Wheelchairs Safety Tips
With more developed models and sophistication, wheelchair safety is increasingly becoming more important these days.
Maintenance of the wheelchair is essential to stay safe and prevent any mishap that could happen to the users leading an on-the-go lifestyle.
It is equally important to maintain the center of gravity and follow all the safety precautions using positioning belt etc.
ensuring security care.
Constant rehearsal should be done before actually embarking for an independent use.
When reaching out for items bending forward or when transfer to a cot or any such stationary furniture, mock sessions should be done in presence of someone who knows what to do and when.
While making attempts to activities which are likely to tilt the balance of the chair use the wheel locks or brakes and maintain firm balanced seat position.
Never attempt to make any destabilizing movements.
Never dare to go up a steep slope without the care of someone.
Know the capabilities of the wheelchair and practice with an attendant to assess ride on ramps, inclines and declines.
Likewise, before crossing a road even in zebra lines, check and look for vehicles on sides, obstacles, dividers, spills, potholes and speed breaks.
If you are in power wheelchair, assess the power of the motor to transact a slope and then proceed.
More so when you take a reverse, never speed up lest you will lose control.
If you happen to remain in a wheelchair in a moving vehicle, use tie-down system to anchor to the floor of the vehicle.
It should be a transport safe wheelchair, which can withstand or tested for a 30 mph collision.
It is better to use occupant restraint system, if it is available, apart from positioning belt.
Keep the power off avoiding a bump into the joystick while the power is on.
The maintenance should be of top condition ensuring all safety measures like breaks, wheel locks etc.
Check the wheel alignment and the lubrication.
Also, check the condition of the tires and the air pressure if pneumatic.
All these precaution will only ensure safety of your usage.
Maintenance of the wheelchair is essential to stay safe and prevent any mishap that could happen to the users leading an on-the-go lifestyle.
It is equally important to maintain the center of gravity and follow all the safety precautions using positioning belt etc.
ensuring security care.
Constant rehearsal should be done before actually embarking for an independent use.
When reaching out for items bending forward or when transfer to a cot or any such stationary furniture, mock sessions should be done in presence of someone who knows what to do and when.
While making attempts to activities which are likely to tilt the balance of the chair use the wheel locks or brakes and maintain firm balanced seat position.
Never attempt to make any destabilizing movements.
Never dare to go up a steep slope without the care of someone.
Know the capabilities of the wheelchair and practice with an attendant to assess ride on ramps, inclines and declines.
Likewise, before crossing a road even in zebra lines, check and look for vehicles on sides, obstacles, dividers, spills, potholes and speed breaks.
If you are in power wheelchair, assess the power of the motor to transact a slope and then proceed.
More so when you take a reverse, never speed up lest you will lose control.
If you happen to remain in a wheelchair in a moving vehicle, use tie-down system to anchor to the floor of the vehicle.
It should be a transport safe wheelchair, which can withstand or tested for a 30 mph collision.
It is better to use occupant restraint system, if it is available, apart from positioning belt.
Keep the power off avoiding a bump into the joystick while the power is on.
The maintenance should be of top condition ensuring all safety measures like breaks, wheel locks etc.
Check the wheel alignment and the lubrication.
Also, check the condition of the tires and the air pressure if pneumatic.
All these precaution will only ensure safety of your usage.
