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* 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.

* Fits most types of vehicle seating including low or high backed

* Is used on aircraft seats by many leading airlines

* The two transverse fixing straps do not interfere with the passenger behind using the drop down trays (depending on airline)

* It is recommended to seek permission from the airlines to use the Houdini 27 harness prior to departure

* 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

* 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

* 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?

Method Of Use

* Only suitable for single backrest seats eg: front vehicle seat, split rear backrest seats, bus and airline seats
* Attaching straps go horizontally around the rear of the seat it is installed on
* Full 5-point harness for good support (crotch strap between the legs doesn't need to be used if not required)
* Access to rear of seat is necessary when installing
* Cross strap can be purchased for additional security of the shoulder straps (prevents the shoulder straps been pulled off)
* No gap required between seat and backrest

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

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

* Anti-Escape Buckle
* Pen-Popper Buckle Upgrade
* Harness Cross Strap

Installation

1. Place the PVC backing of the harness against the front of the seat back
2. Pass the two top horizontal fixing straps around the seat back
3. Pass the tail-ends of the horizontal fixing strap around the vehicle backrest and bring them up to connect through the Aluminium Bar Buckles of the top fixing straps
4. Position the body harness so that the waist belt will be in line with the waist
5. Tighten the horizontal straps to fit the seat back as securely as possible and pass the loose ends through the Tri-Glide slide
6. With the harness unfastened at the waist belt sit the passenger on the crotch strap which is lying on the seat cushion and bring their arms through the shoulder straps
7. Now bring the crotch strap up between the legs and loop it back onto the waist belt over the buckle
8. Connect the waist belt buckle to fasten the harness
9. Adjust all straps to fit tightly yet comfortably by pulling the tail-ends of strapping through the adjuster buckles
10.To remove the passenger from the harness - Unfasten the buckle on the waist belt at the centre-front

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.