3304-6-05 Primary controls.

Primary controls are controls for speed, braking, and steering. This rule applies only to adaptations that run parallel to OEM factory controls. Any other adaptive primary controls may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by RSC, or its representative.

(A) Approved manufacturers. When applicable, RSC shall purchase only standard controls, vacuum, pneumatic or electric brake/gas controls, reduced-effort or zero-effort steering and braking, and corresponding back-up systems identified as meeting VA standards of safety and quality as listed in VHA directive 10-94-070 (dated August 5, 1994 or as subsequently revised as of date of purchase). Hand controls, both mechanical and servo, shall be identified in accordance with section 4.1.1 of SAE J 1903: “Automotive Adaptive Driver Controls.” Each control assembly or component available for sale as a separate unit shall bear a model number, a serial number, and the name and address of the manufacturer. The identification may be engraved directly onto a permanent structural member or placed on a permanently affixed tag. The identification shall remain visible when the product has been installed in the vehicle.

(B) Mechanical hand controls. Mechanical hand controls are those devices that substitute for foot controls to operate the accelerator and the service brake. The type and location of hand controls shall be determined by the driver rehabilitation specialist in accordance with the consumer’s needs to safely and effectively operate the vehicle.

(1) Installation requirements. Hand controls shall be mounted only on a vehicle with power brakes, power steering, and automatic transmission. Hand controls shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

(2) Performance requirements. Standard hand controls shall meet the standard of the VA (VAPC-A-7505-8 dated March 31, 1978 or as subsequently revised as of date of purchase).

(C) Servo hand controls. Servo hand controls are add-on parallel controls for throttle and/or brake which are powered other than by the driver’s own muscular efforts. The assistance to the driver may be achieved by vacuum, pneumatic, or electronic servos. Servo hand controls shall meet the following specifications.

(1) Manufacturers. RSC shall purchase servo hand controls only from manufacturers that have provided the following information to RSC:

(a) Name of device;

(b) Model number of device;

(i) General description.

(ii) Purpose of device, and

(iii) Device features;

(d) System restrictions and limitations, including:

(i) Restrictions to installation on specific vehicles,

(ii) Incompatibilities (known and probable) with other adaptive driving equipment or with OEM equipment, and

(iii) Limitations/capabilities of intended user population:

(e) Current availability of the model:

(i) Length of time in production,

(ii) Number of units sold to date, and

(iii) Customer references, including local/state/federal government and private payers;

(f) Status or designation of VA approval, if any;

(g) Written signed statement that the design complies with all applicable paragraphs of rules 3304-6-01 to 3304-6-15 of the Administrative Code;

(h) Written results of all laboratory, field, and clinical testing;

(i) List of consumer-specific adjustments indicating who shall accomplish the adjustments, that is, the retail dealer, driver rehabilitation specialist, manufacturer, consumer, or other;

(j) Maintenance schedule;

(k) Warranty documents;

(l) Installation/assembly instructions with fully labeled diagrams;

(m) User’s manual;

(n) Proof of liability insurance as defined in paragraph (I)(1) of rule 3304-6-03 of the Administrative Code; and

(o) List of approved retail dealer installers.

All information provided by the manufacturer shall be considered confidential. The information shall be reviewed by a team of licensed engineers for approval. All design changes to an approved model shall be reported to RSC. Such design changes shall not be sold to RSC prior to notice, review, and approval. The information that must be submitted for design change review is that indicated in paragraphs (C)(1)(a), (C)(1)(b), (C)(1)(c)(iii), (C)(1)(d)(i), (C)(1)(d)(ii), and (C)(1)(g) to (C)(1)(m) of this rule. If the information previously provided for in paragraphs (C)(1)(c)(iii), (C)(1)(d)(i), (C)(1)(d)(ii), (C)(1)(i) to (C)(1)(k), and (C)(1)(m) of this rule remains the same as that submitted for the original design approval, the manufacturer shall indicate that in writing in lieu of resubmitting the requested information. RSC shall determine whether the design change is sufficient to warrant the need for approval as a new product. RSC reserves the right to suspend or withdraw approval without prior notification to the manufacturer if the manufacturer’s product is found to be in violation of these rules or is found to involve a significant risk to consumer safety.

(2) Performance requirements.

(a) Operation. The servo hand control shall have the capability for custom sensitivity settings that can be adjusted by the manufacturer’s designee as stated in paragraph (C)(1)(l) of this rule to match the consumer’s optimal strength and range of motion and shall have proportional feedback.

(b) Testing. The servo hand control shall have pre-check operational capability with visual monitoring and/or an audible and visual warning system in case of malfunction.

(3) Back-up brake. The system shall have an automatically activated power source to assist in brake application in case of engine failure.

(4) Reservoir tank. The reservoir tank shall be a minimum of fourteen-gauge steel.

(5) Handle adaptation. The handle shall have the capability of adaptation for devices that the consumer needs for effective and safe operation.

