PAS 900 Code of Practice for Wheelchair Passport Schemes
Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 900 gives the recommendations for the provision and operation of systems to present essential information required by wheelchair users, their carers, vehicle drivers and their assistants, for the safe transport of wheelchair seated passengers in a road vehicle.
What is a Wheelchair Passport?
A wheelchair passport is a means to relay key information to transport providers, drivers and passenger assistants. The passport relates to the provision of safe transport of wheelchair users when being driven on roads. It aims to present the information in a consistent way, so it is easily accessible.
Each person directly involved in the provision of equipment for use in transport, be they the wheelchair prescriber, the user and/or their carer or escort, a transport manager, a vehicle driver and their assistant, needs to act together to create access to the information required to maximise the safety of wheelchair seated passengers.
It is intended that the passport is attached to a wheelchair and designed to hold pertinent details, presented in an easy-to-read, safe, reliable and durable format. The extent of information supplied will depend on the complexity of the individual’s disability.
Passport Scheme Application
PAS 900 is meant for use in transport operations where a risk assessment of the individual passenger’s transport needs has taken place, as part of an overall risk management process.
The term ‘passport’ has been adopted, and it has been noted that the term has connotations of cross-boundary freedom of movement. Whilst the intention of PAS 900 is to provide guidelines for Passport Schemes operated on a local basis, adoption of the scheme across the UK would enable people with disabilities to travel more extensively.
By its manner of operation, PAS 900 intends to unite the skills and disciplines of stakeholders in the provision of wheelchairs and their use in a transport environment.
Contents of PAS 900, the code of practice for wheelchair passports include:
- Introduction
- Scope
- Terms and definitions
- Operational Framework
- Information for the Travel Passport
- Risk Considerations and Awareness
- Passport Design
- Implementation and Roll out
The implementation of PAS 900 is intended to provide enhanced risk control for all wheelchair-seated passengers. However, the advantages in the delivery of clear information and instruction to drivers and their assistants will be at a maximum where the complexity of needs of a passenger is higher. It is envisaged that the roll-out of the scheme would initially be most beneficial for wheelchair-seated occupants with more complex needs before the eventual introduction for all passengers.
This guidance is intended to operate in conjunction with contracted transport providers operating risk assessment procedures as part of a risk management process.
Whilst the information provided by the scheme may be relevant, it would not provide a wheelchair user the right to travel on public transport.
This Publicly Available Specification, PAS 900, is co-sponsored by Essex County Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Unwin Safety Systems.
What is a PAS?A Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is a sponsored fast track standard driven by the needs of the client organisations and developed according to guidelines set out by BSI. Key stakeholders are brought together to collaboratively produce a BSI-endorsed PAS that has all the functionality of a British Standard for the purposes of creating management systems, product benchmarks and codes of practice. After two years, the PAS is reviewed and a decision is made as to whether it should be taken forward to become a formal British Standard.
A wide range of PAS documents are available to buy in the BSI shop, many as instant downloads. Some are available free.
