Transportability
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).
There is a risk of serious injury or death if this if this
advice is ignored!
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.
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.
5
Fig. a
Fig. b
Pelvic
re-
Upper
Torso
straint
restraint
belt
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.
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.
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.
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 c)
Fig. c
Preferred
zone
2. The upper torso
restraint belt must
Fig. d
fit over the shoulder
and across the
chest as illustrated
Fig d and e
Restraint belts
must be adjusted
as tightly as
possible consistent
with user comfort.
Restraint belt
Fig. e
webbing must not
be twisted when
in use.
The upper torso
restraint belt
must fit over
the shoulder
and across the
shoulder as
illustrated in Fig d
and e.
3. 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 Figs 24-28)
Incorrect
placement
of the
headrest
Correct
placement
of the
headrest