The scope of WC19 “is to establish design and performance requirements, and associated test methods, for wheelchairs related to their use as seats in vehicles.” Part 2 of the standard references multiple federal motor vehicle safety standards, as well as related RESNA voluntary standards. Part 3 provides definitions of terms used in the standard. Part 4 specifies design requirements related to seated posture, mass, size, turning radius, and head/back support, reduction of sharp edges, securement points for four-point strap tiedowns, and wheelchair-anchored belt restraints. The design requirements for the securement points specify the geometry and locations of the four securement points and how they should be attached to the wheelchair; Annex G provides recommendations on securement point design. Wheelchair anchored belt restraints should provide a side-view lap belt angle of 30 to 75 degrees (45 to 75 is preferred) relative to horizontal and Annex H provides belt restraint design recommendations. The belt restraint specifications also define a level of adjustability and attachment hardware for connecting to a vehicle-mounted shoulder belt.
Part 5 of WC19 describes performance requirements. Tiedown hooks must be able to be engaged to wheelchair securement points with one hand. Seatbelt components must comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 209 and/or FMVSS No. 213. Frontal-impact crashworthiness is assessed with the wheelchair secured by a surrogate four-point strap tiedown system (defined in Annex D and shown in Figure 12), using an adult or pediatric anthropomorphic test device (ATD). To pass the crashworthiness test, wheelchair components must not fail, and the securement points cannot deform to the point where the tiedowns cannot be removed. The wheelchair must be upright and the ATD must be in a seated posture post-test. Maximum wheelchair, knee, and head excursion limits are specified for ATDs ranging from the 3YO to 95th percentile male. Annex A describes the frontal-testing impact procedures, which are essentially the same as the procedures defined in WC18.
Additional performance requirements specify that there must be clear paths that are free of sharp edges for the four-point strap tiedowns to reach the securement points. Test procedures for assessing access are provided in Annex B. Lateral stability is assessed with a tilt test described in Annex C. Turning radius must be measured using procedures from RESNA WC:1, Part 5, and included in product literature. Wheelchairs must receive ratings of acceptable or higher regarding accommodation of vehicle-mounted lap-shoulder belt systems, evaluated using procedures in Annex E. The procedures assess ease of achieving proper belt placement on the ATD, lap belt contact and location, shoulder belt contact and location, lap belt angle, lap belt path clear path to anchor points and proximity to sharp edges.
Part 6 of WC19 specifies requirements for product labeling and wheelchair manufacturer literature. Requirements are included for identification and labeling, presale literature, user instructions, and user warnings. Part 7 specifies how to document compliance with the standard.
Annex F of RESNA WC19 provides specifications for the universal docking interface geometry (UDIG), while Annex I provides information about obtaining other standards referenced in Part 2.