Product Safety Report: ORTONES Wheelchair and Geriatric Arm Chair Lap Belt sold via Amazon (2510-0031)
Product Safety Report for ORTONES Wheelchair and Geriatric Armchair Lap Belt presenting a risk of strangulation.
Summary
Product: ORTONES Wheelchair and Geriatric Arm Chair Lap Belt sold via Amazon
Hazard: The product presents a risk of strangulation as a vulnerable individual may slide downward in a wheelchair or armchair while restrained by the lap belt, causing the belt to shift and restrict the neck.
Corrective action: The product has been withdrawn from the UK market and warnings issued to consumers.
Product information
| Type | Lap/Support Belt for Wheelchair User |
| Brand | ORTONES |
| Model | D2100 |
| Country of Origin | Unknown |
| Product Description | Abdominal fabric belt designed to provide support to users of a wheelchair, geriatric chair or armchair. |
| Product Report and Image |
Hazard
The product presents a risk of strangulation. A vulnerable individual may slide downward in a wheelchair or armchair while restrained by the lap belt, causing the belt to shift and constrict the neck.
Without proper fitting, supervision or training, this can result in positional asphyxiation, strangulation, or falling from the seat and becoming injured, particularly if the user is unattended and/or unable to self-rescue.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) previously issued an Alert for this type of product, which contains further information on actions that should be taken: Medical Device Alert
The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Corrective action
The product has been withdrawn from the UK market by the manufacturer. An updated instruction manual has been issued to consumers, warning of the risks presented by the product.
Owners of the ORTONES belt are advised by the manufacturer to ensure that the belt should be used only under the supervision or prescription of a health professional or specialist technician. The manufacturer warns that the product is not suitable for users who do not have good body control when seated, and that a health care professional should be consulted before using the belt if the owner has respiratory or cardiac problems.
OPSS advises that owners of similar products ensure that they can be safely used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, under the appropriate supervision and prescription of a health care professional.
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2510-0031
Notified by: Office for Product Safety and Standards