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PROCEDURE 1
GENERAL GUIDELINES
SAFETY/HANDLING OF THE HTR
Safety and Handling of the HTR requires the close
attention of the HTR user as well as the assistant.
This manual points out the most common procedures
and techniques involved in the safe operation and
maintenance of the HTR. It is important to practice
and master these safe techniques until you are com-
forta le in maneuvering around the frequently encoun-
tered architectural arriers.
Use this information only as a asic guide. The tech-
niques that are discussed on the following pages have
een used successfully y many.
Individual HTR users often develop skills to deal with
daily living activities that may differ from those de-
scri ed in this manual. Invacare recognizes and en-
courages each individual to try what works est for
him/her in overcoming architectural o stacles that they
may encounter, however ALL WARNINGS and CAU-
TIONS given in this manual MUST e followed. Techniques
in this manual are a starting point for the new HTR
user and assistant with safety as the most impor-
tant consideration for all.
Stability And Balance
WARNING
ALWAYSwearyourseatpositioningstrap.Inasmuch
astheSEATPOSITIONINGSTRAPisanoptiononthe
HTR (You may order with or without the seat posi-
tioningstrap), Invacarestronglyrecommendsor-
dering the seat positioning strap as an additional
safeguard for the HTR user.
5000/5500 MODELS ONLY - Anti-tippers MUST BE
attached at all times. Inasmuch as the ANTI-TIP-
PERS are an option on the HTR (You may order
withorwithouttheanti-tippers), Invacarestrongly
recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an
additional safeguard for the HTR user.
To assure sta ility and proper operation of your HTR,
you must at all times wear your seat positioning strap
and maintain proper alance. Your HTR has een
designed to remain upright and sta le during normal
daily activities as long as you do not move eyond
the center of gravity.
GENERAL WARNINGS (CONTINUED)
WEIGHTLIMITATION
The HTR Tilt/Recline has a weight limitation of 250 lbs.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the HTR
have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare recom-
mends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional
safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
DO NOT lean forward out of the HTR any further than
the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters are
pointing in the forward position whenever you lean for-
ward. This can e achieved y advancing the HTR and
then reversing it in a straight line.
The HTR Tile/Recline MUST e operated y an atten-
dant when the chair is in any tilted or reclined position.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday o stacles can e
alleviated somewhat y learning how to manage your
HTR. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain
sta ility and alance.
A Note To HTR Assistants
When assistance to the HTR user is required, remem-
er to use good ody mechanics. Keep your ack straight
and end your knees whenever tilting the HTR or tra-
versing cur s, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the HTR by lifting on any
removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means
of any removable (detachable) parts of the HTR
may result in injury to the user or damage to the
HTR.
Also, e aware of any remova le (detacha le) parts.
These must NEVER e used for hand-hold or lifting sup-
ports, as they may e inadvertently released, resulting in
possi le injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an
experienced assistant help you efore attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to
move forward in the seat or pick them up from
thefloorbyreachingdownbetweenyourknees.
Changing the seat depth of the chair changes
thestabilityoftheHTR.Tomaintainstability,safety
limits for bending, reaching and transferring ac-
tivities MUST be re-evaluated by a qualified
healthcare professional BEFORE using the HTR.