1. AIR BAGS

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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