Aplha 200ee Instruction Manual

Log Book

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

Action Taken

Inspected By

Signature

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

Inspected By

Action Taken

Signature

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Log Book

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Preface Pro-Med Credentials ... 2

Date

Warranty ... 3 Action Taken

Inspected By

Key to Symbols ... 4

Signature

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

Inspected By

Action Taken

Signature

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1

Preface

Log Book

PRO-Med designs and manufactures quality engineered patient lifting equipment for the care of the infirm and disabled in hospitals, nursing homes and home care.

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

PRO-MED Credentials • Australian Therapeutic Goods Listing, Certificate of Listing AUST L 42882 • FDA Listing A804934 (USA) • FDA Registration 9613615 (USA) • CE Mark (European Union Listing) • Global operations for in-warranty and out-of-warranty service support. • Each finished lifter is individually tested in our laboratory. No lifter is delivered without a signed Quality Test Certificate bearing the serial number of that unit.

• Lifting capacities 127kg/280lb to 272kg/600lb. Engineering safety factor

Action Taken

Inspected By

Signature

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

exceeds European Standards.

• Each machine is operated by leading edge electrical or hydraulic technology. • Complete range of slings and supports designed and manufactured by

Date

Pro-Med using medical quality padding and fabrics.

• The Australian Government endorses Pro-Med for its medical equipment

Inspected By

Action Taken

export marketing program. Signature

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Log Book

Preface

Warranty Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Pro-Med Australia Pty Ltd warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service and will, within the periods stated below from the date of purchase, repair or replace, without cost to the original customer, any part, assembly, or portion thereof which shall be returned to Pro-Med and from our inspection, shows to be defective. Patient Lifter including Electronics / Hydraulics .. 2 years Weighing Devices ... 1 year

Date

Accessories on Lifter ... 2 years Slings ... 1 year Action Taken

Inspected By

Batteries ... 3 months No warranty claim shall apply where the product or any part thereof has been altered, varied, modified, or damaged either accidentally or through improper or negligent use, or repaired or serviced by any persons not accredited by the Authorised Distributor. Pro-Med Slings void warranty if not laundered as per instructions on the Sling Label.

Signature

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

It is the responsibility of the Purchaser to train and instruct new staff on the proper use of the products. Warning: It is the responsibility of the Purchaser to select the appropriate Pro-Med Lifter and Pro-Med Sling to address the lifting needs of an individual. An incorrect selection may cause injury. If in doubt, seek input from a suitably qualified therapist. Pro-Med disclaims any responsibility for accidents, mishaps or injury caused by the combination of Pro-Med products with another manufacturer’s equipment.

Date

Inspected By

Action Taken

Signature

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3

Preface

Log Book

Key to Symbols The following symbols are used on lifter and attachment labels: The symbol required to be displayed on regulated products for sale on the European Market. It indicates that the product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection.

SWL

Safe Working Load. Represents the maximum load the lifter is rated at for safe operation.

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

The following symbols are used on sling labels and relate to washing instructions: Wash at maximum temperature 60o C (140o F) permanent press cycle. Wash at maximum temperature 85o C (198o F) permanent press cycle. Do not use bleach.

Action Taken

Inspected By

Do not dry clean.

Dry cleanable.

Signature

Do not tumble dry. Do not iron.

Please refer to individual sling labels for complete instructions regarding washing and laundering.

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Date

Inspected By

Action Taken

Signature

4

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Log Book TO BE COMPLETED AFTER EACH INSPECTION/SERVICE

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

Major

Getting Started Documentation ... 6

Date

Assembly Instructions ... 7 Action Taken

Inspected By

Signature

Service Type

Condition Report

Pre-Delivery

Minor

Periodic Inspection

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Date

Inspected By

Action Taken

Signature

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5

Getting Started

Documentation With each lifter you should receive the following documents:

• this Instruction Manual; • a Test Certificate; and • a Warranty / Registration Card.

Log Book Customer Name Customer Address

Warranty/Registration Card The tear-off Registration Card must be completed and returned to Pro-Med within fourteen days of purchase.

Product Name

Serial No

Date of Purchase

Warranty Period Distributed By

Check List Owner: •

Ensure the patient lifter is serviced regularly (refer Lifter Maintenance, page 33).

•

Contact an Authorised Pro-Med Distributor / Service Agent immediately if there are any problems with the operation of the patient lifter.

• •

Record any repairs required.

