DISABILITY SERVICES ACT 2006 - SECT 147 Meaning of mechanical restraint

DISABILITY SERVICES ACT 2006 - SECT 147

147 Meaning of mechanical restraint

(1)
"Mechanical restraint" , of an adult with an intellectual or cognitive disability, means the use, for the primary purpose of controlling the adult’s behaviour, of a device in response to the adult’s behaviour that causes harm to the adult or others to—

(a) restrict the free movement of the adult; or

(b) prevent or reduce self-injurious behaviour.

Note—

Harm to a person includes physical harm to the person and a serious risk of physical harm to the person. See section 144 , definition harm .

(2) However, the following are not mechanical restraint—

(a) using a device to enable the safe transportation of the adult;

Examples of devices used to enable safe transportation—

• a cover over a seat belt buckle

• a harness or strap

(b) using a device for postural support;

(c) using a device to prevent injury from involuntary bodily movements, such as seizures;

(d) using a surgical or medical device for the proper treatment of a physical condition;

(e) using bed rails or guards to prevent injury while the adult is asleep.