Page 61 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Wheelchair Operation

Wheelchair Lift Operation Procedures

 Set the emergency brake on the school bus and place bus in neutral
 Open the lift-door and secure it to the bus. This will prevent the door from swinging back, striking
the student, or hitting the side of the lift, binding it and causing damage.
 Push the “Unfold” button on the control pad
 Push the “Down” button on the control pad. Release the button as soon as the lift touches the
ground. Holding the button down will damage the lift by putting too much weight or pressure
against the lift.
 Ensure that the lift stop plate at the end of the lift is
always in working order. Never load or unload a
wheelchair in the stop plate is not in working order.
Students should never ride the lift while standing.
Never leave a student unattended while on the lift.

Loading and Unloading Powered Wheelchairs

Loading – Powered Wheelchair

1. Back the wheelchair onto the lift. A middle or high school student who is physically and
cognitively able may drive onto the lift when in the down position
2. Turn off the power to the wheelchair
3. Secure the manual wheel locks
4. Gears are to remain engaged while the wheelchair is on the lift
5. When lift is up to bus floor, disengage the gears and pull the chair onto the bus. Adults on the
ground also assist by pushing the wheelchair into the bus. The power may be turned on to
maneuver the wheelchair into place for tie-down securement.

Unloading – Powered Wheelchair

1. Turn the power off
2. Disengage the gears, and then push the wheelchair onto the lift;
students must not drive onto the lift when in the up position
3. Re-engage the gears
4. Secure the wheel lock
5. Turn the power back on

Loading and Unloading Manual Wheelchairs

Loading – Manual Wheelchair

1. The student’s wheelchair positioning belt needs to be snugly fastened before placing the
wheelchair on the lift. The wheelchair should have a headrest or extended back.
Page 61 of 149
Wheelchair Operation