Section 5: Tips for Preventing Slips or Falls When Using Tractor Chair Lifts

1. Make sure that all transfers from a wheelchair to chair lift are level. Uphill or downhill transfers should be avoided because they can result in loss of balance and a potential fall.

2. The lift seat should include armrests to help the operator maintain stability during transfers and while the lift is being raised or lowered.

3. The lift seat should be deep enough to prevent the operator from sliding out of the seat. The space between the front of the lift seat and the back of the operator’s knees should be approximately two inches.

4. Every lift seat should include a seatbelt and the seatbelt should always be used. The seat belt can prevent the operator who has leg spasms as a result of a spinal cord injury from sliding off the lift seat. The seat belt can also help the operator sustain balance and position in the lift seat.

5. The lift seat should be tilted slightly upward to prevent the operator from sliding forward.

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In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story—Filer Uses Pilot Lift to Access Tractor Section 2: Focus—Commercial Lifts Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes—Commercial Lifts	Section 4: State Project Feature—Delmarva Project Section 5: Tips for Preventing Slips or Falls When Using Tractor Chair Lifts Section 6: Contacts