Sec.14-275b-138. Wheelchair and appliance anchorages (tiedowns)

(a) All wheelchair and appliance anchorage straps, or an equivalent floor to appliance flexible anchorage, when not in use, shall not be located on the floor of the vehicle but shall be securely retained or placed in a secure, clean, dry storage container so as not to present a hazard. Anchorage straps without a manufacturer's label shall not be used. Belts and anchorages shall be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the strength requirements of FMVSS #210. All vehicle mounted portions of anchorages shall be installed so that when in use they will not obstruct the movement of other passengers or present a hazard to persons or property.

(b) For wheelchairs occupied during vehicle motion, wheelchair anchorages shall comply with the requirements of Section 14-275c-31 (d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Anchorage labels shall be marked to indicate the maximum wheelchair weight for which the anchorages have been tested. The anchorages shall have passed impact testing using a deceleration of twenty (20) g's from 30 MPH. In no case shall the elongation of the anchorage tested exceed that of the passenger restraint. Placement of such anchorages shall allow a minimum clear space of thirty (30) inches wide by fifty-three (53) inches long.

(c) For wheelchairs not occupied during vehicle motion, anchorages for empty chairs shall maintain the position of the empty wheelchairs so as to prevent contact with occupants during a sudden stop or collision and shall comply with the strength requirements of subsection (d).

(d) Appliance anchorages shall be provided for other apparatus for the occupants including but not limited to crutches and walkers. Appliance anchorages for apparatus in this subsection shall be composed of and installed using materials capable of withstanding a force equal to twenty (20) times the weight of the heaviest appliance to be restrained, and shall be marked to indicate the maximum weight capable of being restrained.

(e) Bulky, heavy or frangible portable items used by wheelchair bound individuals such as oxygen bottles, radios, lap-top computers or the like must be firmly attached to the persons's wheelchair and shall meet the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.

(f) Instructions for use and installation of wheelchair or appliance anchorages shall be located so as to be readily visible upon removal of the anchorages from their stored location. The instructions shall be in explanatory words and/or symbols, the text portion of the instructions having a minimum height of one eighth (1/8) inch on a contrasting background. The instructions shall be protected with clear durable laminate.

(g) All wheelchair or appliance anchorages not permanently attached shall be a "positive latch" type to prohibit accidental disconnecting. All anchorages designed to be connected or disconnected frequently shall be accessible and operable without the use of tools or other mechanical assistance.

(Effective December 18, 1992)