Invacare Comet - Important Symbols in the Manual

10
SAFETY/HANDLING
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
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/stroller owner
to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheel-
chair/stroller. These movements will cause a
change to the normal balance, the center of grav-
ity, and the weight distribution of the wheelchair/
stroller. To determine and establish your particular
safety limits, practice bending, reaching and trans-
ferring activities in several combinations in the pres-
ence of a qualified health professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair/stroller.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When
reaching, leaning, bending forward, it is important
to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability
and balance.
Lengthening the Wheelbase will increase stability
and maintain standard maneuverability of the wheel-
chair.
Shortening the Wheelbase will increase maneu-
verability and distribute additional weight onto the
rear wheels.
TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM OTHER
SEATS
WARNING
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the
wheelchair/stroller, every precaution should be
taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both
casters toward the object you are transferring
onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are
engaged to help prevent the wheels from mov-
ing.
WHEELCHAIR POSITION:
When transferring from a wheelchair, position
yourself as far back as possible in the seat. This
will prevent the possibility of the wheelchair
tipping forward.
STROLLER POSITION:
When transferring from a stroller, position
the anti-tippers in their lowest setting and your-
self as far back as possible in the seat. This will
prevent the possibility of the stroller tipping
forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed indepen-
dently provided you have adequate mobility and
upper body strength.
Position the wheelchair/stroller as close as possible
along side the seat to which you are transferring,
with the casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel
locks. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat plat-
form will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at
all possible.
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIR/STROLLERS (Cont.)
STANDARD
POSITION
Forward
Rearward
Forward
Rearward
REVERSED
POSITION
S
A
F
E
T
Y
H
A
N
D
L
I
N
G