1. Holmatro HLB Lifting Bag Systems
What the Rescuer Needs to Know Before Operating The System
©2004 Holmatro, Inc.

2. Session Objective
The Objective of this session is to increase the user’s knowledge of the proper operation, use and care of the Holmatro HLB Lifting Bag System
This Training session does not take the place of or supercede any training protocol required by your department’s SOPs for performing rescue using these systems.

3. Personal Responsibility Code
The member companies of FEMSA that provide
emergency response equipment and services want
responders to know and understand the following:
1. Firefighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous activities requiring proper training in their hazards and the use of extreme caution at all times.
2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions provided with any piece of equipment you may be called upon to use.
3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in Firefighting and/or Emergency Response and in the use, precautions, and care of any equipment you may be called upon to use.

4. Personal Responsibility Code
4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be called upon to use.
5. It is your responsibility to know that your equipment is in operable condition and has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other severe injury.
Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield , MA 01940
Copyright 2004 FEMSA. All Rights Reserved.

5. Program Outline How Do Lifting Bags Work?
Lifting Bag Characteristics & Specifications
Construction
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Range
Warranty
Product Range
Lifting Bags
Accessories

6. Program Outline Operation of Lifting Bags Connection Disconnection
Proper Lifting Techniques
Post-use Inspection
Care and Storage
Training
Knowledge Retention Test

7. How Do Lifting Bags Work?
Lifting bags are capable of lifting enormous loads
In our case up to 150,532 lbs!
Lifting force is created by applying a specified pressure across a known area.
The scientific name for this simple principle is:
Pascal’s Principle

8. P x A=F Pressure times Area Equals Force
Pascal’s Principle:
P x A=F
Pressure times Area Equals Force

9. Operating Pressure Our system operates at a maximum of 116 psi/8 bar
This represents the “P” in the equation

10. Surface Area This HLB-20 lifting bag measures 20.125” x 20.125”
Surface area then equals 405 in sq.
This represents the “A” in the equation.
inches
inches

11. Let’s Plug In The Numbers…
P x A=F
116 pounds/in² X in² = 46,980 lbs
46,980 lbs ÷ 2,200 lbs/ton* = tons of lift
*Metric ton
46,980 lbs ÷ 2,000 lbs/ton* = tons of lift
*USA (short) ton

12. OK…Now I’m Confused This is an HLB-20, right?
Why didn’t the answer come out to exactly 20 tons?
Okay, just a couple more items to thoroughly confuse you, then I’ll clear everything up!

13. We must consider…
The construction of any brand of lifting bag is basically an envelope design
Because this “envelope” is formed by the four sealed edges of the bag…
The inflation area does not include the ENTIRE surface area of the bag.
The actual surface area is the total minus whatever the small area of the edges equals

14. Like this… Once we take into account the loss of area for the edges
We can see the actual useable area of the bag

15. Let’s re-do the math… Actual surface area is 19.54 in x 19.54 in or:
381.81in ² x 116 psi = lbs.
Round up to make it simple and divide by 2,200 lbs gives
20.13 metric tons
19.54 inches

16. Inflation Characteristics
Next we must consider what happens when we introduce compressed air into the lifting bag…
As the air volume increases the bag becomes more convex or rounded…

17. Inflation Characteristics
This gives us lift height and at the same time…
Reduces the surface area in contact with the object being lifted

18. Contact Area vs. Surface Area
So far we have looked at the available surface area of the bag and used that to calculate the maximum lift of the bag.
In actual use what really matters is the contact area of the bag.
Whatever the actual contact area is between the object being lifted and the surface of the bag determines how much can be lifted, and how high!

19. Contact Area
Is the total area (in²) of the bag that comes in contact with the object to be lifted.

20. View from the Top Object being lifted Contact Area: 381.81in² x 116psi
=44,290 lbs
0.0”
Object being lifted

21. View from the Top Object being lifted Contact Area: 133.8in² x 116psi
=15,925 lbs
4.75”
Object being lifted

22. View from the Top Object being lifted Contact Area: 84.9in² x 116psi
=9856 lbs
6.25”
Object being lifted

23. View from the Top Object being lifted Contact Area: 26.27in² x 116psi
=3,047.3 lbs
8.75”
Object being lifted

24. Let’s Graph Our Example…

25. To Sum It All Up
The higher the bag lifts an object the smaller the contact area becomes…
Therefore the higher we lift, the less weight we can lift
To maximize our lifting we must maximize contact area!

