Summary
The importance of wheelchair securement in transportation cannot be overstated. The WC18/19 standards have been established to ensure the highest safety and compatibility for wheelchair users during transit.
These standards provide enhanced safety by minimizing the risk of injury and pave the way for lightweight and efficient securement solutions like WOTS. By adhering to WC18/19, wheelchair users and businesses alike can benefit from peace of mind, knowing that the products they rely on meet rigorous safety requirements.
Our WOTS system fully complies with these standards, offering a combination of lightweight design and robust protection, ensuring that safety is never compromised.
Introduction
Ensuring safety during transportation for wheelchair users is crucial. With advancements in securement technology, the introduction of WC18/19 standards marks a significant leap forward in safety and compatibility.
These standards set the foundation for securement systems that not only protect but also offer convenience and confidence for wheelchair users.
Our WOTS (Wheelchair Occupant Tiedown System) embodies these principles, providing a secure and lightweight solution that aligns perfectly with these critical standards.
WOTS Journey to WC18/19 Standards
When we embarked on developing the Wheelchair Occupant Tiedown System (WOTS), we knew we were setting ourselves up for a challenge. Our commitment to using only the best materials led us to aluminum - a premium, lightweight metal that is as strong as steel.
Every piece, from the hook to the housing of the retractor and the track locker, was crafted from this material (i.e. aluminum).
But aluminum, as we quickly discovered, is not easily tamed. There are issues in forming, bending and welding of this material. In certain areas we had to replace the small portion with alternate material because of Aluminum material limitations.
This became our major hurdle. Shaping and forming aluminum to our exact specifications required precision and perseverance. The composition of the material didn’t allow for easy molding ,cutting, bending and welding.
Every step required meticulous attention, testing, and retesting until we achieved the perfect balance of form and function.
This challenge pushed us to our limits, but it also drove us to innovate and refine our processes. The result is a product that not only meets the highest standards of safety (i.e. WC18/19) and performance but also embodies the relentless effort and dedication that went into its creation to be 50% lightweight than any existing product in the market.
What are WC18/19 standards?
The WC18/19 standards are specifically designed to enhance the safety of wheelchair users during transportation. WC18 focuses on securement systems, ensuring they can withstand the forces experienced during transit.
WC19 targets the design of wheelchairs themselves, requiring that they are built with specific features to be safely secured in vehicles. Together, these standards create a cohesive framework that addresses both the wheelchair and the securement system, ensuring they work harmoniously to protect users.
Key Benefits of WC18/19 Compliance
Enhanced Safety
Compliance with WC18/19 standards is synonymous with superior safety. These guidelines have been meticulously developed to reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that both wheelchairs and securement systems can handle the dynamic forces experienced during a crash or sudden stop. By choosing products that adhere to these standards, users and transportation providers are making a proactive choice to prioritize safety.
Our WOTS product exemplifies this, offering a solution that is easy to handle without compromising on safety. The lightweight nature of WOTS not only makes it more convenient for daily use but also enhances the overall user experience by reducing the effort required for securement.
WOTS and WC18/19 Compliance
Our WOTS product is designed with full compliance to WC18/19 standards in mind. This means that when you choose WOTS, you're choosing a system that meets rigorous safety requirements and is engineered to provide reliable protection. The lightweight design of WOTS doesn’t just meet the standards—it exceeds them, offering a level of convenience and security that sets it apart in the market. WOTS is more than just a product; it’s a commitment to safety and innovation, ensuring that wheelchair users can travel with peace of mind.
Does Compliance Matter for End Users and Businesses?
For Wheelchair Users
Safety and ease of use are paramount. By selecting a WC18/19 compliant system like WOTS, wheelchair users can trust that their securement solution is designed to protect them in even the most challenging conditions. The lightweight design adds an extra layer of convenience, making securement quicker and simpler without sacrificing safety.
For Businesses (B2B)
For businesses, compliance with WC18/19 standards is not just about meeting legal requirements—it's about enhancing customer trust and satisfaction. Providing a securement system that is easy to use, reliable, and fully compliant sends a strong message that you prioritize the safety and well-being of your passengers. WOTS offers a solution that is both compliant and user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for businesses that transport wheelchair users.
Conclusion
Our journey from working with raw aluminum to achieving WC18/19 compliance was anything but easy. Every step along the way presented challenges, from shaping the premium Aluminum material to ensuring every piece met the highest safety standards. But these challenges only strengthened our resolve.
Through relentless effort and innovation, we transformed aluminum into a key component of our Wheelchair Occupant Tiedown System, ensuring both reliability and safety.
This journey has been one of precision, perseverance, and progress. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wheelchair securement.
Our commitment to excellence has brought us here, and it will continue to drive us forward.
About WOTS
WOTS 1.0 consists 4-point securement system along with shoulder + lap belt securement that leads to high safety, aesthetic design, and desired functionality in the most cost-efficient way. This system meets all requirements of a higher load of WC18 and is compatible with WCI9 wheelchairs. WOTS 1.0 uses premium material and meets all international standards necessary for a wheelchair-occupant tie-down system.
WOTS Offers a range of products & accessories like WOTS Wheelchair Securements (Standard L-Track Retractor + Lap & Shoulder Belt), WOTS Standard L-Track Retractors, WOTS Track Locker With Fasteners, WOTS Bevel Track 8" Hard/Soft Anodize, WOTS Standard L-Track 8" Hard/Soft Anodize, and much more.
"All WOTS Products are WC18/19 Compliant"