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

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

3. Types of child restraints
Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754
Prior to limited by weight If plaster is used then Maximum weight in brown.
Since AS/NZS 1754:2010 from 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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
TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

9. 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

10. AS/NZS 4370:2013
TOCAN CRS 18 March 2016

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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