26. To Sum It All Up
Force on an object is created by the amount of contact area x the working pressure of the system.
Pascal’s Principle can be reworded for our purposes as:
System Pressure x Contact Area = Amount of Force Possible
P x A = F

27. Lifting Rules of Thumb
Most frequently we are needing lift height not lift capacity…most passenger cars weigh between 2-4 tons.
To lift one ton (2,000 lbs) only requires a little more than 4” x 4” (16 in²) of contact area.
Two tons requires only about 6” x 6” (36 in²) of contact area.
How much area is required to lift 4 tons?
68.9 in², or 8.3” x 8.3”

28. Lifting Bag Characteristics
Construction

29. Construction
Holmatro HLB series bags are made of a specialized blend of rubber, reinforced by three Kevlar® plies throughout the circumference.
To avoid stretching during use, the Kevlar® is pre-stressed before being incorporated in the construction of the bag.
Cross section

30. Construction
For durability, the female fitting on the bag is vulcanized in place
The male connector is easily field replaceable

31. Construction All labels are vulcanized into the bag
Serial number and production code is stamped into each bag

32. Icon Based Labels
Product labels are icon-based for international use

33. Icon Based Labels Don’t exceed 116 psi/8 bar working pressure
Don’t add weight to a lifted load
Read operation manual before use
Provide protection against sharp protrusions
Crib as you lift
Do not stack more than 2 lifting bags. Place the larger bag on bottom
Never place hard sharps protection on top of bag!! Only use soft protection which can be sacrificed, such as a truck mud flap, etc.

34. Icon Based Labels Model number Part number Maximum lift height
Air volume
Maximum lift capacity

35. Icon Based Labels Wear proper eye protection
Never place cribbing between the bag and the load
Wear safety shoes
Wear proper protective gloves
Wear proper protective clothing

36. Construction
Hi visibility centering mark is vulcanized onto both sides of the bag to make proper placement easy

37. Construction
Largest bags (HLB-40 & HLB-67) have removable handles at each corner to make placement and carrying easier

38. Construction Holmatro has a unique grip pattern for better performance
This grip pattern is molded into the bag, not a separate layer added later
“L” shaped grooves lock two bags together when stacked

39. Chemical Resistance
Holmatro lifting bags are rated for resistance to a broad range of chemical substances.
A chemical resistance chart is part of the Owner’s Manual that comes with each system.

40. Temperature Range
Even though lifting bags are formulated of rubber compounds, they still offer a very broad operating range
For continuous use the temperature range is:
-22°F (-30°C) to °F (55°C)

41. Warranty for Holmatro® airbags and haz-mat equipment
“…High pressure airbags, parts and accessories are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase from Holmatro or from an officially appointed distributor of Holmatro.”

42. Product Range
Holmatro offers a complete range of 10 different sized lifting bags
Lifting capacities range from 1 to 73 tons
Bags come in either square or rectangular versions

43. Accessories
Lifting Bag systems are available with a variety of accessory kits to meet your needs…

44. Accessories Pressure regulators Control units
Color coded air hoses for identification
Shut off hoses with safety relief valves
ALL accessories come standard with auto locking quick connect couplers

45. Pressure Regulators Features
Available in two models:
PRV120 for 2216 psi air bottles
HPRV120 or 4500 psi air bottles
Hand tight nuts for connection to air bottle
Two gauges:
Input pressure gauge
Output pressure gauge
Manual regulator pressure adjustment key
Shown: HPRV120