(6) Bearings. All bearings shall be either sealed bearings, oil-impregnated bronze bushings, or the industrial equivalent.

(7) Housings. All housings shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material.

(D) Left foot accelerator. Left foot accelerators are devices consisting only of pedals, extensions, and brackets) that are added to the accelerator pedal to enable a driver to operate the accelerator pedal with the left foot. Standard left foot accelerators shall meet the standards of the VA (VAPC-A-7505-8 dated March 31, 1978 or as subsequently revised as of date of purchase).

(E) Braking modifications. Braking modifications lower the amount of driver effort required to operate the brakes and consist of modifications to the vacuum actuated power booster of the stock power brake systems provided as original equipment. This paragraph is limited to modifications which retain a standard brake pedal and associated linkage, the stock master cylinder and all plumbing down to and including the brake wheel cylinders or actuators, and additional equipment which is installed to provide back-up/emergency operation; specifically excluded are power assisted hand controls. The amount of reduction in effort in a reduced-effort or zero-effort braking system shall be determined by the consumer’s need for safe and effective driving. The retail dealer’s bid shall specify the manufacturer and the system that will provide that amount of reduction.

(1) Back-up system. An automatically activated back-up system shall be required on reduced- or zero-effort brake systems, and shall provide protection during engine failure. The back-up system shall include a low-vacuum warning indicator.

(2) Hoses, lines, fittings. Any hoses, lines, and fittings shall be of OEM quality and shall meet FMVSS for standard passenger vehicles.

(F) Mechanical, nonpowered steering devices. Mechanical nonpowered steering devices are add-on devices for use with stock automotive steering wheels. These devices are used by drivers who require some assistance in steering, gripping, or turning the wheel with one hand. Standard steering assist devices shall meet the standards of the VA (VAPC-A-7505-8 dated March 31, 1978 or as subsequently revised as of date of purchase).

(G) Steering column extension. A steering column-shaft extension is any elongation of, addition to, or replacement of an OEM steering column so that an individual can reach the steering wheel. A steering column-shaft assembly shall meet the following specifications:

(1) Collapsibility. A steering column-shaft assembly shall not interfere with the normal collapsibility of the steering column according to FMVSS 203 “Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System.”

(2) Length. The length of the assembly and whether it is integral or add-on shall be determined by the consumer’s needs for effective and safe driving.

(3) Appearance. That portion of the extended steering column which protrudes above the OEM column cover/housing shall be covered in a manner consistent with the finish and trim of the vehicle interior.

(H) Horizontal steering. Horizontal steering is a replacement steering column which is powered up and down for the purpose of relocating the steering wheel to a horizontal plane. A horizontal steering system shall meet the following:

(1) Collapsibility. A horizontal steering system must comply with FMVSS 203 “Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System.”

(2) Positioning. A motorized electrical actuator shall be used to consistently set the steering column head to the proper angle of tilt.

(3) Zero/reduced effort and back-up steering. Horizontal steering systems shall only be installed when zero/reduced effort steering and a back-up steering system are also installed.

(I) Steering modification. Steering modifications lower the amount of driver effort required to operate the steering system and modify the hydraulic control mechanism of the OEM power steering systems provided as original equipment. This paragraph is limited to modifications which retain a steering wheel and the OEM mechanical steering systems for steering control, with an unchanged steering gearbox ratio; and to additional equipment which is installed to provide back-up emergency operation.

(1) Steering modifications shall be provided as either low- or zero-effort steering systems. The amount of reduction in effort in a low-effort or zero-effort steering system shall be determined by the consumer’s need for safe and effective driving. The retail dealer’s bid shall specify the manufacturer and the system that will provide that amount of reduction.

(2) Steering modification performance requirements. Steering modifications shall meet the draft standards of the VA (VAREC-A-8110-1). If at some future date the VA adopts this standard and tests steering modifications for acceptance, then RSC may require that VA test documentation be furnished by the manufacturer or supplier. Until such VA adoption, the test procedures in this standard shall be performed by a qualified testing organization at manufacturer or supplier expense. The number of turns shall be the same as the OEM.

(3) Back-up steering. Powered back-up steering shall be installed whenever low- or zero-effort steering is used.

(a) Activation. Back-up steering shall activate automatically in the event of engine failure, slippage, absence of the power steering belt, or low steering fluid pressure or flow.

(b) Testing. The systems shall have the capability of being tested to make sure they are functioning.

(c) Safety switches. The system shall have a manual override safety switch, accessible by the driver, to initiate back-up power if the automatic back-up does not occur.

(d) Hoses, lines, fittings. Any hoses, lines, and fittings shall be of OEM quality and shall meet all FMVSS for passenger vehicles.

R.C. 119.032 review dates: 05/24/2007 and 05/24/2012

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 3304.16(A)

Rule Amplifies: 3304.16(H)

Prior Effective Dates: 09/04/1990, 05/10/1995, 08/02/1999, 06/03/2002