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

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.

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.

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 www.FEMSA.org Copyright 2004 FEMSA. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 20.125 inches 20.125 inches

Let’s Plug In The Numbers… P x A=F 116 pounds/in² X 405 in² = 46,980 lbs 46,980 lbs ÷ 2,200 lbs/ton* = 21.35 tons of lift *Metric ton 46,980 lbs ÷ 2,000 lbs/ton* = 23.49 tons of lift *USA (short) ton

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!

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

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

Let’s re-do the math… Actual surface area is 19.54 in x 19.54 in or: 381.81in ² x 116 psi = 44289.96 lbs. Round up to make it simple and divide by 2,200 lbs gives 20.13 metric tons 19.54 inches

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…

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Graph Our Example…

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!

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

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”

Lifting Bag Characteristics Construction

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 131°F (55°C)

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

2. Connect the pressure regulator to the air bottle.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety Proper Operator Position

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

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…

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

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

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

Stacking Bags Two Bag Lift Inflate the bottom bag FIRST

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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 30.1625 tons

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 30.1625 tons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answer Key C A B D C B A D F

Thank You! Holmatro, Inc.