8/9HM 8/9TM__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
8/9HM 8/9TM User Manual Page 22
6.3 Transportability
Transportability of wheelchairs and users in vehicles
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 has access that is suitable for your wheelchair type)
2.We recommend:
a) That the wheelchair be secured by a 4-part (webbing) Tie Down Restraint system,
conforming to ISO 10542. These restraints generally comprise of 4 individual straps
that are attached to each corner of the wheelchair
b) That the occupant should be restrained independently of the wheelchair by a lap and
diagonal safety belt, conforming to ISO 10542. This is similar to a car seat belt that
comes across the user’s shoulder and around the waist.
c) Any part of the wheelchair accessories such as kerb climbers) that can easily be
detached should be removed and stored in the vehicle luggage compartment during
transportation.
d) The wheelchair should always be transported in the forward facing direction.
e) 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.
f) If other passengers in the vehicle are provided with a headrest the wheelchair user
should be provided with a headrest that is suitable for use with the wheelchair in
transportation.
g) 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.
h) 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.
i) Pelvic restraint, posture belts or lap belts supplied with the wheelchair should always
be used in addition to, but never as a substitute for the approved passenger restraint
belts.
j) 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.
The wheelchair should be restrained with 4-point tie down webbing straps, with non-
adjustable front straps and adjustable rear straps, which typically use Karabiner
clips/S hooks and tongue and buckle attachments.
The attachment points to the chair are the inner front side frame just above the castor
and the rear side frame. The straps are fitted around the side frames at the
intersection of the horizontal and vertical frame tubes. (See illustration on following
page)
The tie down symbol on the wheelchair frame indicates the position of the wheelchair
restraint straps. The straps are then tensioned after the front straps have been fitted
to secure the wheelchair.
The wheelchair must be facing forward and the manual brakes firmly applied. The wheelchair
occupant should be secured using a 3-point double inertia reel belt.
Tie
Down
Label