More Details

* Designed to restrain the child or adult during transport when seated in a single seat or high backed double seats where the back rest is split to the seat level

* To fit the harness easy access is required all the way round the seat back and underneath the base of the seat cushion

* The harness can also be used to offer postural support and assist in seating the occupant in an upright sitting position for persons with physical disabilities where extra support and positioning is required during travel

* It is advisable to carry out a safety and risk assessment to first consider the problems involved and what the situation would be if the passenger is not wearing a special needs harness. Could they be in danger to themselves and to other passengers in the vehicle or even other drivers on the road if they are not safely seated during travel?

* Supplier strongly recommend that a safety webbing slicer is purchased with every vehicle harness and kept in the vehicle as a safety precaution.

* This vehicle harness is classed as a low risk medical device and carries the CE mark and complies with the requirements of MDD 93/42 EEC.

Method Of Use

* Only suitable for single backrest seats eg: front seat or rear 'split-backrest' seat styles
All 3 buckles are behind the individual where they cannot reach them
When putting the harness on, the carer is behind the individual
Good access must be available for carer to sit behind seat whilst putting the harness on
Can be used on wheelchairs and other seating systems
Gap is required between seat and backrest for strap to be passed through

Considerations

VEHICLE RESTRAINTS
* It may be helpful to refer to the following Australian Standards to assist in deciding the safest way to transport a child with a disability.
The two Australian Standards covering car restraints are:
(1). AS/NZS 1754:2004 Child Restraint System for Use in Motor Vehicles,
which covers:
- all standard car seats and capsules,
- and harnesses with user mass up to 32 kg.
(2). AS/NZS 4370:1996 Restraint of Children with Disabilities in Motor
Vehicles, which covers:
- recommendations for prescribers,
- situations that require modification,
- and custom modifications to cater for special needs.

* While most child car restraints comply with AS/NZS 1754:2004, when outside the scope of this standard it will be necessary to follow the recommendation of AS/NZS 4370:1996. Therefore a medical certificate or medical prescription is needed specifying that the user with disabilities requires alternative seating other than an approved car restraint. A copy of the current medical certificate should also be carried in the vehicle when using the restraint. It is recommended that the same procedure for adults with special needs.

Wheelchair Restraints
When transporting a person in a wheelchair in a car or van, both the occupant and the wheelchair require an RMS (formerly RTA) approved restraint system. The wheelchair and the occupant need to be separately secured to the vehicle itself.
RMS approval is not required for a postural support, such as a harness, that supports the user in the wheelchair but is not part of the vehicle restraint system.
The use of a headrest is not legally required but strongly recommended. Easily detachable, folding headrests which fit a wheelchair with standard push handles are available. Refer to section Wheelchair, Scooter, Cushions, ramps / Postural Supports - Seating System: Restraint+ Head+Back+Seats

Please note that this vehicle harness is not classed as safety harness but as a medical device for postural support. To comply with safety regulations, the vehicle safety belt must always be worn over the top of the harness. The combination of the existing vehicle safety belt and the secondary harness offers added security for the passenger.

Place Of Manufacture

Unknown

Models

Five models available (check separate items):
* Houdini 13 Harness
* Houdini 22 Harness
* Houdini 27 Harness
* Houdini 28 Harness
* Houdini 31 7-Point Harness

Options

Model 13 is available in two sizes:
* Up to 6 years
* 7 years to Adult

* Anti-Escape Buckle
* Pen-Popper Buckle Upgrade

Installation

1. Place the PVC chest pad against the patient?s chest
2. Pass both horizontal fixing straps around the patient and fasten straps behind the seat back. The lower strap at waist level and the top strap at chest level to hold the patient securely in an upright sitting position
3. Pass the shoulder straps over the patient?s head and shoulders so that the press button part of the buckle is hanging down behind the seat back
The shoulder straps can be adjusted in length so that the vehicle buckle can be positioned well away from their head and out of sight and out of reach of the passenger
4. Pass the understrap between the patient?s knees, down underneath the seat base and up behind the seat back to connect to the press button half of the shoulder strap buckle
5 Adjust all straps to fit securely yet comfortably

Maintenance

Hand wash only - in warm water up to 70/80 degrees
Use mild detergent/anti-bacterial liquid wash
Mild disinfectant can be used
Do not use bleach
Do not tumble dry

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.