Issue 10
66
Transportation
A wheelchair secured in a vehicle will
not provide the equivalent level of safety
and security of a vehicle seating system.
It is always recommended that the user
transfers to the vehicle seating. It is
recognised that this is not always practical
for the user to be transferred and in these
circumstances where the user must be
transported whilst in the wheelchair the
following advice should be followed.
1. Confirm that the vehicle is suitably
equipped to transport a passenger in
a wheelchair, and ensure the method
of access/egress is suitable for your
wheelchair type. The vehicle should have
the floor strength to take the combined
weight of the user, the wheel chair and
accessories.
2. Sufficient space should be available
around the wheelchair to enable clear
access to attach, tighten and release
the wheelchair and occupant tie down
restraints and safety belts.
3. The occupied wheelchair must be
located in a forward facing position and
secured by the wheelchair tie down and
occupant restraint straps (WTORS tie
downs) meeting the requirements of ISO
10542 or SAE J2249, in accordance with
the WTORS manufacturers’ instructions.
4. The wheelchair’s use in other positions
within a vehicle has not been tested e.g.
transportation in a side facing position
must not be carried out under any
circumstances. (Fig19)
Warning There is a risk of serious
injury or death if this if this advice is
ignored.
5. The wheelchair should be secured by
a Tie Down Restraint system, conforming
to ISO 10542 or SAE J2249 with non-
adjustable front straps and adjustable rear
straps, which typically use Karabiner clips/S
hooks and tongue and buckle fittings.
These restraints generally comprise of 4
individual straps that are attached to each
corner of the wheelchair.
6. The tie-down restraints should be fitted
to the main frame of the wheelchair as
indicated in the diagram on the following
page, and not to any attachments or
accessories, e.g. not around the spokes of
wheels, brakes or footrests.
7. The tie–down restraints should be
attached as close as possible at an angle
of 45 degrees and tightened securely
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Alterations or substitutions must not be
made to the wheelchair securement points
or to structural and frame or components
without consulting the manufacturer.
Failure to do so will invalidate the ability
of a Sunrise Medical wheelchair to be
transported within a vehicle.
(Fig19)