The definition
The NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 define mechanical restraint as the use of a device to prevent, restrict or subdue a person's movement for the primary purpose of influencing their behaviour. It does not include devices used for therapeutic or non behavioural purposes.
The key words are primary purpose. The same piece of equipment can be a mechanical restraint in one situation and ordinary assistive technology in another. What matters is why it is being used.
Examples of mechanical restraint
In August 2026 the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission published sub type definitions that providers must use when lodging behaviour support plans and reporting. The mechanical restraint sub types are:
- Bed rails used mainly to stop a person leaving their bed because of behaviour
- Belts, including a wheelchair belt used to stop a person freely getting out of their chair, or a belt to stop someone removing clothing
- Buckle covers or harnesses used outside safe transport
- Furniture, such as a chair with an attached tray, used to restrict movement
- Protective headgear used mainly to reduce harm from head banging or self injury
- Restrictive clothing, such as a onesie, gloves or mittens worn to limit movement
- A safe sleeper or surround bed that the person cannot get out of
- Splints used to stop hand or arm biting
- Straps used to restrain part of the body
When equipment is not mechanical restraint
Many of these devices are everyday assistive technology when used for a health or support reason. The Commission gives these examples of what is not mechanical restraint:
- A wheelchair belt or harness used for positioning or postural support
- A walk belt used to help with safe transfers
- Seatbelts, seatbelt guards and buckle covers used during transport so the person travels safely and lawfully
- Protective headgear for epilepsy, medical treatment or contact sport
- Splints used for medical treatment or as an assistive device
- Gloves worn for warmth, food hygiene or safety during household tasks
- Bed rails used for a therapeutic reason, such as preventing falls during sleep
Mechanical or environmental restraint?
Sometimes it is not obvious which type of restraint applies. The Commission says to look at what is being restricted, the person's movement or their access to something, and how the restriction happens. A device that restricts movement points to mechanical restraint. A lock on a cupboard or a door that limits access to an area or an item is generally environmental restraint.
The rules for using it
Like every regulated restrictive practice, mechanical restraint is not a normal part of support. It must:
- Be used only as a last resort in response to a risk of harm to the person or others
- Be the least restrictive option, proportionate to the risk, and used for the shortest possible time
- Be set out in a behaviour support plan written by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner
- Be authorised where the state or territory requires it
- Only be used by a registered NDIS provider, which reports its use to the NDIS Commission each month
Safety concerns
Devices should be prescribed by a suitably qualified health or allied health professional, meet relevant Australian safety standards and only be used for the purpose they were prescribed for. The Commission notes that using ropes to tie a person's hands or other body parts may be abuse.
Any use that is not authorised or does not follow the behaviour support plan is an unauthorised restrictive practice and must be reported to the Commission as a reportable incident.
What families can ask
If equipment is being used that limits your family member's movement, you can ask why it is used, who prescribed it, whether it is in a behaviour support plan, whether it is authorised, and what is being done to reduce the need for it. A good plan includes positive strategies that address the reasons behind the behaviour, so restraint can be reduced and stopped over time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.