67
Issue 10
Transportation
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 20) 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.
Pelvic
restraint
belt
Upper Torso
restraint belt
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.
(Fig 20)
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
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.
Occupant Retraints Instruction
1. The pelvic restraint belt must be worn
low across the front of the pelvis so that
the angle of the pelvic belt is within the
preferred zone of 30 to 75 degrees to the
horizontal.
A steeper (greater) angle within the
preferred zone is desirable i.e. closer to,
but never exceeding 75degrees. (Fig 21)
