General Information about Securing Wheelchairs:
1. Proper securement of the wheelchair and the rider are two of the most important duties a van driver has when transporting a person who uses a wheelchair or scooter.
2. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require that a 7-point system be used: 4 points to secure the wheelchair, 3 points to secure the rider. The shoulder belt must be attached to the vehicle. The lap belt can be attached to the wheelchair 4-point system or to the vehicle.
3. The wheelchair must be forward-facing. •The securement system is designed to be used with the wheelchair facing forward.
•Wheelchair securement positions are inherently safer and wheelchairs and the human body are better capable of surviving a frontal crash when facing forward.
•Sled tests show that side-facing positions are unstable and often collapse.
•Lap and shoulder belt restraint systems are designed to be most effective in the frontal impact position. Wheelchairs are stronger in front loading conditions as opposed to side loading.
Procedures for Securing the Wheelchair
1. The wheelchair is forward-facing.
2. Center the wheelchair with the anchorages in the floor.
3. Set the brakes on both sides.
4. If applicable, turn off the wheelchair power.
5. At a minimum, the front straps must be the same type and the back straps the same type.
6. Do not interchange systems. Use only one manufacturer’s tie-town system for each wheelchair.
7. The wheelchair in anchored at 4 points using the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Secure the hooks at the end of the straps to appropriate position, first on the front and then on the rear of the wheelchair frame.
9. The ratchets are used in back and the cams are used in front.
10. Tighten the back ratchet straps.
11. Operating the ratchet straps: •Before attaching the tie-down to the wheelchair/scooter, ensure that the ratchet strap moves freely on the ratchet spool by pulling back on the release.
•While holding the release back, move the ratchet handle to a fully open position. (The handle should be straight). This will allow the strap to move freely on the ratchet spool for adjustment when securing the wheelchair/scooter.
•The ratchet lever will move freely when Steps A & B are complete. The ratchet lever will then tighten the strap securely.
•The ratchet must be left in the fully closed position to complete the procedure.
•To release, pull back on the ratchet lever and open the assembly side.
12. The straps are attached properly: •They are at as close to a 45 degree angle as possible.
•The angle is no less than 30 degrees an no more than 60 degrees.
•They are not attached to the wheels or any detachable portion of the wheelchair.
•They do not bend around any object.
•They are away from sharp edges or corners.
•They don’t crisscross.
•They are not twisted.
•There is no forward or reverse movement.
•Never use the 4-point system without the 3-point lap and shoulder belt.
General Information about Securing the Rider
1. Always use a 3-point system to secure the rider.
2. The occupant restraint system is separate from the wheelchair securement.
3. The 3-point system secures the rider’s pelvis and torso.
4. The occupant restraint system can be attached in several ways.
•To vehicle anchorage points.
•To the wheelchair securement system.
•To the wheelchair itself.
Procedure for Securing the Rider
1. Position the lap belt. •Over the pelvic bones, not the abdomen.
•Inside the armrests, between the side panels and the seat cushion.
2. Adjust the lap belt so it is snug.
3. Position the shoulder belt. •So that it does not cross the riders face or neck.
•Never under the rider’s arm where it would cross the rib cage.
4. Adjust the shoulder belt to achieve firm but comfortable tension.
5. Never twist the belts.
6. Belts should always lie flat against the body.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require:
What are two of the most important duties of a van driver who transports people who use wheelchairs?
When a wheelchair is properly secured in the van:
The van driver should never
Which is the correct sequence of actions?
