BS 8603:2020 pdf download.Wheelchair transport passport schemes – Code of practice.
Living with a disability can provide many challenges to individuals, their families and carers throughout their everyday lives. In some circumstances a wheelchair might be beneficial to assist with mobility. The design and function of a wheelchair and seating system, however, can vary widely depending on the age, needs and physical characteristics of the user and their carers.
Greater freedom of mobility and access to safe transport lies at the heart of many day-to-day activities for all members of society. Similarly, safe transport for wheelchair users is a key element in an individual’s ability to access medical facilities as well as participate in education, work and leisure. It is therefore highly probable that a wheelchair will be used as a seat in a motor vehicle, regardless of complexity of disability.
Blanket operator training services provided by passenger lift platform and wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system manufacturers are generally capable of delivering the basic principles of equipment usage but for more complex cases where specific provisions need to be applied, the passport scheme has a major role to play as a means of specific information transfer.
Presenting essential information for wheelchair securement, occupant restraint and other needs of the wheelchair user to transport providers in a clear manner with a common method of operation can not only reduce risks associated with travel, but enable greater confidence for the passenger, their carers and families in the achievement of social inclusion.
1 Scope
BS 8603 gives recommendations for the provision and operation of systems to present essential information required by wheelchair users, their carers, transport commissioners, providers and their subcontractors, vehicle drivers and their assistants, for the safer transport of wheelchair-seated passengers in a road vehicle.
BS 8603 also gives clarification on the roles and responsibilities of all parties engaged in the provision of wheelchairs, seating systems and wheelchair accessible transport services. This includes equipment prescribers, transport managers and transport commissioners. The standard outlines a risk-oriented approach to maximizing passenger safety when essential information is determined as a result of a multidiscipline transport risk management process.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of BS 8603, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 add-on components
hardware that is attached to the wheelchair frame subsequent to sale by the wheelchair manufacturer, in order to enhance design and/or performance of the wheelchair
NOTE Tools might be required to fit or remove add-on components, for example, seat back extensions, trays, spoke guards, head supports and oxygen cylinder carriers.
3.2 anchorage
assembly of components and fittings by which loads are transferred directly from the wheelchair tie-down to the vehicle, or from the occupant restraint to the vehicle, wheelchair, wheelchair tie-down or vehicle interior component
3.3 boarding aid
device intended to facilitate wheelchair access to vehicles.BS-8603-2020