•

Withdraw the patient lifter from service if inspection reveals that user safety is jeopardised in any way from use of the patient lifter.

•

6

Ensure the Log Book is completed and signed.

Ensure ongoing servicing after the Warranty Period is maintained by agreement between you and an Authorised Pro-Med Distributor / Service Agent.

Authorised Pro-Med Distributor / Service Agent: •

Ensure the patient lifter is serviced in accordance with the Manufacturer’s recommendations.

•

Ensure the Log Book is completed and signed.

•

Record any repairs required.

•

Advise the Owner to withdraw the patient lifter from service if inspection reveals that user safety is jeopardised in any way from use of the patient lifter.

•

Ensure ongoing servicing after the Warranty Period is maintained by agreement between you and the Owner.

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Distributors

Getting Started

INTERNATIONAL

Assembly Instructions

Canada

All Pro-Med lifters are fully assembled, load tested and certified at the factory before being partially dismantled for shipping. Follow these instructions to assemble your Alpha 200ee.

BBB Enterprises 9620 62 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E OE2 Tel: (1780) 435 4951 Fax: (1780) 437 0185

Tools required: Spanners - 17mm AF, 16mm AF, 2 x 13mm AF Hexagon Wrench - 3.00mm AF

New Zealand Active Rehab Equipment 254 Church Street, Penrose, Auckland Tel: (649) 622 4070 Fax: (649) 622 4201

1.

Remove lifter components from packing and lay out on carpeted area.

2.

Fit Mast Assembly into Mast Holder of chassis. Ensure that the Mast is fully engaged in the Mast Holder. Tighten the Clamp Screw to prevent movement of the Mast.

3.

Attach Push Handle with M8 Screws, Nuts and Washers packed with the handle.

4.

Attach Electrics Mounting Rail to the Mast if required. Loosen the three screws on the back of the mast, fit the rail and re-tighten the screws.

5.

Mount the Control Box by sliding it down firmly onto the lower lugs of the Mounting Rail. Secure with M5 Socket Head Cap Screw.

USA

6.

Alpha Modalities 700 NW 42nd Street Suite 207, Seattle, Washington 98107 Tel: 1800 273 5749 Fax: 1206 374 2476

Plug the Main Actuator into Port 1 on the underside of the Control Box and the Leg Spreading Actuator into Port 2

7.

Plug the Handset Lead into the large socket on the underside of the Control Box. Note, this socket is keyed so that the plug must be correctly orientated before it will enter. When aligned, press home firmly. A smear of Vaseline on the O-Ring may assist if the plug is tight.

8.

Clip Battery Pack onto Control Box and check operation of the Actuators. The Red Emergency Stop Button must be released for the Actuators to function properly. Turn the Knob 1/4 turn clockwise to release.

Rehab Equipment Company 260 King Edward Street, Dunedin Tel: (643) 455 3321 Fax: (643) 453 4157

United Kingdom Harvest Healthcare 110 Rutland Road, Neepsand, Sheffield, S3 9PJ Tel: (441144) 270 1160 Fax: (44114) 273 9716

Refer diagram overleaf.

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7

Getting Started

Distributors

Victoria Linds Rehabilitation Equipment 58-60 Star Crescent, Hallam, Vic, 3803 Tel: (03) 9796 3399

Western Australia River Abilities 29 Alexandra Place, Bentley, WA, 6102 Tel: (08) 9350 6600 Fax: (08) 9451 8281

Fitting a Yoke or Pivoting Frame 1. Remove the yoke shaft from the boom. 2. Insert the yoke shaft through the Yoke or Pivoting Frame. 3. Attach yoke cover (Pivoting Frame only). 4. Place boom end cover over the yoke shaft. Squash it down to expose the bolt hole in the yoke shaft. 5. Insert bolt through clevis and shaft. 6. Fit nut and tension to allow easy movement of yoke shaft. 7. Fit boom end cover over end section of boom.