46. Pressure Regulators Connection to air bottle
Ensure o-ring seal is present before attaching to cylinder.
Ensure that regulator adjustment key is loosened (turn counter-clockwise) 1-2 turns
Attach regulator to air bottle and tighten nut by hand.
High pressure (input) gauge is closest to cylinder
Flow pressure (output) gauge shows pressure to lifting bag
Shown: PRV120

47. Control Units Features
Output to bags
Input from regulator
Available in three models:
as single SCV10U
double DCV10U (shown) and
heavy duty HDC10U
All models have quick connect auto locking couplers on input and output ports
All models have built in factory set safety relief valves
All controls have a dead man function

48. Control Units Operation
On SCV10/DCV10 models
Top “+” button allows air from cylinder to enter lifting Bags
Bottom “-” button allows air from lifting bags to be expelled through control unit to outside
Model DCV10

49. Control Units Operation
On HDC10 model
Pulling joystick towards operator allows air to flow to bag
Pushing joystick away from operator allows air to be expelled through control unit to outside
Model HDC10

50. Air Hoses
Air hoses are constructed of polyurethane with a special reinforcing fiber weave
Special weave design allows push in fittings, making them field replaceable
Couplers are automatic self-locking type
To connect: push male nipple into female coupler
To disconnect, rotate silver collar 1/4 turn, and pull back on collar.

51. Shut Off Hoses
Shut off hoses w/safety relief valve attach to lifting bag allowing over pressure protection to remain when disconnecting from control unit

52. Operation of Lifting Bags
Connection of the system should be accomplished quickly.
Practice proper connection sequence to become familiar with all components

53. Connection Sequence When used with compressed air bottle
Connect the air hose between the bag and the control unit
Connect shut off hoses now if needed during lift operation
Connect the pressure regulator to the air bottle.
Connect the air hose from the pressure regulator to the control unit.
Open the compressed air bottle. The high pressure gauge, which is the gauge closest to the bottle, indicates the pressure in the bottle.
The other gauge shows the pressure that will flow to the lifting bag. Set the regulator so that the lifting bag pressure is 116 psi maximum.
Place the lifting bag under the object to be lifted. The system is now ready for use.

54. 1. Connect the air hose between the bag and the control unit

55. 2. Connect the pressure regulator to the air bottle.

56. 3. Connect the air hose from the pressure regulator to the control unit.

57. 4. Open the compressed air bottle
4. Open the compressed air bottle. The high pressure gauge, which is the gauge closest to the bottle, indicates the pressure in the bottle.

58. 5. The other gauge shows the pressure that will flow to the lifting bag. Set the regulator so that the lifting bag pressure is 116 psi maximum.

59. 6. Place the lifting bag under the object to be lifted
6. Place the lifting bag under the object to be lifted. The system is now ready for use.

60. Lifting Operations
As with any rescue operation, safety of the rescuer and patients is the priority
Always exercise caution when performing lifting operations
Always have plenty of cribbing material available to support the load AS IT IS BEING LIFTED.
NEVER leave a load supported only by a lifting bag.

61. Lifting Operations SAFETY Considerations Placement of lifting bags
Adjusting height of lifting bags
Stacking lifting bags
Inflation sequence
Lowering the load

62. Safety Avoid placing yourself under an unstable load
Never stack more than two (2) lifting bags
Never place anything between 2 lifting bags
Chock vehicle wheels before beginning any lifting operation
Follow all warnings on the lifting bag label and in the users manual

63. Safety Operator Position
Maintain a safe distance during lift
If space permits, position yourself to the side of possible ejection path of lifting bags

64. Safety Improper Operator Position
This operator should be to the side of the possible ejection path of the lifting bags

65. Safety Improper Placement
These bags have not been centered under the rocker channel
This will lead to bags shifting position during inflation…

66. Safety Shifting Bags These bags have shifted position…notice the angle
They represent a potential ejection hazard

67. Safety Proper Operator Position

68. Placing Lifting Bags Rocker channel
Locate lifting bag so that the centering mark is directly underneath the object to be lifted.
Remember to look for maximum contact area between bag and load when placing bag
Protect the top of the bag against sharp objects by placing SOFT protection that can be sacrificed between bag and the load. (i.e. truck mud flap)
NEVER place hard objects between load and top of bag surface
IMPORTANT! Be conscious of heat sources under vehicle, i.e. catalytic converter
Rocker channel

