Ramp Passenger Safety

RAMP OPERATION

Unless your transit agency has a published policy stating that driver/attendants do not aid ramp (disabled) passengers, it is the responsibility of the driver/at- tendant to ensure that ramp passengers enter and exit the vehicle on the ramp in the saf- est manner.

ADA requirements state that tran- sit drivers/attendants must assist with attaching and removing wheelchair and occupant restraint belts.

Ramp passengers (wheelchair passengers and standees), and attendants must use common sense and good judgment regard- ing ramp safety. Each wheelchair passenger (or standee) has a unique set of physical abilities combined with the physical char- acteristics of his or her wheelchair (or other mobility aid) that dictate the method in which he or she will enter and exit the vehicle.

Wheelchair attendants should be instructed on any special needs and/or procedures required for safe transport of wheelchair pas- sengers. Follow all safety instruc- tions regarding torso restraints,

WARNING

stability, balance, weight distri- bution and use of attendants as specified in the owner’s manual supplied with the passenger’s wheelchair (or other mobility aid). Wheelchair passengers must determine, establish and practice ramp boarding and exiting proce- dures under the direction of the their personal health care profes- sional and wheelchair representa- tive. Those procedures should be conveyed to the ramp attendant. Know your passengers abilities and needs for optimum safety.

Attendants must never operate the vehicle, the ramp or assist passengers if intoxicated. In- toxicated passengers should not be allowed to board or exit the vehicle.

Passengers should be positioned in the center of the ramp at all times. Attendants and ramp pas- sengers must be able to clearly view the ramp whenever boarding and exiting the vehicle. Observe your passengers at all times when they are entering and exiting the vehicle.

Wheelchair-Equipped Occupant Seat Belts: Wheelchair passen- gers should position and buckle their wheelchair-equipped seat belt (torso restraint), as specified by the manufacturer, before load- ing onto a wheelchair ramp.

Different types of disabilities require different types of wheel- chairs and different types of wheelchair-equipped occupant restraint belt systems (torso re- straint). It is the responsibility of the wheelchair passenger to have his or her wheelchair equipped with an occupant restraint (seat belt) under the direction of their health care professional.

Stabilizing Wheelchairs: Pow- ered and manual wheelchairs are designed to remain upright and stable during normal opera- tion. All activities which involve movement in a wheelchair have an effect on the combined center of gravity of the occupant and wheelchair. Be aware of the ramp slope (angle). The slope of the ramp has a direct effect on the center of gravity. The wheelchair passenger’s center of gravity and their ability to maintain stability and balance must be kept in mind by the wheelchair passenger and the attendant.

The aid of an attendant stabilizing the wheelchair is recommended for optimum safety. Wheelchair passengers who are unable to maintain stability and balance should not board a ramp without assistance. Counterbalance devices (anti-tippers) may be available from the wheelchair rep- resentative to enhance stability and balance.

Position and fasten the wheelchair- equipped occupant seat belt before loading onto the wheelchair ramp. Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury and/or property damage.

WARNING

Be aware of ramp slope.

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