2
2 Safety
2.1
Transporting the Client Within a Wheelchair Fitted with a Matrx Back in a
Motor Vehicle
The following guidelines should be made available to all parties who are responsible for the transportation
of the client, such as schools and transport providers.
Wherever practicable the client should be transferred out of the wheelchair into a vehicle seat and use
a lap and diagonal seat belt or an appropriate child safety seat.
The Matrx back has been dynamically tested and meets the requirements of ISO 16840-4 and Section 20,
ANSI/RESNA WC/Volume 4 “Wheelchair Seating Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles”. A Surrogate
Wheelchair Base (SWCB) and a Hybrid III Midsize-Adult Male Anthropomorphic Test Device were used
in a forward facing frontal impact test. The SWCB was secured by a four-point, strap type wheelchair tie-
down and the occupant restraint was a vehicle anchored lap and diagonal occupant restraint system.
Matrx backs should only be used in conjunction with wheelchairs that comply with the performance
requirements of ANSI WC19 or ISO 7176-19.
Before Entering the Vehicle Check the Following:
Matrx Back - must be securely fastened into the wheelchair as described in the user manual.
Posture Belts and Harnesses - should remain fitted during transportation, although they are designed to
provide postural support only, they are not intended for safety during transportation.
Head Support - must be securely fitted and correctly adjusted close to the rear of the client’s head during
transportation, in order to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.
The Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS)
Wheelchair Tie-down - The wheelchair must be securely tied down within the vehicle, in a forward facing
position, in accordance with the wheelchair and tiedown manufacturers instructions.
Occupant Restraint - A suitable occupant restraint system must also be fitted in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. A minimum is a lap and diagonal belt (lap belts on their own are not suitable).
Restraints that loop over the shoulder and anchor to the vehicle floor should be avoided where possible,
as they can cause a heavy downward load through the client during an impact, the preferred type anchor
above and behind the shoulder as with a car seat belt. The lap section of the belt should fit snugly over
the pelvis of the client and should not be able to ride up to the abdominal area. The upper torso section
of belt should be in contact with the client’s chest and fit over the shoulder(s), while not cutting into the
neck or slipping off the shoulder(s).
2.2
Intended Use
The Invacare Matrx Elite back is designed to provide precise orientation within the wheelchair for optimal
postural support.
Check ALL parts for shipping damage. If shipping damage is noted, DO NOT use. Contact
carrier/dealer for further instruction.
If the wheelchair and Matrx back are to be transported unoccupied, the wheelchair should be tied
down with suitable equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the equipment is to
be dismantled for transportation, ensure that all parts are secured safely within the vehicle.
