11
Important
Lap Strap Safety
Incorrect fitting of lap straps can put the user at serious risk. When using lap
straps we recommend the following points should always be adhered to:
Lap Strap Fitting
•
The angle that the hip belt is attached to
the seating system has a direct effect on
the angle of pull on the pelvis.
Considerations:
•
A 60° angle of attachment to the seat rail
positions the hip belt anterior and inferior
to the ASIS, which reduces the tendency of
the client with a posterior pelvic tilt to slip
underneath the belt.
•
A higher angle of attachment of the primary
straps encourages a posterior pelvic tilt,
which assists in positioning clients with an
anterior pelvic tilt.
•
The secondary straps of a 4-point hip belt
are attached to the seat post between 45°
and 90° to hold the primary padded strap
in place and to prevent the belt from riding
into the abdomen or twisting.
•
The angle of attachment may have to be
compromised in order to accommodate
such situations as wounds in the pelvic
area, unstable hip joints or gastric tubes.
Tightening the belt
•
Keep belt tightened at adjustment straps
during fitting and daily use to ensure
correct pad placement. For padded hip
belts the pads are to be touching when
correctly tightened. For non-padded hip
belts the Adjustment strap at the buckle
should be approximately 3” (76mm) long.
Education of the care giver is essential for
correct hip belt positioning.
Sizing
•
Measure hip width to determine the belt
size required. The suggested method for
measuring hip width is from trochanter to
trochanter. If this is not possible, measure
from ASIS to ASIS and add a couple of
inches. The correct belt size for the
individual has padding that covers all of the
bony prominences.
•
Always check that the child’s pelvis is
symmetrical and positioned securely at
the back of the seat.
•
Always ensure that the lap straps and
chest harness hold the child securely
and are comfortable. Ensure they
provide a snug fit, a simple rule of thumb
is to allow two fingers to be inserted
between the belt and the child’s body.
•
Never leave a child in a chair unattended
without the lap strap being fastened.
•
A lap strap should always be fitted if a
harness is being used.
•
When altering the angle between the
seat and the back of the chair always
re-adjust the chest harness and lap
strap accordingly to ensure all safety
recommendations are followed.
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