Safe use and adjustment of lap-belts and pelvic straps on wheelchairs

All lap-belts, pelvic belts, straps and any harnesses supplied by Doncaster NHS wheelchair service are supplied for safety and posture and not to be used as any form of restraint.

It is advised that you only use lap-belts, pelvic belts, straps or harnesses approved and fitted by the service.

If not used correctly, pelvic belts and safety belts can be dangerous to people using wheelchairs. When you first received your equipment, your therapist will have informed you how to use it safely. It may be helpful to know there are different types of belts that can be used with wheelchair equipment.

For example, a safety belt is used to help maintain someone’s safety when being pushed in the wheelchair, whilst a pelvic belt is designed to help maintain the correct sitting position in the wheelchair and can often be used in combination with other types of harnessing to provide specific postural support.

Correct adjustment of lap and pelvic belt

Ensure the user is sitting correctly, by being fully back in the seat and that the pelvis is as upright and level as possible.

• Position the strap so that the hip bones can be felt above the belt. Generally, the belt should be fixed to the wheelchair so that the straps sit at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the seat base with a snug fit over the pelvis or upper thighs.
• When fastened and adjusted properly it should just be possible to insert a couple of fingers on each side of the buckle or fastening between the belt and the user.

Correct tension should:

• not result in unnecessary discomfort or distress or constant marking to the user (over tight)
• not allow the user to slide down between the belt and seat (too loose)

The lap or pelvic strap should be the first belt fastened, and the last belt undone.

Incorrect position or tension can be caused by:

• The wheelchair user being unable to achieve a 90 degree sitting position.
• The wheelchair user slipping down in the wheelchair due to inappropriate fitting and or adjustment, or the belt being ‘held away’ from the wheelchair user by a part of the seating system or wheelchair. For example, the belt being positioned over the top of the armrest.
• When not in use, fasten the belt and place on the seat or back board to prevent contact with moving parts of the wheelchair. If this advice is not followed, the belt may become trapped in the wheels or around the frame when folded.

Harnesses provided by our wheelchair services

Harnesses are provided to clients as part of their seating and postural needs, they are not used as a means of restraint or support for sleeping. This relates to upper torso straps, vests and harnesses:

• all harnesses should only be used with a correctly adjusted pelvic belt or lap-belt; they should never be used on their own and can be a major risk of strangulation if used in this manner
• all harnesses should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Cleaning and maintenance

The belts and harnesses should be inspected for wear, tear, damage and security before fastening.

The belt, strap or harness should be cleaned, checked and maintained according to manufacturer’s instruction supplied at time of issue.

Webbing can be cleaned with warm soapy water with a little disinfectant added.

Avoid getting water inside metal buckles and ensure all webbing is dry before reusing.

Page last reviewed: August 05, 2026
Next review due: August 05, 2027