ENGLISH
35
Sopur Easy Life Rev.H
3.0 Transportability
DANGER!
There is a risk of serious injury or death if this if this advice is
ignored!
Transportation of your wheelchair within a vehicle:
A wheelchair secured in a vehicle will not provide the equivalent
level of safety and security as 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 must 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
manufacturer’s 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 (Fig. A).
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.
9. Both pelvic and upper torso restraint belts must be used to
restrain the occupant to reduce the possibility of head and chest
impacts with the vehicle components and serious risk of injury to
the user and other vehicle occupants. (Fig B) The upper torso
restraint belt should be mounted to the vehicle “B” pillar - failure
to do so will increase the risk of serious abdominal injuries to the
user.
10. A head restraint suitable for transportation (see label on
headrest) must be fitted and suitably positioned at all times
during transportation.
11. Postural supports (lap straps, lap belts) should not be used
or relied on for occupant restraint in a moving vehicle unless
they are labelled as meeting the requirements specified in ISO
7176-19:2001 or SAE J2249.
12. The safety of the user during transportation depends upon
the diligence of the person securing the tie-down restraints
and they should have received appropriate instructions and/or
training in their use.
13. Wherever possible remove and stow safely away from the
wheelchair all auxiliary equipment, for example:
Crutches, Loose cushions and Tray Tables.
14. Articulating/elevating leg rest should not be used in the
elevated position when the wheelchair and user are being
transported and the wheelchair is restrained using Wheelchair
Transport and Occupant Restraints.
15. Reclining backrests should be returned to an upright
position.
16. The manual brakes must be firmly applied.
17. Restraints should be mounted to the vehicle “B” pillar
and should not be held away from the body by wheelchair
components such as armrest or wheels.
Fig.A
Fig.B
