Use of child restraints for children with a disability or medical conditions Mike Lumley Technical Consultant Britax Childcare Pty Ltd 18 March 2016 TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Guidelines for use AS/NZS 4370 Modifications Accessories Special Purpose and custom restraints TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 Prior to 2012 - limited by weight If plaster is used then Maximum weight in brown. Since AS/NZS 1754:2010 from 2011 - use of shoulder height markers to limit occupant size. Mandatory compliance in order to use in cars – the Road Rules. TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Infant carrier up to approx. 6 or 12 months Backrest sits at approx. 45O. Maximum weight 9 or 12 kg TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Convertible with built in harness. Rear facing up to 6 or 12 or 30 months 9, 12 or 15 kg Backrest sits at approx. 45O.* Forward facing up to 4 years Maximum 22 kg Backrest permitted to reclines to 45O.* TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Booster seat Generally no maximum occupant weight from approx. 4 years up to 6 to 8 years of age. from approx. 4 years up to 8 to 10 years of age. TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Types of child restraints Forward facing with harness from approx. 6 months up to 8 years of age. (New Type G designation) - a better alternative than a booster seat. Maximum weight 32 kg TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Guidelines for restraint of children AS/NZS 4370:2013 Restraint of children with disabilities, or medical conditions, in motor vehicles. Provides Guidelines for prescribing a car seat Covers common disabilities and medical needs Copies can be purchased from SAI Global www.saiglobal.com TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

AS/NZS 4370:2013 Section 2. Assessing and prescribing child restraint (in order of preference): Compliant child restraint is AS/NZS 1754 Modified compliant child restraint Special purpose child restraint Modified special purpose child restraint Customized option TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

AS/NZS 4370:2013 TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Modifications Only modify the main moulding or harness after consultation with the manufacturer. Addition of straps may be simple for improved support but do not over restrain. Restraining the head is a very last resort, packing with cushions and/or reclining is preferred option TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Modifications / Addition of Accessories Longer Buckle Crotch Straps Padding is generally not a concern Buckle guards, cross chess devices, head retention devices need to be used with care. When adding an accessory be mindful of the potential excursion of the head and upper torso. AS 8005:2013 Accessories for child restraints can be used as a guide but at this stage there are no accessories certified or nominated as being compliant.

Special purpose child restraints Not compliant to AS/NZS 1754 and may not be completely compliant to any standard. May be offered for specific disabilities May be a custom made restraint TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

Special purpose child restraints Overseas special purpose child restraints Basic testing of some devices has been conducted by VicRoads. See the TOCAN website TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016