BS 8603:2020 pdf download – Wheelchair transport passport schemes — Code of practice
With particular respect to wheeIchair seated passengers, manufacturers of boarding aids such asramps and passenger lift platforms and wheeIchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems shouldsupport the use of their products with general blanket training that addresses the vast majority ofsituations that staff encounter.
NOTE 2 However there are occasions where the specific requirements of an individual with a disability needadditional measures to be applied or employed, in order to maximize occupant safety when in transport.Thiscan include physical conditions of disability such as pelvic obliquity, scoliosis or support systems such as a PEG(Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) feeding system, or a ventilator. In such circumstances,there is a clearneed for user-specific instructions in order to maximize safety during vehicle entry and egress, as well as whenin transport.
NOTE 3 Where the complexity of a wheelchair user’s needs is greater, the more important the delivery of clearinformation and instruction to drivers and their assistants lt is therefore clear that the application of the schemewould be most beneficial for passengers with more complex needs.
The passport should be attached to a wheelchair, or held about the wheelchair seated passenger, in amanner clearly visible or accessible to the vehicle operating staff. The system should be designed tohold pertinent details, presented in a clear, safe, reliable and durable format.
NOTE 4 The extent of information supplied depends on the complexity of the individual’s disability.
4.2Wheelchair passport creation
4.2.1General
A wheelchair passport system should provide key information to transport providers, drivers andpassenger assistants, relating to the provision of safe transport of individual wheelchair seatedpassengers travelling in road vehicles, presented in a consistent way, so as to be easily accessible.The need for the generation of an information transfer system or passport for transport shouldinitially be identified at an early stage of the equipment prescription or supply process.Medicalprofessionals, the individual user and their parent(s) or care provider should assess the transportneeds and plan the nature of access to transport services as part of lifestyle planning.
As part of the personal transport planning process, there should be collaborative engagement ofprescribers or suppliers, users, their parents or care providers with transport managers within atransport providing organization, in a transport risk management process.
The information to be relayed by the passport or information transfer system should thereforebe determined as a result of a multidiscipline transport risk management process that engages
wheelchair users and their care providers, equipment prescribers and suppliers, transport managers,vehicle drivers, passenger assistants and transport commissioners.
The transport manager or nominated representative within the organization of the transport
provider should, as part of their responsibilities,engage in the provision of the information transfersystem and ensure that adequate additional equipment or operator skills and capabilities are in placefor each identified service user, with information gathered from all relevant stakeholders (see 4.4.1).
4.2.2Information from the wheelchair user
The following information should be obtained from the wheelchair user or an individual acting ontheir behalf:
a) general requirements relating to their comfort and interaction with others during transport;
b) any specific requirements to maintain their posture or position during transport by either integrated or secondary postural support devices;
c)an exemption certificate that has been issued by their GP, in circumstances where the user is unable to use an occupant restraint due to their condition;
d) the requirement for measures or devices to prevent inappropriate release of an occupant
restraint system during transport;
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the Mental Capacity (Amendment)Act 2019 [2].e)specific requirements for the need of medical equipment, e.g.oxygen; andf)any specific action to take in the event of a medical emergency (see 5.2.2).
NOTE 2 User requirements do not automatically override manufacturer’s recommended use.
NOTE3 Where an exemption certificate has been issued, additional risk control measures might be necessaryto ensure the safety of the user and other passengers travelling in the vehicle. The need for such considerationis highlighted in the transport risk assessment template given in Annex A.