Before installing the wheelchair tie-down occupant restraints
•
Ensure that the wheelchair is correctly maintained and that the settings of any adjustable
parts are made according to ‘Instructions for Use in Transport’.
•
Whenever possible remove any items of luggage etc that may be attached to the
wheelchair and secure or store separately during transport in order to reduce the potential
for injury to other passengers traveling in the vehicle.
•
Position the wheelchair facing forward - centrally in the designated region of the vehicle.
Ensure the wheelchair brakes are applied.
•
To minimize the potential for head injuries in an impact, allow a clear space of at least
450mm (18in) behind and 650mm (26in), (FCZ, front clear zone), in front of the head of the
wheelchair user, (Fig A). The shoulder belt anchorage must be roof or side-wall anchored
at a height level such that the belt webbing passes over the midpoint of the occupant
shoulder and at a height that is at or just above the level of the occupants shoulders so as
not to impose downward loads on the spine.
•
A height provision (HHT) ranging from 1000mm (39in) to 1550mm (61in) should be made,
depending on the size of the passenger. There should also be 200mm (8in) of clear
space either side of the wheelchair center line. If these clear space dimensions cannot
be provided then any structure protruding into this area should be adequately padded
and comply with impact performance requirements of ECE Regulation 21 ‘FMVSS 201’. All
vehicle padding should comply with the flammability requirements of ECE Regulation 118
‘FMVSS 302’.
Note: seated head
height (HHT)
ranges from as low
as 1000mm (39in)
for a 6-year-old
child to 1550mm
(61in) for a tall
adult.
Classic wheelchair tie-downs
Classic wheelchair tie-downs
Sa
fe
ty
in
for
m
at
ion
8
9
400mm
(16in)
FCZ
HHT
200mm
(8in)
200mm
(8in)
•
Wheelchair users, their caregivers and family are advised to check
vehicle specifications to ensure that sufficient floor space is available
to accommodate the wheelchair and tie-down system. These
distances are based upon the desire to maintain clear zones for
potential head excursions of occupants provided with both upper and
lower torso restraints.
•
Users of heavy powered wheelchairs are also advised to check vehicle
carrying capacity. If in doubt consult the vehicle supplier for further
details.
•
Any airbag, as fitted to the vehicle, shall be used only as a
supplementary occupant restraint if designed to be used in
combination with the WTORS.
•
Installers of this tie-down should take note of any vehicle airbag
position when planning the installation. Airbags can cause serious
injury if a wheelchair-seated occupant is seated too close to an airbag
position. If in doubt contact the vehicle manufacturer or your National
Automotive Regulatory Body for advice.
Figure A
