Houdini 13 Harness

AuSAP has not considered specialty harnesses/vests, however the aim is to work with industry to include some products in future work programs.

This will be informed by the outcomes of a two year Austroads project to investigate specialty harnesses/vests, which involves:

• Survey: to investigate specialty harness/vest use in the community
• Desktop review: to understand the types of vehicles specialty harnesses/vests are used in, and the compliance of specialty harnesses/vests with standards and road laws
• Safe use: the development of safety expert recommendations for the use of specialty harnesses/vests, including considerations for the development of the AuSAP test and assessment protocol.

N/A

There is new research being undertaken by Austroads to better understand the range of specialty harnesses/vests available in Australia and New Zealand. Further information will be provided following the outcomes of this research.

Important information: As children do not generally achieve good vehicle seatbelt fit until they are 10-12 years of age, where suitable a child should travel in a child restraint system that is appropriate for their size and needs. MACA's national product register also includes a list of Australian standard car seats and special purpose car seats.

The manufacturer advises it is available in two sizes:

13J: 3-8 years

13H: 7 years to adult

To fit the harness, easy access is required all the way round the seat back and underneath the base of the seat cushion.

The harness is not a vehicle restraint, and therefore the vehicle seatbelt must always be used.

Restrictive practice implications will need to be considered when prescribed for behaviours of concern.

Further prescribing advice will be developed following the outcomes of the Austroads project and safety expert recommendations for the use of specialty harnesses/vests.