Houdini 28 Harness

The Houdini 28 Harness fits most types of vehicle seats. For seats that ‘narrow’ towards the top of the backrest, the Model 27 is more suitable.

The 5-point harness is similar to the Houdini 27 except that the seat attachment straps go vertically around the vehicle seat and access is required between the seat back and seat cushion for fitting.

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

Important information for parents: The Houdini 28 Harness is a specialty product designed for occupants with disabilities and medical conditions. This type of product should be prescribed by an allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist and physiotherapist.

The Houdini 28 Harness is supplied by specialist disability suppliers and there are legal requirements to comply with when using it.

Not yet assessed.

MACA is currently leading 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.

Importantly, this project will inform the selection of specialty harnesses and vests for inclusion in the Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP).

Most specialty harnesses and vests available in Australia are postural supports, with some products including features to reduce the risk of occupants getting out of their vehicle seat.

There is no Australian standard for this type of specialty harness/vest. A new standard has been developed (AS 5384 Accessories for seat belts for use in motor vehicles) and is expected to be published by the end of 2023. This new standard includes requirements for postural supports (which includes specialty harnesses/vests).

Available in three sizes:

28 I: Up to 5 years

28 A: 5 to 8 years

28 C: 9 years to adult

Note: 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.

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

Access is required between the seat back and seat cushion for fitting.

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.

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