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Posted By Judy Whitfield
Having been a member of IOSH for longer than I care to remember, I am now in semi retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis and, like many people with disabilities, I use a Electric Mobility Scooter.
In the past couple of weeks, I have run into difficulties with supposed 'legislation' which decrees that it cannot go in the hold compartment of a coach (something to do with the battery).
It has a sealed lead/acid battery and airlines are prepared to fly the thing, it can also be taken on trains. In its component parts the heaviest bit weighs 19kg.
I have searched database after database with the result that I cannot find this piece of statue, can anyone elighten me or is it a Code of Practice which does not understand the make up of the battery.
I know many safety officers have also taken on the mantle of DDA perhaps they might know?
Any help or thoughts gratefully received
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Posted By Martin Gray
Judy
There does not appear to be any traffic regulations that cover this issue, but I suspect the problem is that the floors of coaches do not have securing points and that your buggy would roll around the cargo compartment.
Aircraft are able to secure cargo within the hold.
There may also be reluctance to load the buggy into the luggage compartment as the buggy will have to be lifted in.
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Posted By Eric Burt
Judy
One of my friends also has MS and comes up against this "can't do this because of health and safety" line.
I can't see any reason why the coach company couldn't take the buggy, and if they have an objection, they should at least have the decency to give you a proper explanation. If there IS legislation (as they claim) then lets have a look at it.
Have you tried the manufacturer or the MS Society for further info?
Also, you may like to check out the Community Transport Association (CTA). They are pretty good.
Let us know how you get on - I'm sure you will find lots of supporters on this forum.
Best wishes,
Eric
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Posted By Ian Mycroft
Judy
I've just spoken to someone who works for one of the major coach operators and their policy is that they will take wheel chairs not exceeding 20Kg, but will not take scooters which have batteries containing acid. The reasons I was given were:
a) weight, i.e. maximum laden weight for coach and manual handling of scooter, b) acid may leak from battery and damage other passengers luggage leaving the company liable.
Ian
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Posted By John Donaldson
Judy,
I don’t know if the news item referred to your self but there was a small piece on teletext for East Anglia.
Apparently someone travelling from Norwich to an airport by coach had been refused permission to take a small buggy due to its alleged weight.
So this could be a national problem.
John
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Its to do with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and will depend on the mode of transport being used, air, road, rail, sea etc and also what the company policy is.
IATA/ICAO decree what an airline can or cannot carry through the Dangerous Goods Regs, in what quantities, how its packaged, how many packs and the synergistic effect it may have, and whether it can be carried on a passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft only.
Dont know why the 'bus' company cannot take it in the hold.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Judy,
Forgot, I would assume that it probably could be taken if it was packaged properly to prevent damage in the event of an accident.
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Posted By Judy Whitfield
Thanks for that! I have now checked the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regs and they do not apply. Also the MHO Regs do not apply ( the scooter weighs 19kg in total.
Is this another misinterpretation of statute?
Perhaps someone might have WANTED to misinterpret it.
The next port of call could be interesting, probbaly disability rights commission!
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Posted By Dave Wilson
DDA doesnt apply to passenger aircraft don't know if it applies to 'buses' or other modes of transport, can anyone enlighten me?
Its difficult to lay down legislation to modes of transport as some of these may not be made in the UK/EU and as such it may not be physically possible to alter or change them to accommodate persons with a Disability, timescales to comply and feasability etc how long does a bus last before it is replaced with a newer more 'friendly' type?. It should though!
It would appear that the driver of the coach in question may have been following a 'company' procedure, I would ask them what their policy is on this, I can say that we have had problems in the airline industry with this in the past where we can take the weelchair but not the battery, it all depends on the type of battery and whether it is truly 'sealed'.
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