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| Committees: |
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| The Unwin name is synonymous with in-vehicle safety, and in particular, vehicles involved in the transport of disabled people. We have an unrivalled reputation for technical support with governments and their agencies, both in the UK and continental Europe, and even further afield in the Far East and Australia.
The Company has participated in developing National and International standards for the safety of wheelchair users in vehicles, through the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Company executives have been active members of these committees since their inception in the mid-1980s.
Throughout this period of continued growth, the Company has been at the forefront of developments to improve safety for wheelchair users, and in designing innovative systems to increase the strength of vehicles.
Click here to view our Introduction Brochure.
Click here to view our Safety Guidelines Brochure.
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| Standards: | | | | The various product ranges are covered by different regulations and standards which includes UK and European regulations, and international (ISO) standards. a. Wheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraints
Although, technically, there is very little regulation covering these products, the authorities have associated themselves closely with the international standards. The one legislative exception in the UK, is the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), which defines the standards required for wheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraints used in accessible buses and coaches for more than 22 passengers.
EN ISO 10542
This is a multi-part standard, which defines the design and performance requirements and the test methods, for all wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint systems.
The dynamic test is for a 30mph (48 kph) to zero speed change, resulting in a 20g deceleration. It incorporates an 85kg surrogate wheelchair and a 75kg dummy.
ISO 7176 part 19
This standard defines the design, performance requirements and the test methods, for wheelchairs intended for use as a forward-facing vehicle seat.
The wheelchair and restraint system has to meet the same pulse and excursion limits as ISO 10542, using the same 75kg surrogate dummy, but with a specific wheelchair.
Only a wheelchair can be validated to ISO 7176 part 19. b. Vehicle Seat fixtures
Seat fixtures, which are intended to be used to make seats removable, must be as strong as the OE seats fixed to the vehicle floor.
The seat fixtures, together with a specific seat, or a surrogate seat to simulate worst case, are tested to the requirements of ECE Regulation 14 or EU Directive 76/115 as amended by 96/38. This regulation defines the seatbelt anchorage load requirements by vehicle category (M1, M2 or M3).
Static test by vehicle category
| M1 Vehicles: | Not more than 8 seats in addition to the driver.
Anchorage loads: diagonal 13.5 kN; lap 13.5 kN + 20 x weight of seat | | M2 Vehicles: | More than 8 seats in addition to the driver AND
Gross vehicle weight should not be more than 5000 kg
Anchorage loads: diagonal 6.75 kN; lap 6.75 kN + 10 x weight of seat | | M3 Vehicles: | More than 8 seats in addition to the driver AND
Gross vehicle weight should be more than 5000 kg
Anchorage loads: diagonal 4.5 kN; lap 4.5 kN + 6.6 x weight of seat | c. Passenger restraints (seatbelts)
Seatbelts are subject to full regulation, in accordance with ECE Regulation 16 or EU Directive 77/541 as amended by 2000/3/EC, in terms of dynamic, operational and environmental requirements. d. Floors and anchorages
Rail
Low Profile, Surface and Heavy Duty Rail have been used in conjunction with Unwin products in a wide range of tests, over many years.
When used as a part of a system, Unwin rails are compliant with the requirements of EU Directive 76/115 as amended by 96/38, and/or ISO 10542, according to the specific application.
All Unwin rail meets the M1 level for a single seat, and M2 level for a double seat.
Solo
The patented Solo anchorage system has been specifically tested to the requirements of EN ISO 10542 as above.
Innotrax
The Innotrax flooring system has been tested attached to individual bodyshells, in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 76/115 as amended by 96/38.
The tests and approvals for Innotrax are therefore very specific. For details on individual vehicle model approvals, please contact the Unwin Sales Office.
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| Training: | | | a. Product Training
All passengers are owed a duty of care and it is important that members of staff and helpers should receive proper training before taking on the responsibility of wheelchair passengers. Transport providers also need to conduct brief but regular risk assessments. Product Training is available to all users of Unwin equipments and is carried out on a regular basis at Unwin House or at the customer premises. The training session can comprise of a full product demonstration or can be tailored to individual requirements. The course usually lasts a full day and with a “hands on” format. A certificate of competence is issued on successful completion of the course. Please contact our Sales Office for further information. b. Training DVD
The training DVD is the perfect training aid. The DVD has been produced to demonstrate to customers the correct way of using and fitting Unwin wheelchair and occupant restraint systems in a vehicle.
Copies of the training DVD can now be purchased from our Sales Office at a price of £12.00 each.
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| Training Organisations: |
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| Regular servicing and maintenance of safety systems combined with training in the use of these equipments, is of paramount importance to transport providers, their staff, their customers and the industry as a whole.
The companies below are independent organisations which provide professional auditing of vehicle safety equipments. Whilst a close relationship exists between these organisations and Unwin, it must be stressed that they are independent companies, that take full ownership and responsibility for all the information, advice and services they provide to customers.
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