ENGLISH
27
HeliX
2
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.
Fig.A
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. If the user may be compromised during transportation; by the
removal of some options intended for their comfort and support, for
both head and body, then a risk assessment maybe required .e.g.
Elevating leg rests, specialists seating systems or other prescribed
adaptations.
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.B
