Wheelchair lifts make it possible for people in wheelchairs to get in and out of vehicles safely and efficiently. However, you must use a lift properly to ensure the safety of both you and the passenger. If you drive for a commercial organization, consult your company's general procedures for use a wheelchair lift properly.
Instructions
1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Make sure there is room so the wheelchair lift platform can open without obstruction. Set the parking brake to make sure the vehicle doesn't roll.
2. Open the wheelchair lift door from outside the vehicle. Lock it in the open position.
3. Press the appropriate button to lower the wheelchair lift platform to the ground. Wait until it reaches the ground and stops before loading the passenger onto the platform.
4. Tell the passenger when it is OK to move onto the platform. Provide assistance if needed. If the wheelchair lift is approved under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the passenger can face the vehicle while riding on the lift. With a non-ADA-approved lift, the passenger must face away from the vehicle.
5. Wrap the wheelchair seat belt around the passenger and fasten it tightly.
6. Set the wheelchair locks to make sure the chair doesn't roll and have the passenger hold onto the handrails on the lift.
7. Stand on the ground and press the appropriate button to raise the wheelchair lift.
8. Let the lift rise a couple of inches. Stop to check the safety barrier. If it is locked, you can continue to raise the lift platform to the appropriate level.
9. Release the locks on the wheelchair, then push the wheelchair into the appropriate seating area inside the vehicle.
10. Fold the wheelchair lift into its designated travel position. Shut the doors.
Tags: wheelchair lift, lift platform, appropriate button, doesn roll, lift properly, onto platform, wheelchair lift platform
