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ORTONES Wheelchair and Geriatric Arm Chair Lap Belt sold via Amazon — strangulation risk

UK OPSSStrangulationSold on AmazonOct 31, 2025
Photo from the official notice: ORTONES Wheelchair and Geriatric Arm Chair Lap Belt sold via Amazon — strangulation risk

Photos from the official notice: UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (GOV.UK) · image rights

Hazard

The product presents a risk of strangulation. A vulnerable individual may slide downward in a wheelchair or armchair while restrained by the lap belt, causing the belt to shift and constrict the neck. Without proper fitting, supervision or training, this can result in positional asphyxiation, strangulation, or falling from the seat and becoming injured, particularly if the user is unattended and/or unable to self-rescue. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) previously issued an Alert for this type of product, which contains further information on actions that should be taken: Medical Device Alert The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Remedy

The product has been withdrawn from the UK market by the manufacturer. An updated instruction manual has been issued to consumers, warning of the risks presented by the product. Owners of the ORTONES belt are advised by the manufacturer to ensure that the belt should be used only under the supervision or prescription of a health professional or specialist technician. The manufacturer warns that the product is not suitable for users who do not have good body control when seated, and that a health care professional should be consulted before using the belt if the owner has respiratory or cardiac problems. OPSS advises that owners of similar products ensure that they can be safely used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, under the appropriate supervision and prescription of a health care professional.

Product safety report

Measures taken

  • Marking product with appropriate warnings on risks
  • Removal of listing by online marketplace
  • Warning consumers of risks
  • Withdrawal of product from market

Product description

Abdominal fabric belt designed to provide support to users of a wheelchair, geriatric chair or armchair.

What should I do?

If you own this product, stop using it and follow the corrective action above: contact the retailer or supplier for a repair, replacement or refund. This notice was published by the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards.

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