Eurailmag - #15 - March 2007 - (Page 126)

Rolling Stock © ALSTOM SERIOUS ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR IF WHEELCHAIRS MOVE OR TIP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELLING Handrails and handholds Disabled passengers boarding and alighting from vehicles need support. Handrails are positioned on either side of the doorway to enable them to use their strongest arm (many have limited strength or grip in one arm), and to use one hand for carrying any mobility aids or luggage (fig. 6). Fig. 7: Restraint device for wheelchair on MINUETTO nion to travel with the wheelchair user. This seat may also be situated on the opposite side of the clearway. Many people who use wheelchairs feel uncomfortable with the notion of using restraints, such as strap on clips that effectively prevent the wheelchair from moving. The use of such restraints may often require the assistance of the vehicle's staff, which may not be possible in all circumstances. There can also be difficulties in releasing the restraints in emergencies which raises the fear that the wheelchair user may not be able to move quickly from their accommodation if necessary. The use of wheelchair restraint system is not compulsory according to TSI PMR. However, where such system is provided, it should be easily operated by a wheelchair occupant, it should not cause an obstruction to access and egress and it should not represent a hazard to other passengers. Some ALSTOM Transport trains are fitted with such devices today: MINUETTO (Fig. 7) for example. ON-BOARD FEATURES Accommodation requirements are defined for disabled passengers to make their journey as easy and comfortable as possible. Priority seating Disabled passengers who are least able to stand during their journeys need priority seating. Other passengers who find it difficult to stand or who require greater circulation space around their seats can, of course, use the priority seats when not being used by the disabled. A minimum of 10% of seats are designed and designated priority seats for the disabled. Priority seats are not tip-up seats. When seats are fitted with armrests, priority seats are fitted with movable armrests. These can move into a position in line with the seat back cushion to enable unrestricted access to the seat, or to any adjacent priority seats. Dimensional requirements for priority seats are defined according to TSI PRM. These dimensions, which are likely to be more generous than other seating provisions within the vehicle, provide people with limited flexibility sufficient room for manœuvre. A minimum seat width and depth are prescribed to provide maximum support for people with little strength in their legs. Toilets All passengers, including wheelchair users, should have equal access to suitable toilet facilities. Consequently, when toilets are fitted in a train, access to a universal toilet (designed for use by all passengers and all categories of PRM) is provided from the wheelchair space. To ensure the doorway is wide enough for a wheelchair, the universal toilet access door provides a minimum clearway width of 800 mm. The toilet cubicle is fitted with no less than two devices to enable a disabled person to communicate in an emergency. A person may fall whilst transferring from the wheelchair to the toilet. So the position of the two emergency alarm controls allows people to call for assistance from a seated position, or from the floor, if they have fallen. Reserved space for wheelchair users According to their length, trains are fitted with at least two wheelchair spaces - three for trains between 205 and 300 m, and four for trains over 300 m long. It is important when designing wheelchair accommodation to include sufficient supports and handrails – these allow other passengers to move through this open accommodation without losing their balance. Many people will use handrails as a support or a guide. It is also important to bear in mind, when designing the wheelchair space, that people who use wheelchairs, like other passengers, are likely to be travelling with a companion. So at least one seat must be available either adjacent to or facing to the wheelchair spaces - for a compa- ALSTOM Transport – boosting mobility for PRM Today ALSTOM Transport implements TSI PRM requirements on its new products as part of its strategy to boost accessibility and make the train a living space for everyone. New vehicles are designed to provide easy access and movement on-board, feature specially adapted interiors and display user-friendly information that all passengers can access. This approach also reduces waiting times in stations, due to the increase in fluidity and rapidity of passenger flow. The ease of movement inside the train also gives an impression of comfort and space Christophe Pailler, ALSTOM Issue 15 EURAILmag Business & Technology

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Eurailmag - #15 - March 2007

SOMMAIRE
NOTICE BOARD
COATINGS
NEWS
SERVICES
INFRASTRUCTURE
HIGH-SPEED LINES
TUNNELS
PEOPLE
ROLLING STOCK
WEBSITE DIRECTORY

Eurailmag - #15 - March 2007

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