V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS Version. 01 STRONGARM ERGOSKELETON Lift Assist Device V22
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS These User Instructions include the V22 Fit Guide and the V22 Usage Guide. It is very important that users follow all fit instructions. Finding a proper fit for your V22 ErgoSkeleton is crucial to the product efficiency. - See www.strongarmtech.com for additional videos and training resources. 1. Product Safety Information 2. Fit Guide A. Sizing & Parts B. Adjustments & Fit a. Spine Column Adjustments b. Posture Pads c. Shoulder Straps d. Hip Belt e. Final Shoulder Strap Adjustment f. Hand Effectors 3. Usage Guide A. Lifting Intelligence B. General Use C. Hand Placement D. Prelift & Lifting Instructions 4. Maintenance, Care, & Storage 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 12 14 16 17 1 Memo
1. SAFETY INFORMATION The V22 ErgoSkeleton is a self-powered lift assist device. Misuse of the V22 ErgoSkeleton may result in serious injury. For proper use, see a supervisor, refer to these User Instructions or contact 3M Technical Service at 1-800-243-4630 in the U.S.A. Please read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these User Instructions prior to the use of this self-powered lift assist device. Retain these User Instructions for future reference. Intended Use: This self-powered lift assist device is intended to aid operators in utilizing proper and safe lifting technique. This self-powered lift assist device is used in dynamic lifting applications. It is expected that all users be healthy and fully trained in proper lifting techniques and the safe operation of this selfpowered lift assist device. If you have a history of injury, or are currently experiencing back pain, use only under the direction of an appropriate licensed health care provider. Use in any other application has not been evaluated by StrongArm Technologies or 3M and may lead to an unsafe condition. This device is not intended to allow for an increase in frequency, duration, or weight of lifted load. Explanation of Signal Word Consequences WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury and/or property damage. WARNING To reduce the risks associated with lifting heavy objects: Do not use this device unless you have received proper ergonomics training per OSHA and NIOSH. Training guidelines can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics and www.osha.gov/ergonomics Do not use this device to lift objects outside your current occupational lifting regime. This device is not intended to allow for an increase in frequency, duration, or weight of lifted load. Stop use of the device and consult your supervisor immediately if you feel an increase in restriction, resistance, or pain in your body. Do not use this device for overhead lifting outside your current lifting regime. This device does not aid in overhead lifting or lessen the risks associated with elevated heavy objects. Not for use by minors, pregnant women, and those with a history of back or neck problems or injury. Do not use this device in hazardous locations. Hazardous locations include, but are not limited to, environments which contain: sparks or fire, limited space prohibiting proper use of the device, elements which could lead to entanglement of lifting cords or straps, and sharp objects. CAUTION To reduce the risks associated with lifting heavy objects: Inspect the device prior to each use. Do not use if inspection reveals any defect, inadequate maintenance, or any other unsafe condition. Do not disassemble, modify or service this device. The unit contains no user serviceable parts. Service is only to be performed by StrongArm authorized service personnel. Contact via 3M Technical. Do not use this device to lift objects that do not have a flat ridged base, or that are unbalanced, unstable or have sharp edges. To reduce the risks associated with impact, entanglement, and abrasion: Do not allow hand effectors to snap back into their resting position. Gently guide the hand effectors back to their resting position. Users with hair long enough to contact the device s Cord Suspension shall tie back their hair. Use gloves in conjunction with the hand effectors. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 2
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 2. FIT GUIDE A. Sizing & Parts Ensure that all parts of the device are intact. TRANSMISSION CORD CORD SUSPENSION ADJUSTABLE SPINE COLUMN HIP BELT HAND EFFECTOR HAND CLUTCH Make sure that you received the size that fits you. Size label is located in the inside of the Hip Belt. WAIST SIZES SIZE LABEL S M L Small: 27-33 Medium: 34-41 Large: 42-51 3 Memo
