BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Sure-Lok International has introduced the Titan800, a new wheelchair securement retractor in the existing Titan product line.

The retractor is designed to meet the latest WC18 industry regulations, which take effect in December 2015.

“To fully secure wheelchair passengers in seconds, you have to have a perfect system from the floor up,” said Robert Joseph, Q’Straint/Sure-Lok vice president of business development. “The Titan800 features innovative improvements that take performance and durability to a new level.”

Company officials said that while the retractor has been completely redesigned, it has familiar highlights, including:

• An auto-tensioning feature that helps webbing automatically retract into the housing and stay off the floor, keeping it cleaner and increasing product lifespan.

• A positive locking indicator for L-track applications that gives operators quick visual confirmation that the retractor fitting is safely locked into the vehicle anchor system.

• A J-hook configuration that enables swift securement with one hand and keeps webbing flat and untwisted when properly attached to the wheelchair.

According to Joseph, when used with a complete Sure-Lok system composed of wheelchair tie-downs, an occupant restraint system (including a lap-and-shoulder belt), and track and anchorages, the Titan800 meets the requirements of the RESNA WC18 standard and is compatible with WC19 wheelchairs.

WC18 governs the systems used to safely secure wheelchairs within personal or commercial vehicles. Officials said that the new standard improves passenger safety and establishes a more efficient and independent securement process.