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GUIDELINES:
SAFETY & HANDLING OF TRANSPORT CHAIRS
Ramps / Inclines
The assistant must know their capabilities and limitations in terms of strength and endurance
before attempting to go up or down a ramp. Slopes will change the center of gravity. DO NOT
attempt to negotiate steep inclines greater than 10% (6 degrees, or one foot of rise or fall for every
ten feet of ramp length) without an experienced assistant. Use of anti-tip devices are encouraged
however, they may not prevent a tip-over. Sometimes anti-tip devices may catch at the beginning
of a ramp. If this occurs, they will need to be disengaged and extra care should be taken.
Backpacks or other gear on the back of the transport chair will cause it to tip backward more
easily. Training and practice negotiating ramps with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Go as straight up or down the incline as possible.
Check the ramp for any obstacles, bumps, depressions, or wetness before beginning. Ask for
additional assistance if necessary.
Stay in the center of the ramp if possible.
Avoid changing direction while on the ramp as this may cause loss of control of the transport
chair.
Avoid stopping on a ramp. Stopping may cause loss of control of the transport chair. If
stopping is necessary, avoid sudden, abrupt forward movement when you resume propelling
the transport chair as that could cause instability.
When going up an incline, the occupant should lean forward. This will adjust the center of
gravity to counteract the tendency of the transport chair to tip backward.
When going down a ramp, the occupant should face forward and lean backward into the seat.
Descent should always be done slowly. DO NOT use wheel locks as brakes to slow down or
stop the transport chair. Attempting to use the wheel locks could result in accidental locking,
veering or tipping to one side, or suddenly stopping.
When going down a steep incline, the assistant should turn the transport chair and go down
backwards to avoid tipping the occupant out of the transport chair.
Basic Information for Transport chair Assistants / Transporters
Work with the transport chair user’s healthcare professional or your institution to learn safe ways
to assist that are within your capability and comfort level. To prevent injury to yourself or the
transport chair occupant use good body mechanics:
Always tell the rider what you intend to do so he/she is ready for your actions and can assist
with maintaining a balanced center of gravity for stability.
Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep knees bent, not locked straight.
Use legs for strength, not the weaker muscles of the back or arms. This will help prevent back
strain.
Do not twist at the waist. Keep the torso facing the same direction as the hips and move the
feet to turn. This will help prevent back strain.
Maintain a straight back. Hunching or rounding the shoulders can cause back strain.
Do not hesitate to call for additional assistance if needed.
If you do not feel comfortable with an activity you are requested to assist with (such as
negotiating a step or a steep incline), you may decline to assist and should help find
appropriate assistance for the occupant.
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