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Distributors

AUSTRALIA New South Wales / ACT Active Mobility Systems 30 James Street, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141 Tel: (02) 9649 2111 Fax: (02) 9749 2889

Features

Northern Territory Mobility & Rehabilitation Services (North) Unit 7 / 1808 Hardy Road, Berimah (11mile), NT, 0828 Tel: (08) 8932 1900 Fax: (08) 8932 1922 Mobility & Rehabilitation Services (South) 6 Foggart Street, Alice Springs, NT, 0828 Tel: (08) 8952 3599 Fax: (08) 8952 4833

South Australia

Overview ... 10 Specifications ... 11 Mechanical Features ... 12 Electrical Features ... 13 Attachment Options ... 15 Slings ... 18

Grajen Medical Aids 98 Churchill Road, Prospect, SA, 5082 Tel: (08) 8344 4666 Fax: (08) 8344 7879

Queensland Active Medical Supplies 35 Southgate Avenue, Cannon Hill, Qld, 4170 Tel: (07) 3899 8887 Fax: (07) 3890 2889 Independent Living Solutions 8 Keane Street, Currajong, Townsville, Qld, 4812 Tel: (07) 4728 1200 Fax: (07) 4728 1201 Medtech Mobility Equipment 18 Prescott Street, Toowoomba, Qld, 4350 Tel: (07) 4639 3977 Fax: (07) 4659 5953

Tasmania Tasmanian Medical Supplies 40 Brisbane Street, Hobart, Tas, 7000 Tel: (03) 6234 9777 Fax: (03) 6234 8452

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Features

Overview Pro-Med’s Alpha 200ee is designed to lift patients safely and securely in a wide range of slings and is appropriate for use as a convenient institutional lifter or domestic use for the larger patient. The lifter may be supplied with the following lifting attachment options:

• Yoke - for use with standard slings; • Pivoting Frame - for use with Banana Slings; and • Weighing Device - for effortless, accurate, electronic weighing.

Distributors

The Alpha 200ee is an electric powered unit with a safe working load of 200kg.

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Maintenance

Features

Specifications Model Product Code Capacity Configuration Boom Length Base size, max open HxW xL

Alpha 200ee 17308 200kg (440lb)

Base size, closed HxW xL

13 x 65 x 115cm (5 x 24.5 x 45in)

Minimum storage space HxW xL

140 x 65.5 x 115cm (55 x 26 x 45in)

Frame Material Castors Size Brakes Weight Safe for Bathroom Use Lift Range Yoke

Epoxy coated steel Twin Wheel 10cm (4in) Yes – Rear 41kg (90lb) Yes

Pivoting Frame Other Specifications

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85cm (33.5in) 13 x 138 x 115cm (5 x 54.5 x 45in)

Low 48cm (19in) High 178cm (70in) Low 22cm (9in) High 151cm (59in) Floor lift possible

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Features

Maintenance

Mechanical Features

Trouble Shooting

Sling Attachment

Before trouble shooting ensure that: • the actuator is not in operation Standard slings are attached to the hooks on a yoke via webbing straps.

• the actuator is free from load, and • that maintenance procedures have been checked and followed.

Trouble shooting should be performed by someone that is familiar with both the use and mechanism of the lifter and general electrics. If in doubt, contact your supplier to arrange a service call.

Mechanical Banana slings are attached via key-hole buckles to studs located on the pivoting frame.

Symptom Actuator makes creaking noise during lift Lifter tracks incorrectly

Possible Causes No free movement at actuator mounting bolts Castor brakes faulty

Action Loosen mounting bolts slightly

Possible Causes Flat battery Defective battery Not connected to the mains The fuse has blown Battery charger is defective Actuator plug not pushed into control box properly Actuator defective Control box defective Control box defective Handset defective

Action Recharge battery Replace battery Connect to mains Replace fuse or send the system for repair Send battery charger for repair Push plug into control box properly Replace actuator Replace control box Replace control box Replace handset

Motor is damaged Emergency stop button pressed Battery completely flat Battery defective Handset defective Control box defective Handset defective

Send actuator for repair Release button Charge battery Replace battery Send handset for repair Send control box for repair Send handset for repair

The actuator is not connected to the control box Blown fuse in the control box Cable damaged Gear wheel or spindle damaged

Connect actuator to control box Change fuse Send actuator for repair Send actuator for repair

Safety nut has operated

Send actuator for repair

Check both castor brakes are releasing properly

Electrical Symptom Buzzer sounds from within control box Battery charger power indicator does not light up

Locking Castors The Alpha 200ee comes with high quality locking castors at the rear. These castors are easily operated by foot and keep the lifter stationary when required.

