Air travel for the disabled

There comes a time in your life when the need for travelling by air is now essential. There is NO NEED to panic. By making the Airline aware that you require assistance, then  they should provide the necessary assistance.

When my wife and I travelled to Amsterdam in April 2008,  I called the Airline and they met me at Airport checking in area with a wheelchair. They transferred me through to the aircraft without having to queue with the rest of the passengers. They allowed plenty of time for the transfer and insisted that my career (my wife) accompany me. We went via areas of the airport that only Airport staff is permitted.

Once onboard, the first 2 rows of seating were designated for disabled use. The cabin crews were very attentive and catered for all my needs. 
On arrival at Schipol Airport, again an assistant was ready and waiting with a motorized buggy ready to whisk us trough the complex. 
None of the above had been laid down by any law but the Airline had made all the necessary arrangements BEFORE the laws had been introduced.
All of this was made possible with a small amount of forethought and a little bit of planning. We could not fault the Airline or airports.

Assisting disabled or 
General precautions to reduce the risk of MSD injury
Specific precautions to reduce the risk of MSD injury
Further information
Assisting passengers who are less mobile or require use of a wheelchair can present a risk of sprain, strain or back injury to those people assisting them.
The Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2007 came into force in July 2007, and will be fully implemented in July 2008. One of the key elements of this legislation is that airport authorities now have the responsibility of ensuring safe access for disabled people. This is from the time they arrive at the airport until the time they leave. In practice, it is likely that most of the services will be contracted out.
The CAA enforces the Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2007.

General precautions to reduce the risk of MSD injury

These measures should help you reduce the risk of MSD injury.
• Have in place a policy, procedures and practices to meet the needs of disabled and reduced mobility passengers.
• Make available information about services or arrangements to these passengers.
• Ensure information is passed on accurately from booking agents to those persons involved in providing the assistance to these passengers.
• When designing new airports and terminals or undertaking major refurbishments take into account the needs of disabled and reduced mobility passengers.
• When designing new and newly refurbished aircraft take into account the needs of disabled and reduced mobility passengers.
• Provide and maintain suitable equipment for boarding aircraft that minimizes risks to staff and passengers.
• Train all persons providing assistance in the safety measures required and how to safely use any equipment provided.
Specific precautions to reduce the risk of MSD injury
These measures should help you reduce the risk of MSD injury.
• Plan in advance and assess the unique requirements of each disabled or reduced mobility passenger to ensure that the persons providing the assistance have the correct equipment and training.
• Where available air bridges are the preferred means for disabled passengers to board or leave the aircraft.
• If an air bridge is not available alternative methods include scissor lift or ambulift or battery powered wheelchairs/stair climbers/stair lifts or boarding chair.
• Boarding chairs should be used as a last resort  - using a chair on the stairway significantly increases the risk of injury.
• When on-board aircraft use aisle chairs to move people from the aircraft door to their seats.
• Transfer passengers to seats with moveable armrests to minimize lifting or to seats with sufficient legroom to ease movement.
• Use hoists or other suitable lifting or handling devices (such as inflatable cushions, pat slides or other emerging technological solutions) to transfer passengers to their aircraft seat.

Further information

Further information can be found in:
• SIM05/2007/07 ‘Manual handling risks during assistance of passengers boarding or disembarking aircraft’.[1]
• ‘Access to Air Travel for Disabled People – Code of Practice’[2] - Department for Transport guide for airlines, airport operators, travel and tour operators and service. providers to improve accessibility to air travel for disabled passengers
• International Air Transport Association[3] - ‘Airport Handling Manual – 28th Edition’ sections AHM 176 & 176a contain recommendations for the handling of passengers with reduced mobility

Contact The Access Audit team on 01206 577686 or 07941 940596 

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