AIR BAGS

Types of Air Bags Low pressure high lift High Pressure low lift Square Rectangle Round

Low pressure high lift Usually in a cubical or cylindrical shape Common operating pressure of 15 psi Ability to lift higher than high pressure bags Require more clearance to put in place up to 2 inch Unstable till fully inflated Not commonly used for rescue

High pressure low lift Can be round, square or rectangular High lifting capacity Low clearance needed as little as 1 inch Limited lifting height Stiff and heavy to handle Looses stability as the height increases

Square air bags Used mostly for high pressure systems Offers best power versus lifting height Relatively stable at low lifting height Bag rounds out as it lifts becoming less stable Max lift is rated at 1 inch high

Rectangular air bags Used in both low and high pressure systems When it inflates it resembles a log Stable on one direction at any height

How air bags work To figure the lifting capacity multiply length x width x the working pressure of the bag 10’x 10’= 100 100 x116 = 11600 116 is the working psi Bag is rated at 11,600 pounds

How air bags work Power curve When deflated the bag is flat As it is inflated it forms a pillow shape As the height increases the contact patch decreases The higher the bag lifts it losses it’s lift capacity

Stacking air bags Not recommended But not out of the question Do not stack more than 2 high Largest bag on bottom Inflate largest bag first Inflate no more than two thirds of either bag

Lifting with air bags Always crib when you lift Lift an inch crib an inch Crib on all sides of the object not to allow lateral movement NEVER assume an air bag is stable ALWAYS CRIB AS YOU LIFT

Cribbing for air bags 2x4 4x4 At least 18 inches long Wedges Stair steps

Cribbing for air bags Crib at two points on the down side of the vehicle Place a crib box next to the lifting point Use of box cribbing is recommended Crib as you lift

Cribbing for air bags To gain lifting height use a solid base for the bag to sit on Crib tower should not be taller than it is wide

Air Bag Safety Always inspect before use Use manufactures recommendations Lift an inch crib an inch Provide edge protection for the bags Do not stack more than 2 high Have line of sight between the controller and person calling the lift