SECTION 11—TRANSPORT IN VEHICLES
85
Positioning Belts
The angle of the pelvic belt should be within the preferred
zone of 45 to 75 degrees to the horizontal OR within the
optional zone of 30 to 45 degrees to the horizontal.
Steeper side-view pelvic belt angles are especially
important if the pelvic belt is intended to be used for
postural support in addition to occupant restraint in a
frontal crash. Steeper angles will reduce the tendency for a
vertical gap to develop between the user and the belt due to
compliance of seat cushions and belt movement, thereby
reducing the tendency for the user to slip under the belt and
for the belt to ride up on the soft abdomen during normal
use.
Steeper belt angles also reduce the tendency for upper-torso
belts to pull the pelvic belt onto the abdomen during frontal
impact loading.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 11.4.
1.
The pelvic belt should be worn low across the front of the pelvis.
2.
Position the upper-torso belt(s) over the shoulders.
3.
The belt(s) should not be held away from the body by wheelchair components or parts, including but not limited to
wheelchair armrests or wheels. Refer to FIGURE 11.4 for proper and improper positioning of the belts.
4.
Ensure the belt(s) are not twisted.
5.
Adjust belts as firmly as possible, being mindful of user comfort.
Preferred Zone
Optional Zone
Side View
30°
45°
70°
DO POSITION BELT INSIDE OF
ARMRESTS, WHEELS, ETC.
DO NOT POSITION BELT OUTSIDE OF
ARMRESTS, WHEELS, ETC.
