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Safe transportation in a motor vehicle
(cont’d)
Wheelchair configuration
•
:
Wheelchairs should have their wheel locks applied during vehicle movement. Postural
supports and belts may be used in a moving vehicle in addition to the occupant belt
restraint, but should not be relied upon to replace occupant restraints that have been
designed for this purpose. Where possible, auxiliary wheelchair equipment should be
secured to the wheelchair, or removed from the wheelchair and secured in the vehicle,
during transit so it does not break free and cause injury to vehicle occupants in a crash.
Safety note: Where possible, it is recommended that knee blocks are removed prior to
transportation.
The rear clear zone
•
:
There should be sufficient free space around
the wheelchair and occupant to avoid them
making contact with other vehicle occupants,
unpadded parts of the vehicle, wheelchair
accessories or WTORS anchor points. This is
measured from the rear-most point on the
occupant’s head. The front clear zone is meas-
ured from the front-most point on the occu-
pant’s head. HHT is the estimated seat height
from the wheelchair ground plane to the top
of wheelchair-seated occupant’s head. The
HHT should range from about 120cm / 47” for
a small female adult to about 155cm / 61” for
a tall male adult. FCZ = 65cm / 26” with pelvic
and upper torso belts = 95cm / 37” with only
a pelvic belt.
Safety note: It is strongly recommended that both pelvic and upper torso belts are used
to achieve effective restraint and optimum protection in a crash situation. Wheelchairs
should not block gangway and exits for other passengers in the vehicle.
Qualification
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:
The Chunc Junior, Junior 45°, Spica and Adapt have been dynamically tested to ISO 7176
19 and ANSI/RESNA WC/vol.1 section 19 in a forward-facing mode in conjunction with a 4
point tie down system with integrated lap belt and vehicle-mounted shoulder belt with a
54kg / 125lb. ATD (crash test dummy). This test replicates a 30mph head-on collision. The
Chunc Adapt wheelbase was tested in combination with a drop hook rail interface and a
12kg / 28lb surrogate seating system. These Chunc wheelchairs are ‘A’ rated for application
of user restraints for transport.
Alterations
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:
Alterations or substitutions should not be made to the wheelchair securing points, or to
structural and frame parts or components, without consulting the manufacturer.
Questions
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:
A Chunc representative should be consulted in case of questions about using the wheel-
chair for seating in a motor vehicle. You should also refer to the MHRA bulletin “Guidance
on safe transportation of wheelchairs” MDA DB2001(03).
FCZ
HHT
Side view