2. FIT GUIDE B. Adjustment & Fit a. Spine Column Adjustment Adjust your spine column height by matching your height to the sizing index number. Sizing Index Number Height 0 < 5 4 1 5 5-5 7 2 5 8-5 9 Eye Hole 3 5 10-6 0 4 6 1-6 2 5 6 3-6 4 6 6 5 > To adjust the spine column height, press and hold the red button on the top housing then adjust the size to your number visible in the eye hole. Release the red button to lock the column into place. Button For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 4
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 2. FIT GUIDE B. Adjustment & Fit b. Posture Pads Have a partner assist you during this step. Upper Posture Pad 1. Check to make sure that the upper posture pad is in the right place. - The upper posture pad should rest directly between the shoulder blades and should be centered on the human spine. - Have your partner check to ensure this. 2. To make sure this is placed in the right position, curl your body into a C position by tucking your chin into your chest, while doing so, your back should push against this pad. 3. Once you have found the correct positioning of the upper posture pad, move on to adjust the lower posture pad. Lower Posture Pad 1. The lower posture pad should fit in the small of your back. 2. After adjusting the spine column and the upper posture pad, if the lower posture pad does not sit properly in the small of your back, you can either readjust the spine column height or reposition the lower posture pad. 5 Memo
2. FIT GUIDE B. Adjustment & Fit c. Shoulder Straps The device should fit and be put on similar to how you would put on a backpack. a. Loosen the shoulder straps before you put on the device, for comfort and ease with adjusting. b. Put in your right shoulder, and then your left shoulder. c. Tighten the straps slightly so the device does not fall off. d. Make sure the shoulder straps are laying flat. a. b. c. d. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 6
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 2. FIT GUIDE B. Adjustment & Fit d. Hip Belt a. After the posture pads are secure and in the correct positions, grab the left side of the Hip Belt. b. Separate the pieces of the left Hip Belt, into two pieces. c. Take the piece that is closest to your body and cross that over to your right side. d. Take the right side of the Hip Belt and overlap that over the left side. e. Take the remaining piece of the left Hip Belt and cross that over to the right side. 1. 2. 3. 4. Hip Belt Fit Notes: The side of the Hip Belt should sit on the hip bone. All parts of the Hip Belt should be crossed over each other. When not lifting a load, the Hip Belt should fit rest comfortably on your waist. The recommended overlap should be at least 3 inches between the left and right Hip Belt pieces. If there isn t enough overlap, please find a larger size. If there is too much overlap, please find a smaller size. e. Final Shoulder Strap Adjustment Once the waist belt is secured properly, adjust the shoulder straps so that they fit your body snugly. a. There should be no room between the shoulder straps and your body, but this should not be too tight where the device is uncomfortable. b. The strap should fit tight enough to keep the device centered on body but loose enough to enable full range of motion. 7 Memo
2. FIT GUIDE B. Adjustment & Fit f. Hand Effectors 1. Pull down the left Hand Effector from the arc suspension spool, making sure there are no crossovers or knots in the cords. 2. Make sure that the clutch is facing up towards the ceiling. The StrongArm chevron logo should be facing down towards the floor. 3. Open your left hand so that your palm is facing up. 4. Slide your ring and middle finger into the Hand Effector, so that it fits between the wings. 5. Repeat this process for the right Hand Effector. Note: The Hand Effector is the entire hand piece. The clutch is mechanism that activates the load shifting action. Hand Effector Hand Clutch Step. 1 Step. 4 Hand Effector Notes: We recommend using gloves with this device, for added comfort, reduced risk of chafing, and Hand Effector stability. (Gloves not shown in this document for visual clarity.) Gloves should not be bulky. Cord Length: Once the Hand Effectors are on, they should not restrict you from extending your arms out. To adjust the length of extension, release the buckles on Hip Belt and pull the nylon webbing closer to the respective buckle to enlongate and away from the buckle to shorten. Be sure to fasten the buckle after adjustment. NOTE: Nylon webbing should be looped through the buckle and fastened with the hook and loop fasteners attached while using the V22. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 8
