Bus Safety Program Children are our most important resource Think Safety First Not Speed First Wheelchairs

Safety Training Presentation Mustafa Abdullah Safety & Training Instructor

Lift Operation There are many different types of wheelchair lifts, and although the basics are the same, the operational procedures of each can be different. The manufacturer’s instructions should be posted inside the bus, and should be reviewed. You should also make sure you are familiar with the manual operation of the lift in case of a brake down. The bus should be positioned so that the lift comes down on a flat surface. Avoid curbs, inclined pavements and other obstacles that may cause the wheelchair to tip over or backwards.

Make sure the bus’ parking brake is set, and the lift door is secured before operating the lift. Students should be reminded to keep their hands on their laps, away from lift machinery while on the lift. The wheelchair hand-brake must be set, and if supplied, the lift safety belt secured before raising or lowering the lift. Only authorized trained personnel should operate the lift. Do not let family members operate the lift. Safe loading and unloading is the responsibility of the driver and attendant

Loading & Unloading 1.Always load the student facing outwards 2.Never ride the lift with a chair on it 3.Always set the hand brake 4.Always hold onto the chair when it’s on the lift 5.Keep your eyes on the lift, don’t get distracted To avoid injury to a student you must concentrate on every aspect of the lift operation and operational procedures and follow all safety precautions at all times.

Position the wheelchair facing out with the rear end close to the bus

Securing the Wheelchair It is very important that you properly secure the wheelchair. An improperly secured chair could tip over causing injury to the student. Wheelchairs transported on school buses built since 1994 must face forward. Wheelchairs must be secured with a four point tie-down system. Tie down straps should be attached to the main frame near welded joints or on designated “tie down rings” on “transit wheelchairs”. Never attach tie downs to foot rests, wheels or folding cross braces

Four Point Securement Tie-down Straps should not be twisted. Rear straps should be at a degree angle and the front straps at a degree angle to the floor The front straps should be outside the wheels and the rear straps should be inside the wheels

Transit Style Wheelchair Tie Down Rings Enlarged View Transit style wheelchairs are fitted with special rings (“D”-Rings) for connecting the tie-down straps

Passengers in wheelchairs MUST be secured with a 3 point “lap-shoulder belt”. This belt is not the same as the “passenger positioning belt” on the wheelchair. Lap-shoulder belts are NOT optional, they must be used every time you transport a child.

3 Point Lap-Shoulder Belt Photo From PTSI “School Bus Attendant’s” Training Course

Securement Test Always check wheelchair securement before moving the bus. First tell the student what you are going to do. Then release the hand brake, grab the wheelchair hand-holds and gently but firmly try to move the secured wheelchair. If you can move it, the straps are not tight enough. If the chair is secure, or after you retighten the straps, reset the hand brake. Periodically check the securement during the ride to make sure it does not become loose.

Tract Type Tie-Down System

Conclusion There are many different types of wheelchairs and securement systems. You must become familiar with the ones that your district uses. If you encounter a system that you are not familiar with, get help, ask your trainer or supervisor for assistance. Don’t assume that you have it right if you are not positively sure. The best way to secure a wheelchair is to work as a team with the driver and the attendant checking each other’s work.