N.H. Admin. Code § Saf-C 5917.12

Current through Register No. 36, September 5, 2024

Section Saf-C 5917.12 - Wheelchair Vans for Hire Equipment and Supplies

(a) Each wheelchair van for hire shall remain in good working condition and be subject to inspection at any time, with or without prior notice, by officials designated by the director.

(b) Each wheelchair van for hire shall conform to the following:

(1) The wheelchair van shall be a passenger type, rubber-wheeled vehicle maintained in such a manner as to ensure the safety and comfort of the operator and passenger(s) being transported;

(2) The wheelchair chair van shall have at least one exit large enough to accommodate the loading and unloading of an occupied wheelchair and one additional exit which shall be, at minimum, for emergency use;

(3) The wheelchair chair van interior and wheelchair loading doorway shall have the following minimum dimensions:

a. Height of wheelchair van interior - 52 inches;

b. Height of loading doorway - 42 inches; and

c. Width of loading doorway - 39 inches;

(4) The wheelchair van shall be equipped with wheelchair or stretcher locking devices that are permanently affixed to the chair van for each wheelchair or stretcher position for which the chair van is designed. The locking device shall be capable of securing the wheelchair or stretcher so that it is immobilized during transport, with longitudinal movement not to exceed 2 inches forward and backward, and without any lateral movement;

(5) The wheelchair van shall be equipped with a manual ramp or an electric or hydraulic lift that is permanently affixed to the chair van. If an electric or hydraulic lift is utilized, the lift shall also be capable of manual operation as a back-up system. Manual ramps shall be of single unit construction and may have folding capabilities for storage purposes. Ramps shall have suitable non-slip coating to ensure safe footing for the passenger and personnel;

(6) The wheelchair van shall have an interior lighting system capable of illuminating the entire passenger area. The entrance ramp(s) shall be sufficiently illuminated to ensure safe vision of the passenger(s) and other personnel while loading or unloading wheelchairs;

(7) The wheelchair van shall be equipped with a heating and ventilation system capable of heating or ventilating the entire chair van in a comfortable manner for the passenger(s) and other personnel;

(8) The name of the wheelchair van company shall be clearly displayed in no less than 4" letters on the exterior of the chair van;

(9) The wheelchair van shall be equipped with warning lights that operate independently of the chair van's normal signaling system. Such lamps are to be used when passenger safety or comfort requires reduced operating speeds or when loading or unloading passengers in a heavily traveled area;

(10) All equipment, including unoccupied passenger wheelchairs or stretchers, shall be secured while the wheelchair van is in operation;

(11) The wheelchair van shall have a current state motor vehicle inspection sticker located on the windshield; and

(12) The wheelchair van shall have front and rear license plates with registration stickers for the current registration period.

(c) The wheelchair van shall provide, with trained personnel, appropriate equipment and supplies for the safe transportation of persons with disabilities.

(d) Each wheelchair van shall have the following adjunctive equipment:

(1) Two-way communication capabilities to, at minimum, the 9-1-1 system;

(2) At least one fire extinguisher, either dry chemical or carbon dioxide, with an approved rating of, at minimum, 2-A-10-B-C;

(3) One each, functioning hand held light which shall be powered by:

a. A rechargeable battery with installed charger; or

b. At minimum, 2/D cell sized batteries with replacements;

(4) Four each, road warning reflectors or flares; and

(5) Seat restraints, with shoulder straps, for securing all passengers and personnel in the chair van in the same quantity as the maximum number of people the chair van is designated to accommodate.

(e) Each wheelchair van shall have the following personal care equipment and supplies:

(1) One each, sealable motion sickness bags or plastic containers with suitable covers, for the maximum number of people the chair van is designed to accommodate;

(2) Two each, blankets which shall be fire resistant;

(3) One commercial prepackaged first aid kit;

(4) At minimum, one pocket mask that shall have a one- way valve; and

(5) A minimum of one dozen pair of disposable gloves.

N.H. Admin. Code § Saf-C 5917.12

Derived From Volume XXXIX Number 24, Filed June 13, 2019, Proposed by #12790, Effective 5/24/2019, Expires 5/24/2029.