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 3. USAGE GUIDE A. Lifting Intelligence BODY MECHANICS At StrongArm, we design products to help enable the efficient use of one s body to produce motion that is safer, energy conserving, anatomically and physiologically efficient, and that leads to the maintenance of a person s body balance and control. Proper lifting mechanics can help prevent injury when selected and used correctly. STRONGARM MUSCLE GROUP This is a group of muscles that StrongArm has strategically targeted. These are muscles that last longer, recover quicker, and can endure greater stress. By using these muscles as a primary set of lifting muscles, users may be able to work longer at a more consistent rate and with less pain and fatigue. MISMATCH MUSCLE GROUP This group of muscles is the group commonly used during improper lifts. However, these muscle are not suited for the tasks of lifting substantial loads or repetitive lifting. 9 Memo
3. USAGE GUIDE A. Lifting Intelligence REACHING Remain close to the object. Keep your arms close to your body as much as possible. You will become a more stable lifter if the object is held close to your body, rather than at the end of your reach. THE STRONGARM ADVANTAGE Initiates movement of the object closer to the user, because when the hand effector is engaged, the load will hang from the shoulder. This encourages the load to swing closer to the body, helping to maintain a center of gravity. The object being lifted is not close to the body, which could lead to an increased risk of injury. A NOTE FROM STRONGARM While wearing the V22, the object is designed to be closer to the user, maintaining a center of gravity. Keep the load close: Holding an object with your hands further from the body creates more compressive force on your lower back. This is because the muscles in your back have to work harder to counter balance the weight when it is further from the body. As the compressive force on your lower back increases, so does the risk of muscle strains, ligament sprains and damage to disks in the spine. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 10
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 3. USAGE GUIDE A. Lifting Intelligence To Engage the Hand Effector: 1. Place the object to the clutch of the Hand Effector. 2. During the lift keep the clutch engaged on the object to activate the V22. A NOTE FROM STRONGARM StrongArm recommends the use of gloves for added comfort, reduced risk of chafing, and Hand Effector stability. Before you lift, ensure that your body is positioned properly. Tuck the chin into the chest and keep the back straight. Keep your arms and elbows close to your body to prevent too much of the weight being placed on your shoulders. Grip the object you re going to lift with both your fingers and your palms to give yourself a stronger grip than you would achieve from the fingers alone. 11 Memo
3. USAGE GUIDE B. General Use The V22 ErgoSkeleton is a self-powered lift assist device. Misuse of the V22 ErgoSkeleton may result in serious injury. For proper use, see a supervisor, refer to these User Instructions or contact 3M Technical Service at 1-800-243-4630 in the U.S.A. Please read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these User Instructions prior to the use of this self-powered lift assist device. Retain these User Instructions for future reference. Intended Use: This self-powered lift assist device is intended to aid operators in utilizing proper and safe lifting technique. This self-powered lift assist device is used in dynamic lifting applications. It is expected that all users be healthy and fully trained in proper lifting techniques and the safe operation of this selfpowered lift assist device. If you have a history of injury, or are currently experiencing back pain, use only under the direction of an appropriate licensed health care provider. Use in any other application has not been evaluated by StrongArm Technologies or 3M and may lead to an unsafe condition. This device is not intended to allow for an increase in frequency, duration, or weight of lifted load. Explanation of Signal Word Consequences WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury and/or property damage. WARNING To reduce the risks associated with lifting heavy objects: Do not use this device unless you have received proper ergonomics training per OSHA and NIOSH. Training guidelines can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics and www.osha.gov/ergonomics. Do not use this device to lift objects outside your current occupational lifting regime. This device is not intended to allow for an increase in frequency, duration, or weight of lifted load. Do not use this device for overhead lifting outside your current lifting regime. This device does not aid in overhead lifting or lessen the risks associated with elevated heavy objects. CAUTION To reduce the risks associated with lifting heavy objects: Do not use this device to lift objects that do not have a flat ridged base, or that are unbalanced, unstable or have sharp edges. (Inspect the device prior to each use. Do not use if inspection reveals any defect, inadequate maintenance, or any other unsafe condition.) To reduce the risks associated with impact, entanglement, and abrasion: Users with hair long enough to contact the device s Cord Suspension shall tie back their hair. Use gloves in conjunction with the hand effectors. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 12
