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