AN S80 PIC RPT ON AN IMPROPERLY SECURED BATTERY PWRED WHEELCHAIR THAT WAS STOWED AND SECURED WITH BAGGAGE; NO RESTRAINING TIEDOWNS AS RECOMMENDED AT ORD; IL.

Narrative

I HAD A FORM FOR AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR WITH NONSPILLABLE GEL BATTERY. GND CREW ADVISED IT WAS LOADED; BUT IT WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED YET. HE STATED ACCORDING TO THE TRAINING VIDEO; IT HAD TO BE TIED DOWN; AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TAPED TO INSULATE THEM. AFTER CONSIDERABLE DELAY; THE OPS MGR ADVISED US OVER THE RADIO THAT IT COULD BE SECURED BY PACKING SOME BAGGAGE AROUND IT. HE STATED 'WE SHIP A DOZEN OF THEM EVERYDAY AND THAT EVERYDAY THAT'S HOW WE SECURE THEM.' HE ALSO STATED THAT THE QUICK DISCONNECT BATTERIES NOW DO NOT NEED INSULATING. I ACCEPTED THE WHEELCHAIR SECURED WITH PACKED BAGGAGE. WHEN I ARRIVED IN TPA; I INQUIRED FROM THE GND CREW HOW THEY ARE TO SECURE WHEELCHAIRS AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY ARE TO BE TIED DOWN; BUT THEY USUALLY JUST PACK BAGGAGE AROUND THEM. I DON'T THINK THIS IS A LEGAL OR ACCEPTABLE WAY OF SECURING BATTERY WHEELCHAIRS. ALSO; I INSPECTED IT AT TPA; AND DISCOVERED THAT ALTHOUGH THE CABLES WERE ADEQUATELY INSULATED; THE BATTERY TERMINALS THAT THE CABLES CAME OFF OF WERE COMPLETELY EXPOSED. ALSO NOT A SAFE OR LEGAL CONDITION.