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 3. USAGE GUIDE B. General Use The V22 should be used for lifting products from the shoulder down. Recommended while using the V22 Not recommended while using the V22 StrongArm Technologies does not recommend overhead lifting. Users are capable of performing overhead lifts while using StrongArm products, but they do not provide any aid. Make sure you have enough space to properly squat and perform a full body lift. The clutch must be engaged throughout the lift, the items being lifted must have a solid base surface. Don t lift something with the device that you normally could not lift - the device is self-powered and is meant to increase your safety while lifting. Make sure that the width and height of the item you are lifting is within reasonable sizes. This device is not intended to lift items with large dimensions. Large items should be lifted with two parties using the V22 and should not be performed as a solo lift. Tie back hair, so that it is off of your shoulders, if applicable. 13 Memo
3. USAGE GUIDE C. Hand Placement The optimal box size being handled, while using the V22, is when the dimensions allow for your arms to be as close to a 90 degree bend while using the recommended lifting grips. Boxes should not be lifted in such a way that inhibits vision. Do not continue to lift if you feel any strain or pain. While using different grips, the cords should wrap around the sides of the items being lifted. a. Grips Grip techniques are recommendations. User s discretion on what grip to use depending on the situation. There are several different grips that you can use while utilizing the V22. Even Grip: Place your hand under the box, just past the center of gravity in the middle, so the box is tipping into you. While gripping, the cords will wrap around the box. You should feel the same amount of tension on both cords. Staggered Grip: Lift the box with one hand under the corner closest to your body and the opposite corner, farthest away from your body. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 14
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 3. USAGE GUIDE C. Hand Placement Over Under Grip: One hand takes most of the load on the bottom of the closest corner to the body, while the other hand goes on the upper opposite corner of the box, guiding the load. Incorrect Lifting Grips X X 15 Memo
3. USAGE GUIDE D. Prelift & Lifting Instructions 90 Steps 1, 2, 3, 4. Steps 5, 6. Steps 7. Steps 8, 9. 1. Before you lift, ensure that your body is positioned properly by using a wide stance with one foot forward and to the side of the object for good balance. 2. Keep your chin up and back straight. 3. Approach the load as close as possible, while keeping your elbows bent or close to 90 degrees. 4. Bend your knees to get level to the box. 5. Wrap your arms around the object you are going to lift and grip the object with both of your fingers on the base and your palm on the side of the object, to give yourself a stronger grip than you would from fingers alone. 6. Place your hands under the box in the suggested grips. 7. Activate the hand effector by placing your hand under the box and making sure that it is depressed by the load. 8. Once your hand is stable to the box and the clutch is fully engaged, stand up straight while holding the box. 9. Be aware of the weight and feel the load shift as the product transfers the load from your hand, to stronger, more stable parts of your body. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 16
V22 USER INSTRUCTIONS 4. MAINTENANCE, CARE, & STORAGE Inspect the product before use. If there are any problems, do not use the product and see your supervisior or call 3M Technical Service at 1-800-243-4630. Store in a dry, clean environment, out of direct sunlight, when not in use. Clean when needed with antibacterial wipes or spray. Do not immerse in water. Memo 17 Memo
LIVE STRONG, LIVE LONG. For Trial/Purchase Contact: 3M Personal Safety Division Customer Service: 1-800-328-1667 Technical Assistance: 1-800-243-4630 www.3m.com/strongarm StrongArm Technologies, Inc. www.strongarmtech.com 18
Memo