69. Placing Lifting Bags
When there is not enough insertion space for bag placement you may need to use another device to create space
Holmatro’s power wedge can create a 2 inch space from only ¼ inch gap…

70. Adjusting Height
Sometimes the object being lifted is high above the lifting surface (i.e. large vehicle, SUV, etc..)
In this case you can build a box crib beneath the object
Always place lifting bags on TOP of cribbing

71. Single Bag Lift
Because the maximum height of any Holmatro lifting bag is 1” they are easily placed under loads with minimum clearance.
Once lift is achieved, crib the load and continue
If more lift height is needed, you can now introduce a second bag on top of the first

72. Stacking Bags Two Bag Lift
When space permits and maximum lift height is desired, place both bags beneath load.

73. Stacking Bags Two Bag Lift
Inflate the bottom bag FIRST

74. Stacking Bags Two Bag Lift
Complete the lift by inflating the top bag
Place cribbing to secure lifted object

75. Inflation Sequence
With lifting bag system correctly connected and bags properly placed you can now begin the lift
Using the controller, begin slowly inflating the bottom bag
Place cribbing as the load begins to rise
Once an adequate height is reached secure the load with cribbing.
Leave the bag inflated. If using shutoff hose, close quarter turn valve.
Air supply hose may now be disconnected from lifting bag

76. Deflation Sequence Always deflate bags using the control unit
Carefully remove cribbing. It may be necessary to slightly inflate lifting bags.
If using two lifting bags, deflate in the opposite order of lift sequence:
Deflate top bag first
Deflate bottom bag last

77. Disconnecting the System
Once load is securely lowered:
Turn off valve on air bottle
NOTE: There is still air pressure in the rest of the lifting bag system
Release pressure from system. On SCV/DCV10 units, a quick way to achieve this is to depress both “+” and “-” buttons at the same time.
Now you can disconnect all components

78. Inspection After Use
Before storing lifting bag system components it is necessary to visually inspect all parts for any damage
Immediately remove any damaged components from service and notify your Holmatro dealer.

79. Maintenance and Storage Procedures
Regulator/Pressure Reducer: Should be stored where it will not sustain damage. Before storage return your regulator to neutral (zero) setting
Control Unit: Store in a container to prevent any damage
Hoses: wind in a coil, belted or tied with couplers joined. Do not place heavy objects on top of stored hoses.

80. Maintenance and Storage Procedures
Lifting Bags:
The air inlet nipple is the most vulnerable part of the bag. Always replace the plastic cap and store in such a way as to avoid damage to the nipple.
If damaged, nipple can be field replaced
Store bags out of direct contact with sunlight as the UV rays can cause degradation of the rubber compound

81. Maintenance and Storage Procedures
Lifting Bags (cont’d):
Cleaning. After use in oil, sand, dirt bags can be cleaned using only a mild soap and water solution. Clean with a brush or broom, rinse and let dry.
NEVER use solvents to clean bags
NEVER use preservatives such as Armorall® or tire spray as they may cause damage and will create slippery and unstable surfaces.

82. Remember: Training is an on-going process, not a one time event

83. Training
Ensure that you periodically review this training program and the Owner’s Manual that you received with your Holmatro Lifting Bag System
Ensure that all new personnel are familiar with this information before using a lifting bag system

84. Knowledge Retention Test
Number a blank sheet of paper from 1-25
Take the following test
Score your answers using the answer key (4 points each)
You must have a minimum score of 85% to “pass”
Review your incorrect responses!!

