Requirement No.8 - Boarding device
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FOR INCLUSION IN REGULATIONS |
FOR ACCOMPANYING GUIDANCE |
EXPLANATION |
| 8. Boarding device |
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| 8.1 A boarding device must be provided at the doorway through which a wheelchair and its occupant would enter. |
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Access to the vehicle must be possible from the road either by lift, ramp or similar device fitted to the vehicle that will allow the wheelchair and occupant to enter the passenger compartment in safety and comfort. |
| 8.2 Power operated boarding devices must be capable of manual operation in the event of power failure. |
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This ensures that wheelchair users can exit the vehicle in the event of power failure. |
| 8.3 The vehicle must not be driven from rest unless the boarding device is in the normal position for vehicle travel. |
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This is to ensure that the boarding device is safely stowed before the vehicle moves. |
| 8.4 A boarding device must have a minimum safe working load of 300kg and operate under normal loading conditions without undue deflection. |
The boarding device should be clearly marked with the maximum safe working load. |
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| 8.5 Boarding devices must be stowed in a way which does not obstruct any handle or other opening device for any exit and such that in the event of an accident it could not cause injury to either passengers or the driver. If the boarding device obstructs an exit it must also be capable of being pushed or pulled out of the way from the inside and outside when the door is open so as to leave the doorway clear for use in an emergency.
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When boarding devices are stowed they should not prevent egress in an emergency. This requirement ensures they do not obstruct any exit opening device and can be easily pushed or pulled out of the way from inside the vehicle. |
| 8.6 Any controls for the operation of a power operated boarding device must be inhibited while the vehicle is in motion and may only be operated at the point where the boarding device is fitted either by the driver or by an individual under their supervision. |
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| 8.7 Any manually operated boarding device must be easy to operate. |
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| 8.8 No device other than a ramp or lift is permitted without authorisation from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. |
The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions should be notified if an alternative boarding device is proposed. |
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| Ramps
8.9 A ramp must provide a surface of at least 750mm wide available for a wheelchair. |
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| 8.10 A ramp must not exceed 1700mm in length. |
A pair of channel ramps must not be used. However, ramps which fold are permitted provided the ramp is rigid when deployed. |
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| 8.11 When the ramp is deployed onto the road the ramp slope must not exceed 1 in 4 (25%). In all cases it must be possible to deploy the ramp onto both a level road and a 125mm high kerb. |
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These two requirements ensure ramps will not be too steep and limits the obstruction of pavements. |
| 8.12 When in use the ramp must be securely located at the point of wheelchair entry. |
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This ensures that the ramp cannot move while it is being used. |
| 8.13 The surface of all ramps must have a slip resistant finish. All outer edges must be clearly marked in a contrasting tone and colour. |
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This requirement ensures ramps are more visible when deployed to help prevent people tripping over them. The surface of ramps must be of a non-slip material to aid safe use particularly in wet weather conditions. |
| 8.14 When deployed the ramp must be in one piece. |
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This requirement is to prevent pairs of channel type ramps from being used. Experience shows that most disabled people do not feel safe using that type of ramp. |
| Lifts
8.15 The lift platform must be not less than 750mm wide, and not less than 1200mm long. |
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| 8.16 When raising and lowering the platform and while the platform is in the raised position, a device, not less than 100mm in height must come into operation to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off. |
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This is to ensure that the wheelchair cannot roll off the lift platform during the raising or lowering of the lift. |
| 8.17 The vertical operating speed of the platform must not exceed 0.15m/s. |
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| 8.18 The lift must be capable of reaching the ground. |
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| 8.19 The controls must allow the driver to operate the lift whilst travelling on the lift platform with the passenger. |
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Established best practice shows that:
the lift controls should be operated by the vehicle driver or someone under their supervision;
lifts should be capable of accommodating the lift operator and passenger.
This requirement ensures that lifts on taxis will be designed to allow this to happen. |