Actuator does not run but relays in control box are heard clicking

Actuator does not run and no relay noise is heard from control box Actuator cannot lift full load Control box completely dead on battery; no relay clicking is heard Actuator works in one direction only Actuator works with some but not all handset buttons No motor sound or movement of piston rod

Motor runs but piston rod does not move Piston rod will only move inwards and not outwards

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Maintenance

Features

Electrical Features Handset Up/Down Base Adjuster

Low Battery Warning LED

The Alpha 200ee lifting mechanism is controlled through the use of a handset. Up/down is attained by pressing the buttons on the face of the handset. A low battery warning lamp is also present. The handset connects to the contol unit via a curly cord lead. Do not over-stretch this lead as damage may occur thus rendering the Alpha 200ee inoperative.

Leg Spread Adjuster The leg spread adjustment mechanism is also controlled through the handset. This allows the carer to alter the width of the base of the lifter while approaching a chair. A single hand control means less fuss in preparation of the lift. The front castors move while the rear castors remain stationary.

Control Unit Battery Pack

The control box is connected to the handset, the actuator (electrical pump) and the battery pack, and governs the electrical workings of the Alpha 200ee. Circuitry includes overload protection for the actuator and a low voltage warning should the battery pack run flat.

Emergency Stop Emergency Down

Low Battery Buzzer

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The sophisticated control unit comes in two parts: the control box and the battery pack.

Control Box

A large emergency stop button overrides all control box functions. If the handset fails to operate, an emergency down switch can be activated by pressing with a ball point pen tip where indicated. The battery pack is removable and needs to be recharged regularly for extended battery life and optimum performance. 13

Features

Maintenance

Recharging Station Designed to be fixed to a wall, the recharging station eliminates messy and dangerous power leads associated with the recharging of lifters with fixed battery packs. Recharging can now be done at a more suitable location, not just where the lifter is stored. The recharging station will recharge a battery pack in a matter of hours. An indicator light shows the status of the battery pack during the recharging cycle.

Actuator The actuator is fitted with several safety features:

• Mechanical splines inside the shaft ensure that the actuator can never be used in a pull application and therefore crush or squeeze an object.

Release Mechanism

• An Internal brake prevents the actuator creeping down. • In the event of a functional failure of the main lifting nut inside the shaft, a safety nut is fitted as a back up.

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Product Code ELE019 ELE045 ELE050 ELE053 FAS003 FAS004 HAR003 HAR008 NUT002 NUT003 NUT005 NUT009 NUT010 SCR002 SCR009 SCR022 WAS001 WAS002 WAS010 WAS012 WAS019

Description CBJ2 CONTROL BOX – 2 PORT HI SPEED HANDSET – JUMBO 1 SPD ELS MOUNT BKT – BATTERY & CONTROL BOX BATTERY PACK – JUMBO ROLL PIN – 3X20 ZP E CLIP – DIN 1500 10 DIA ZP HANDGRIP – 1”X4-3/4” GREY ROD END – 3/8 STUDDED NUT – M10 NYLOC TYPE T NUT – M10 NYLOC TYPE P NUT – 3/8 UNF GR 5 HEX ZP NUT – M12 NYLOC TYPE T NUT – M8 HEX ZP SCREW – M10X30 SOCKET C’SK ZP SCREW – M10X20 HEX ZP SCREW – M8X20 SOC BUT HD ZP SPRING WASHER – M8 ZP SPRING WASHER – 3/8 ZP FLAT WASHER – M10 ZP FLAT WASHER – M12 ZP FLAT WASHER – ¾” ZP

Wall Mount Charger (not illustrated) ELE020 CHARGER – JUMBO POWER CABLE – AUS/NZ or ELE030 POWER CABLE PACK – UK or ELE131 POWER CABLE PACK – USA/CAN or ELE132 ELE051 MOUNT BKT – CHARGER ELE052 LOWER SUPPORT BRACKET

• By pulling the Red Release Mechanism up, the patient may be lowered. This is an additional safety feature in the event of total power loss. The speed at which a patient is lowered is determined by their weight. The mechanism can be adjusted for descent rate by an authorised agent.

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Maintenance

Features

Repairs

Attachment Options

Faulty components or workmanship covered by warranty will be repaired where appropriate and replaced when necessary. Defects due to mistreatment or neglect will not be covered by warranty but repair can be arranged by Pro-Med’s authorised agents at the request of the User.