85. Knowledge Retention Test
What is the maximum operating pressure of your Holmatro Lifting Bag System?
10,500 psi
8 psi
116 psi
116 bar

86. Knowledge Retention Test
2. You have a system with 2 model HLB-20 lifting bags. What is the maximum lift capacity available to you using these two lifting bags?
20 tons
40 tons
20 tons x 116 psi
30 tons

87. Knowledge Retention Test
3. To calculate the lifting capability of a bag you multiply the contact area of the lifting bag x the surface area of the object to be lifted.
True
False

88. Knowledge Retention Test
4. P x A = F is also known as:
Bernoulli's Principal
Pascal’s Principal
The PAF Principal
The Theory of Relativity

89. Knowledge Retention Test
5. If I stack a 20 ton lifting bag on top of a 40 ton lifting bag, I will be able to lift:
20 tons
60 tons
40 tons
tons

90. Knowledge Retention Test
6. If I place a 20 ton lifting bag adjacent to a 40 ton lifting bag under an object the maximum I will be able to lift is:
20 tons
60 tons
40 tons
tons

91. Knowledge Retention Test
7. When stacking lifting bags the maximum number of bags I can stack is: 1 2 3
Whatever number of bags I have available

92. Knowledge Retention Test
8. When stacking lifting bags the largest bag goes on top.
True
False

93. Knowledge Retention Test
9. As a lifting bag inflates the lifting capacity of the bag actually:
Decreases
Increases
Stays the same
Reaches 116psi

94. Knowledge Retention Test
10. The contact area between the bag and the object being lifted is what gives the actual lifting capacity.
True
False

95. Knowledge Retention Test
11. For most passenger vehicles, we are not so much interested in lifting capacity as:
Surface area
Contact area
Lifting height
Shape of lifting bag

96. Knowledge Retention Test
12. To obtain maximum lifting height I can stack two bags one on top of the other:
True
False

97. Knowledge Retention Test
13. When placing lifting bags beneath an object to be lifted:
Avoid placing yourself under the object
Center the load on the lifting bag
Have cribbing available
All of the above

98. Knowledge Retention Test
14. To place a lifting bag beneath an object I must have at least:
A crowbar
A 2” opening
A 1” opening
None of the above

99. Knowledge Retention Test
15. The most important thing in any rescue is:
Rushing
Safety of the patient and rescuers
Finishing
None of the above

100. Knowledge Retention Test
16. The more I inflate a lifting bag, the smaller the contact area becomes.
False
True
Only above sea level
None of the above

101. Knowledge Retention Test
17. When inflating a lifting bag I should place myself directly in line with the bag to have a better view of the lifting operation.
False
True

102. Knowledge Retention Test
18. Proper lifting of a load means:
Crib the load as you lift
Never place a load on a lifted object
Use no more than 116 psi.
All of the above

103. Knowledge Retention Test
19. To lower a load you should just simply remove the air supply hose from the lifting bag inlet nipple.
True
False
Only if the ambient temperature is < 85° F
Only if the ambient temperature is between -22° F and 131°F

104. Knowledge Retention Test
20. After using your lifting bag system you should:
Visually inspect all components
Store in a protected location
Remove any broken or damaged items from service
All of the above

105. Knowledge Retention Test
21. You were required to perform a lifting operation in a muddy environment. What should you do before storing your system:
Clean system using a strong solvent
Nothing, system cannot be cleaned by end user
Call your Holmatro Dealer for service
None of the above

106. Knowledge Retention Test
22. Upon visual inspection it is noticed that an inlet nipple on a lifting bag was damaged. This means that the bag has to be replaced.
True
False

107. Knowledge Retention Test
23. You need to lift an object with a sharp edge in the contact area. To protect the bag you should place what on top?
A thick steel plate
Nothing, never place anything on top of a lifting bag
Soft, sacrificial protection
A truck mud flap
None of the above
C and D above

108. Knowledge Retention Test
24. When lifting using two stacked bags:
Inflate both bags simultaneously
Inflate the bottom bag first
Inflate the top bag first
You cannot lift using two stacked bags

109. Knowledge Retention Test
25. The object you need to lift is higher than the maximum lift height of your 2 lifting bags. What can you do:
Nothing
Build a box crib platform on top of your two lifting bags to fill the gap
Build a box crib platform beneath your two lifting bags to fill the gap
Stack cribbing between your two lifting bags to fill the gap

110. Answer Key C A B D C B A D F

111. Thank You!
Holmatro, Inc.