn, replace immediately. If the wheelchair is exposed to extreme temperature (above 100°F or below 32°F), high humidity and/or becomes wet, prior to use, ensure handgrips do not twist on the wheelchair’s handle - otherwise damage or injury may occur.

Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests 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.

 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.

Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, the center of gravity, and the 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.

Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.

Part No. 1114811 19 Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward

 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 2.1.

Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and engage wheel locks.

FIGURE 2.1 Reaching, Leaning and Bending

Forward

Reaching and Leaning Backwards

 WARNING

DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects behind you, as this may cause the wheelchair to tip over.

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.2.

Position wheelchair as close as possible to the desired object. Point front casters forward to create the longest possible wheelbase. Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position.

FIGURE 2.2 Reaching and Leaning

Tipping

Backwards

 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 and/or pinch points.

Lightweight, Standard and Heavy Duty Wheelchairs 20 Part No. 1114811

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