Yoke

Spare Parts Spare parts are available for purchase and are itemised by part number. The list and diagram following allows easy reference to part numbers for ordering: 17308 Alpha 200ee

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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Product Code 10049 10015 10312 10315 10317 10323 10329 10335 10373 30001 30023 30026 50033 50035 50050 70150 70151 70155 BOL010 BOL015 BOL100 BOL101 BOL102 BOL104 BOL111 CAS001 CAS002 ELE009 ELE003

Description SHAFT – YOKE PIN – BOOM PIVOT SPACER – REAR CASTOR STICKER – SERIAL NO. BOOM END PROTECTOR – 50X50 STICKER – ALPHA 180 STICKER – SLINGS STICKER – 180KG SWL STICKER – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CHASSIS – ALPHA BOOM – ALPHA 180 MAST – ALPHA 180 ELECTRIC LEG – ALPHA 180 ELECTRIC BUSH - LEG PIVOT LINK – ELECTRIC LEG SPREAD ROD – ELS SLIDE SLIDE – ELECTRIC LEG SPREAD PUSH HANDLE – 20 DEGREE BOLT – M10X45 GR 4.6 HEX ZP BOLT – M10X35 HEX ZP BOLT – M12X100-85 GR 8.8 HEX ZP BOLT – M10X50-35 HEX ZP BOLT – M10X40-25 HEX ZP BOLT – M12X50-35 HEX ZP BOLT – M8X20 CUPHEAD G4.6 ZP CASTOR – COLSON 100MM SWIVEL CASTOR – COLSON 100MM BRAKE ACTUATOR – LA34 400 HI SPEED ACTUATOR – LEG SPREAD

The Yoke is the standard attachment for general purpose lifters for use with the following slings:

• General Purpose Sling; • General Purpose Sling with Head Support; • General Purpose Toileting Sling with Head Support;

• Two Piece Band Sling; and • Hammock Sling Pivoting Frame/Banana Sling The Pivoting Frame/Banana Sling Option allows a patient to be lifted in either a sitting or lying position. The frame spreads the sling attachment points to ensure the patient’s hips are not excessively flexed, avoiding the discomfort obese patients sometimes experience with standard slings. The ability to position a patient in the sitting posture greatly assists correct seating. The reclining position is ideal for lifting on or off a bed or off the floor. The unique additional pivot at the end of the boom allows the whole frame to be rocked back and forth.

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Features

Weighing Device The PWS300 universal weighing device is rated to 300 kg (660 lb) Safe Working Load, and suits all the Pro-Med and Voyager lifting sysems A quick release mechanism provides easy inter-change of lifters and attachments. The indicator is fitted with a large 27mm LCD backlit display which can be read in all conditions. The universal weighing device is supplied with rechargeable batteries and battery charger.

Maintenance Major Service: (After Every 6 Months of Service) · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

General inspection of lifter Check castors are tightly attached to legs Check castors for free running wheels (remove any fluff and/or hair) Check castor brakes operate efficiently Overhaul castors and repack with grease Inspect surfaces for scratches/chips Retard rusting by applying spray paint (Dulux ‘Special White’ Code: 81880) Clean surfaces with mild soap and water and remove any adhesive tape marks with eucalyptus oil Examine all moving parts and fasteners for wear and fatigue and lubricate and/or adjust as required Check tightness of bolt in leg bushes Check linkages are secure in leg adjuster ball joints Check all electrical components, including battery chargers for correct operation Remove dust and dirt from actuator with cloth Repack actuator clevis’ with grease * Wipe actuator shaft with oiled rag (DO NOT use lubricant such as WD40 or RP7) Strip hydraulic pump handle mechanism, clean and regrease the two handle pivot pins Check hydraulic pump handle for excess wear Check boom/yoke/pivoting frame attachment – remove bolt & regrease – do not over tighten bolt Check mast to boom attachment – remove bolt and regrease pivot bush – retighten bolt tight Arrange repair/replacement of any faulty parts Complete and sign log book *

Top and bottom actuator bolts must not be over tightened – the actuator must be able to pivot on the bolt without resistance. Ensure original side packing washers are replaced after regreasing.

* Batteries must be completely charged before first use.

!

A Major Service undertaken by an authorised service agent every 12 months is a minimum requirement.

Note: If applicable, an annual load test (maximum load) to 125% of the Safe Working Load is required for CE mark maintenance.

