My HPRA: Register

Wheelchairs used in Vehicles

Notice type: Advisory

Date: 28/10/2009

Product name or type:
Wheelchairs used in Vehicles

Manufacturer Or Supplier:
All wheelchairs supplied by all manufacturers

Target Audience:
Health Board CEOs
Community Care Managers
Community Therapists
Health Visitors
Carers of the Elderly
Risk Managers
Loan Store Managers
Children’s Disability Services
Educational Establishments

Problem Or Issue:
The use of wheelchairs as seats in motorised vehicles, where they are not adequately secured in place, poses a risk to the user and others in the vehicle in the event of sudden deceleration.

Background Information Or Related Documents:
During the last 12 months the IMB has been advised of a number of safety communications issued by wheelchair manufacturers in relation to different types of wheelchairs which require restraints when used in motorised vehicles. There is a risk of injury to the occupant of the wheelchair and others present in the vehicle if the wheelchair was to move unexpectedly in the event of an accident or sudden deceleration.
To reduce the likelihood for similar incidents, the IMB recommend that the following actions are taken

Wheelchairs used in Vehicles Document

Actions To Be Taken:
1) Ensure the appropriate personnel are made aware of this notice.

2) If you use a wheelchair in a motorised vehicle please ensure that:

    a)  The wheelchair has been designed for such use.
    b) The appropriate “tie down” fixtures are being used.
    c) The instructions for use for your particular wheelchair are being followed.

Further Information:
All adverse incidents relating to a medical device should be reported to the:

Health Products Regulatory Authority
Human Products Safety Monitoring Department
Kevin O’Malley House
Earlsfort Centre
Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2

Telephone: +353-1-6764971
Fax: +353-1-6344033
E-mail: vigilance@imb.ie
Website: www.hpra.ie

Wheelchairs used in Vehicles

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