The Safety And Maintenance Of Wheelchairs | Recommendations & Checklist

A wheelchair is usually preferred for those who have suffered from illnesses and injuries that have caused it impossible for them to walk normally. Wheelchair users should always be aware of the necessary safety precautions, even if wheelchairs provide safe and comfortable transportation over short distances.

As previously mentioned, wheelchairs are often a good choice for people with mobility problems. But it is important to remember that keeping the wheelchair properly and ensuring it is used correctly are two things that should never be overlooked. Most of the time, using a wheelchair is simple, but some problematic situations require caution for wheelchair safety.

There are a number of safety precautions you will want to take into account and comply with To ensure you are making the best use of your wheelchair. To prevent accidents and provide other safety advice, we have put together this helpful wheelchair safety guide, and we hope this will be helpful to you.

Wheelchair Maintenance and Servicing

There are various reasons to uphold a wheelchair, as its maintenance can lower expenditures for repairs and replacement, as well as wheelchair failures and their associated effects. If possible, you should routinely check that each part of the wheelchair is functioning.

Remember that poorly maintained wheelchairs would not operate properly and would not be safe as well. Wheelchair components can be dislocated, degrade over time, and may not be able to support heavy loads for longer. Eventually, the chair will show signs of wear and adapt to its environment. It is vital to keep your wheelchair in excellent condition at all times and stay on top of things.

If you use a power wheelchair, you should keep the battery charged and take it to a repair shop as soon as there is a problem. Keeping your wheelchair in top condition is vital for dependability and longevity. Depending on your lifestyle and the quantity of use, a maintenance schedule will be discussed with you by the repair shop professional. Service has a crucial role in wheelchair safety.

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Recommendations and Checklist

The following recommendations and checklist will help you keep track of your wheelchairs' safety and maintenance.

• It's essential to carry out routine maintenance. Maintaining the wheelchair will help you avoid several accidents and malfunctions.
• When getting into and out of the wheelchair, always lock the brakes. Before transferring, always turn off the power on wheelchairs with motors. This preserves battery life and can stop somebody from bumping the joystick.
• When seated in a manual wheelchair, avoid pulling backward on doors or other fixtures. You could fall over backwards if a door opens suddenly.
• Before getting into or out of the chair, raise the footplates.
• Refrain from putting bulky objects on a wheelchair's back. The chair can fall over backward as a result of this.
• Never take out any wheelchair's anti-tip wheels or bars. The chair should not tip backward as a result of this.
• Prevent loose items or lap covers from touching the wheel spokes.
• Don't allow kids to play with your wheelchair. They should be instructed not ever to touch the controls or your wheelchair. They will break if you let them ride on the battery covers or the footrest.
• If you ride in the streets, use a flag. If you ride through the streets at night, operate headlights and taillights that flash. Pick wheelchairs with vibrant colors.
• Steep slopes or inclines should not be traveled. Your chair can fall over if you lose control.
• If your wheelchair has removable arm or leg rests, lift the arms and carefully swing the rest away from the chair to ensure it is secure. Perform this before every use.
• Caster flutter is to be avoided. This is the caster's side-to-side motion, which typically occurs at high speeds. Replace the casters right away if they start to flutter.

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Final Thoughts

Practice additional caution when maintaining and replacing standard components like the front wheel assembly and rear wheel, armrest joints, safety seat belts, armrests, leg guards, seat cushions, and back support cushions.

You must pay attention to the batteries, joysticks, central processing unit controller and cable, motor assembly, etc. when using a motorized wheelchair. Wheelchairs with motors need additional maintenance because they have more moving parts and systems.

If you or someone you love uses a wheelchair, you must keep checking the pressure points to avoid pressure sore development because it is difficult to heal once you get them. You can use medical sheepskins and merino wool products for wheelchairs to prevent pressure sores, as they are effective in pressure sore and bedsore prevention.