A manual wheelchair is a device for human propulsion which is operated by the person using it. It consists of an engine that is often located in the rear area. It has two or more sets of wheels on either side for faster movement than can be obtained by simply pushing with your feet against the ground. Manual wheelchairs are primarily found in settings where they are needed. Including places like hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and similar locations. They are also commonly used to accommodate disabilities that do not allow individuals to walk or move quickly enough to propel themselves without assistance. Following are the Best Practices And Safe Operations that you should follow while using Manual Wheelchair:
Regular Maintenance
The manual wheelchair should be regularly maintained to ensure the safety of use. It is recommended that your manual wheelchairs be maintained twice a year. Beforehand, you can pick up a maintenance checklist from your local wheelchair distributor. It is vital to check the wheel alignment, wheel rims, and lugs for cracks and loose nuts, and bolts. All these will determine how long you can use your manual wheelchairs safely. From time to time, check the adjusting nuts and screws of the front wheels for tightness and looseness issues.
Wheelchair Positioning
Preferably maneuver your manual wheelchairs with the seat at a 45-degree angle concerning the ground. This is better for both comfort and ease of propulsion. Also, using it flat on the floor or in a park requires extra effort.
Luggage Rack
Wheeled bags should be placed on the rear rack of your manual wheelchair. Always put them in a way that they do not obstruct your vision or cause inconvenience when operating the manual wheelchair.
Safety Helmets
When maneuvering the manual wheelchair through rough surfaces, use safety helmets. They will protect your forehead, face, and neck from scraping injuries. Always use safety helmets when installing or taking out seats or other accessories in your manual wheelchair.
Wheelchair Accessories
When you are buying your manual wheelchairs, ensure to get the relevant accessories. These accessories include brakes, canes, leg supports, and other safety devices. You can also get them quickly from wheelchair distributors or retail outlets.
Weight Capacity
Some national health care authorities have stipulated maximum weight capacity for manual wheelchairs to prevent injuries when operators weigh more than recommended levels. Therefore, make sure you check your manual wheelchair label for maximum weight capacity before operating it.
Braking Pedals
Always make sure the brakes of your manual wheelchair are in working condition to avoid hazardous situations. Also, make sure to use the brakes and not the steering wheel to prevent injuries.
Use and Care of Brakes and Braking Systems
When putting your manual wheelchair into safety mode/applying brakes, use safety helmets and gloves. They will protect yourself from injuries . You can also put a small towel on your lap for protection against the heat produced by the braking system during braking efforts.
Adjusting Wheelchair Seats
You must adjust manually powered wheelchair seats according to your height and body type. It6 will help you to avoid discomfort or injury during use. Ensure that your sitting width is comfortable for easy maneuvering.
Wheelchair Folding
Manual wheelchairs should be carefully folded when not in use to avoid injuries caused by the brakes or wheels when left loose. Avoid leaving it in a locked position when not in use to avoid accidents during movement.
Repairs
If there is damage to your manual wheelchair, ensure you get it repaired immediately to avoid further damages and injuries in the future. Also, check with your local health care official for guidance about manual wheelchair repairs. Check for any required approval certificates before you commence repairing works on the device.
Securely Store
It is essential to securely store your manual wheelchair when you are not using it or away from where it can get damaged or stolen. Ensure that all locks, parts, and accessories are correctly secured before storing the wheelchair.
Wheelchair Safety Information
Before purchasing a device, always read manual wheelchair labels. It will ensure that it complies with health care standards, national regulations, and the user manual. Thus, you can avoid being sanctioned for non-compliance. Also, ensure you get all required authorizations before operating your device in public. Do it even when taking it apart for repairs or other maintenance activities.
Manual Wheelchair Handling
When maneuvering manual wheelchairs, always use the steering wheel to ensure ultimate control. When using your hand to push on the steering wheel, make sure your hands are placed on both sides of the wheel. Also, steer your manual wheelchair carefully and avoid hurting yourself or other people as you maneuver it.
Pushing with Feet
Preferably use your feet to propel the wheels for more incredible speed and mobility instead of pushing with your hands. Doing so will keep you away from injuries and receive the benefits of manual wheelchairs, such as reduced pain, weight, and effort.
Modifying Wheelchair Seats for Safer Pushing
You can modify the hand brake levers or hand brake systems of manual wheelchair seats. It can be done to ensure more accessible and safer pushing with feet by removing the lever entirely from the brake adjustment assembly. It will prevent the accidental application of brakes at any time. Also, ensure that the locking systems on wheelchairs are correctly adjusted to avoid injuries as you maneuver them.
Wheelchair Wheel Lock Position
When wheeling your manual wheelchairs, ensure that you lock the rear wheels to prevent slipping and loss of control. This is also crucial for preventing other people from tripping over the wheels and hurting themselves during transit. Always lock and unlock the wheel locks using both hands. Do this to make sure it is effectively engaged and disengaged to avoid accidents after removing wheel locks.
Acclimatization to Wheelchairs
If you have never used a manual wheelchair before, it may take time for your body to conform to your new device. During this period, ensure you are careful when maneuvering the device to avoid falling or falling over others.
Manual Wheelchair Maintenance Processes
Ensure you get your manual wheelchairs serviced regularly. Do this to maintain their durability for prolonged periods. Yet, also check the manufacturer’s recommendations for suitable maintenance activities.
Wheelchair Operation
Always use your hands on the steering wheel when maneuvering manual wheelchair. It will prevent falling out of the device or injuring others due to sudden direction changes or speed while operating it. You can keep some tension on the steering wheel throughout operation to enable quick braking in case of danger during the transit.
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Conclusion
Manual wheelchairs are great mobility devices. They provide rich benefits to people with disabilities. You can have greater control over the movement of your wheelchair with the use of manually powered wheelchair systems. Always put safety first when using these devices to avoid injuries to yourself or others. This article includes the top tips to provide you with information on best practices and safe operation.
