Transcript AIR BAGS - Georgia College of Vehicle Rescue

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
