Wheelchairs are wonderful at providing independence and freedom, providing that they’re used with safety in mind. The following tips will help increase awareness of how best to safely use your chair.
General Maintenance Checks:
You should service your wheelchair regularly to protect against problems that could result in injury. This can be done by professionals as well competent home DIY enthusiasts. A general check that it rolls straight, has no broken spokes, tyres are inflated, the chair opens/folds easily and also that the brakes, nuts and screws are not loose. Most chairs are supplied with a spanner/allen key set to allow all parts be adjusted. If parts are missing go to your supplier to get replacements. We provide a full service department that can service and repair all faults, beyond broken frames. Chairs can be cleaned with soapy water.
Understand the General Safety Precautions:
- Footplates are not designed to bear weight beyond when you’re seated. Never stand on the footplates when you are getting in/out, as the chair will topple forward, causing injury.
- Quality chairs should have a safety belt – always use it.
- Always engage the manual brakes when parked and you sit/stand in the chair. If you do not the chair can run away when you get in or out.
- Ensure all 4 wheels are in contact with the ground when operating the chair. It’s unsafe to move with the front small wheels elevated.
- Do not tip backwards when seated. Most quality chairs have anti-tippers to avoid upturning.
- Always use ramps or elevators when out and about. If you are going down a ramp, or step incline, have the carer go down before the chair to avoid the chair gaining momentum, and running away onto the road, and leaving the carer behind.
- Never reach for an item in front while seated in the chair as the chair will tip you out. Instead, position the chair to the side and reach down from the side.
- Only use bags intended for wheelchair use on the rear push handles and do not have too much weight in it to avoid tipping the chair.
- When assisting an occupant in-out always ensure the brakes are locked, the leg-rests are flipped out of the way and the castors are facing forward.
- If you are being transported in a taxi/van while in the chair, make sure the wheelchair is crash test passed and is secured properly to the anchor points.
- If you’re transferring from a seat/car to your wheelchair use a transfer board as an easy bridge from one surface to the other.
If you’re aware of these warning tips you can enjoy your freedom and independence without worry and ensure your travels are carefree and safe.
