Providing Clear Space & Padding
Position the wheelchair aboard the motor vehicle to ensure sufficient clear
space in front of, and behind, the occupant.
(See Figs. 1 & 2)
If there are
any hard or sharp objects or components near the wheelchair, such as compo-
nents of lifts or fold-up seats, they must be covered with heavy-duty energy-
absorbing padding to ensure the safety of the wheelchair occupant and other
passengers.
Restraining the Wheelchair Occupant
Your Convaid transit wheelchair was dynamically crash tested
in a forward-facing configuration using an appropriately sized
crash-test dummy restrained by an upper-/lower-torso five-
point harness. To reduce the possibility of head and chest
injuries resulting from contact with vehicle components, you
must use the five-point harness.
(See Figs. 5, 7 & 8)
Your Convaid transit wheelchair provides for the use of a five-point harness,
which replaces the vehicle-mounted lap/shoulder belt. The five-point harness,
which has been dynamically tested in accordance with Annex A of WC19*,
comes standard on the chair. This harness is for children weighing less then
65 lbs, and increases safety because it is attached to the wheelchair rather
then the vehicle, providing a closer fit.
Before loading the wheelchair onto the vehicle lift, adjust and fasten the five-
point harness over the wheelchair user's upper / lower torso. The five-point
harness should be adjusted so the upper torso (shoulder) straps fit/attach to
chair just above the shoulders, the lower torso (pelvic) straps fit low over the
pelvis, and the crotch strap should be adjusted for proper pelvic belt height.
The straps should be adjusted as snugly as possible without
compromising comfort.
*(and proposed section 19 ANSI/RESNA WC/Volume 4)
CONVAID
TRANSIT GUIDE
12