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Maintenance

Lifter Maintenance

Features

Slings

Safety Inspections Periodic inspections should be performed by a person who is suitably and properly qualified and well acquainted with the design, use and care of the hoist. Inspections should be carried out both routinely (at least as often as specified) and, as necessary. All defects and damages that have lead to corrective action should be noted in a log book (see page 43) and signed and dated by the inspector. Defects and resulting actions should be reported in writing to your supplier. If inspection reveals that the safety of the hoist is jeopardised in any way, the Owner should be notified immediately, the hoist should be taken out of service and not used again until the problem has been rectified. Contact the supplier to arrange servicing.

Sizing Each lifter unit has a sling identification colour code sticker prominently displayed. Sling straps colour match these for quick selection. Standard sizes are available for most slings. Each label states the SWL (Safe Working Load).

Materials All PRO-MED slings are manufactured from the highest quality materials available. Both the mesh and solid fabrics are 100% polyester and are woven specifically for the application.

A Guide to Maintenance Procedures A regular visual check of the hoist and attachments is essential. Ideally, Pro-Med Australia Pty Ltd recommends servicing by an authorised service agent in accordance with the following schedule of Service Types: Pre-Delivery Inspection · · · · ·

Confirm all components are included Inspect parts for possible damage in transit Ensure all components are in working order Arrange repair/replacement of any faulty parts Complete and sign log book

Labels Every Pro-Med sling comes with a sewn on label. Refer to this label if you are unsure of the style of sling you have. Washing instructions are also detailed on the label.

Minor Service: (After Every 3 Months of Service) · · · · · · · ·

General inspection of lifter Check castors are tightly attached to legs Check castors for free running wheels (remove any fluff and/or hair) Check castor brakes operate efficiently Overhaul castors and repack with grease Inspect surfaces for scratches/chips Retard rusting by applying spray paint (Dulux ‘Special White’ Code: 81880) Clean surfaces with mild soap and water and remove any adhesive tape marks with eucalyptus oil · Examine all moving parts and fasteners for wear and fatigue and lubricate and/or adjust as required · Arrange repair/replacement of any faulty parts · Complete and sign log book 32

Custom Slings PRO-MED design and manufacture a comprehensive range of lifting and support slings. PRO-MED can also make custom slings to meet specific requirements.

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Features

Maintenance

Sling Care Slings should be checked for signs of wear or fatigue before each use. A detailed and overall visual inspection of slings should be carried out on a regular basis. Examination of Webbing / Straps and Belts General External Wear – In normal use, this is unavoidable and is shown by a fluffiness of the surface fibres of fabrics. This is harmless unless it becomes too extensive. Local Abrasion – This may be caused by the passage of webbing over sharp edges or protrusions whilst under tension. Slight damage to outer fibres may be considered safe but more sever cases, particularly reductions in width or thickness or weave pattern distortions to the webbing, should lead to instant rejection of the product. Cuts, Holes or Burns in the Webbing – These are potentially dangerous and must lead to instant rejection of the product. Chemical Attack – Oil, grease, creosote or paint stains are harmless but other forms of chemical attack of a sufficient degree may led to deterioration or extreme softening of the webbing, which would lead to the fibres being rubbed off (almost as a powder in extreme cases). It is best to avoid fumes, spray or mists of acids and alkalis or organic solvents. If contamination is suspected, wash out well in warm water. Avoid contact with excessive heat which is likely to affect the product.

Examination of Fittings (Buckles, “D” Rings, etc) Carefully examine all fittings for absence of significant levels of rust, distortion, cracks and ease of adjustment. Buckles should be checked for keeper operation and that the locking/ unlocking mechanism opens and closes freely. Check buckles for ease of adjustment and absence of sharp edges or burrs likely to abrade the webbing.

Examination of Stitch Patterns Examine stitch patterns for broken, worn, pulled or unraveled stitches. Reject any product where the thread has become subject to excessive abrasion or broken stitches.

Cleaning Certain chemical substances mentioned above may be removed by a diluted heavy duty cleaner and warm water. Ensure that any cleaning agents are removed by rinsing thoroughly in warm water and allowed to dry naturally away from any source of direct heat. For normal washing and cleaning, follow the care instructions on the label of the product.

Storage Slings should be stored away from direct sunlight where they are not subjected to unnecessary strain, stress or pressure or to excessive heat or humidity. The slings should be kept away from contact with sharp implements, corrosives or other possible causes of damage. IF IN DOUBT ABOUT THE CONDITION OF A SLING – DO NOT USE IT. Contact your distributor to arrange an inspection of the product for advice regarding replacement.

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