Hoists installed to WATs must be strongly mounted to the vehicle; have a skid resistant loading surface; have approach edges with an outer roll stop that is effectual when the hoist is elevated off the ground; and not have a vertical distance more than 12 mm between the horizontal surface of the hoist platform, in its fully elevated position and the horizontal surface of the vehicle entrance. (i.e. at floor level).

A gradient/slope no steeper than one in six (1 in 6) and a width of not less than 800 mm is required in all ramp installed to a WAT licensed. Any WAT approved prior to 28 September 2015 with a one in four (1 in 4) gradient ramp is not subject to this requirement.

Hoists and ramps must comply with the applicable Australian/New Zealand Standards, including AS 3856 – Hoists and Ramps for people with disabilities – Vehicle mounted; Parts 1 and 2.

1.0 Restraint Requirements

1.1 Restraint Design and Construction

The section/s relating to “Design, Construction and Testing” of Australian/New Zealand standards AS/NZS 10542.1:2009 Technical systems and aids for disabled or handicapped persons, must be followed in designing, constructing, and installing the wheelchair restraints and wheelchair occupant restraints.

1.2 Restraint Marking and Packaging

There must be evidence to show that the wheelchair occupant restraint assemblies and subassemblies fitted are/were marked and packed in accordance with the section/s relating to “Marking and Packaging” of AS/NZS 10542.1:2009.

1.3 Restraint Assembly and Installation

The manufacturer’s instructions provided in accordance with the section/s relating to “Instructions for Installation” of AS/NZS 10542.1:2009 must be observed in installing the wheelchair restraint and wheelchair occupant restraint systems.

1.4 Restraint System Location

The clause/s relating to ”Clear space Requirements” of AS/NZS 10542.1:2009 must be observed in installing the wheelchair restraint and wheelchair occupant restraint systems to satisfy the restraint system manufacturer’s clear space requirements.

When not in used by a wheelchair, the area where the wheelchair(s) is restrained must not be used as a baggage area.

1.5 Restraint Anchorages

1.5.1 The guidelines for vehicle strengthening in AS/NZS 10542.1:2009 should be observed. Wheelchair and occupant restraint anchorage points must be strong enough to endure all anticipations of loading. The vehicle usually needs strengthening at the mounting points, and the type of strengthening needed will depend on the applied loads and the strength of the vehicle structure near the anchorages.

1.5.2 Supporting plates must be extended and fully soldered to the nearest body bearer or cross member of the vehicle in cases where timber floors are used.

1.5.3 High tensile bolts which fully engage the threads of the nuts must be used in every wheelchair and occupant restraint anchorage points for strengthening. In addition, self-locking or captive type nuts must also be used.

1.5.4 The position of the occupant restraint anchorages must comply with the requirements given in clause/s relating to “Occupant Restraints – Anchorages or Anchor fittings” of AS/NZS 10542.1:2009.

2.0 Vehicles Used for Transport of Wheelchair Occupants

2.1 Vehicles which are used to carry different kinds of wheelchairs or more than one wheelchair is recommended to follow minimum dimensional requirements (based on the wheelchair dimensions and clearance zones outlined in AS/NZS 10542.1:2009):

2.1.1 A minimum 800mm width of doorways for wheelchair access

2.1.2 A minimum 1400mm height of doorways for wheelchair access

2.1.3 A minimum of 1500mm for internal headroom

2.2 It is better for vehicle windows to extend up to minimum 1400mm height from the vehicle floor so that wheelchair occupants will have a clearer view of surroundings.

2.3 The above minimum dimensional requirements should be met if the vehicle to be modified is to be used as a hire and reward vehicle (i.e. a taxi). Check with the specific registering authority for any special requirements.

2.4 Vehicles which are used to carry different kinds of wheelchairs or more than one wheelchair must meet the emergency exit requirements by fulfilling the following requirements:

• Installation of wheelchair should not block any emergency exits in any of its states-occupied or otherwise.

• Means of emergency exits should remain free of barriers and be able to be opened outwards from both inside and outside.

• Means of emergency exit should be identified by a visible and prominent notice inside and outside the vehicle, displaying the words “EMERGENCY EXIT”, and by words and/or symbols signifying how it is opened, unless, by the exit design, the way of opening is understandable.

2.5 It is recommended to contact the Taxi Licensing Section of the relevant State authority to determine any unique requirements before starting the modifications for Hire and Reward vehicles.