October 2007 System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)

Summary

Assessment Report on Lifting Airbags In order to provide emergency responders with information on currently available lifting airbag capabilities and limitations, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) conducted a comparative assessment of lifting airbags for the SAVER Program in July 2007 and provided findings in The U.S. Department of Homeland Security the Assessment Report on Lifting Airbags, which is available by request at (DHS) established the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders https://www.rkb.us/saver. (SAVER) Program to assist emergency Background responders making procurement decisions. Located within the Science and Technology Emergency responders commonly use airbags during rescue operations to lift Directorate (S&T) of DHS, the SAVER vehicles, heavy machinery, and debris that has fallen upon or otherwise Program conducts unbiased operational tests on commercial equipment and systems and trapped victims. Airbags require minimal clearance for operation and can be provides those results along with other used in small spaces or areas where other lifting equipment may not easily fit. relevant equipment information to the emergency response community in an Assessment operationally useful form. SAVER provides Prior to the assessment, SAIC conducted a market survey in order to compile information on equipment that falls within the categories listed in the DHS Authorized information on commercially available equipment. Then, a focus group Equipment List (AEL). The SAVER Program consisting of eight emergency response practitioners from various regions of mission includes: the country met in May 2007 to identify equipment selection criteria for the • Conducting impartial, practitioner assessment, determine evaluation criteria, and recommend assessment relevant, and operationally oriented scenarios. assessments and validations of emergency responder equipment; The focus group reached a consensus that an assessment focusing on comparable high­pressure lifting airbags would be most beneficial to the • Providing information that enables decision makers and responders to emergency response community. Based on focus group recommendations and better select, procure, use, and market survey research, the following lifting airbags were assessed: maintain emergency responder ● Paratech Incorporated Maxi Force “Suburban Rescue” Air Bag Kit equipment. ● Vetter Air Lifting Bag High Pressure Kit (106R078) Information provided by the SAVER Program ® ● RESQTEC NT 127 Lifting Air Bag Kit will be shared nationally with the responder ● Matjack Sentinel Package. community, providing a life­saving and cost­saving asset to DHS, as well as to Eight emergency response practitioners served as assessment evaluators. federal, state, and local responders. Each of the lifting airbags was used to replicate search and rescue activities The SAVER Program is supported by a involving concrete rubble and vehicle wreckage. In the first station, network of technical agents who perform evaluators lifted and cribbed a concrete truss structure (or “double T”) and assessment and validation activities. Further, SAVER focuses primarily on two main two circular concrete slabs, simulating a typical response to a building questions for the emergency responder collapse, industrial entrapment, or excavation collapse incident. community: “What equipment is available?” and “How does it perform?” In the second station, evaluators were tasked to safely and rapidly extricate a simulated victim (mannequin) trapped by vehicle wreckage using the various To contact the SAVER Program lifting airbags. In order to complete this task, participants located lifting Support Office Telephone: 877­336­2752 points, determined the stability of the base, inflated the airbags, inserted E­mail: [email protected] stabilizing cribbing, and lifted the vehicle to extract the mannequin. Visit the SAVER Web site: https://www.rkb.us/saver Assessment Results Evaluators rated the lifting airbag systems based on the weighted evaluation criteria established by the lifting airbags focus group within the five SAVER

SAVER Category Definitions Affordability: This category groups criteria related to life­cycle costs of a piece of equipment or system. Capability: This category groups criteria related to the power, capacity, or features available for a piece of equipment or system to perform or assist the responder in performing one or more responder­relevant tasks. Concrete lifting Deployability: This category groups criteria related to the movement, installation, or implementation of a categories. The scoring system was based on a piece of equipment or system by responders at the site 100­point scale and utilized the evaluation criteria of its intended use. weighting factors established by the focus group. The Maintainability: This category groups criteria related evaluator category and composite scores are shown in to the maintenance and restoration of a piece of table 1. Higher scores indicate better airbag equipment or system to operational conditions by performance. responders. The following sections provide a brief summary of the Usability: This category groups criteria related to the quality of the responders’ experience with the evaluator comments and feedback on each lifting operational employment of a piece of equipment or airbag system. The sections present the lifting airbag system. This includes the relative ease of use, models from highest to lowest evaluator scores. The efficiency, and overall satisfaction of the responders full report includes a breakdown of evaluator with the equipment or system. comments by individual criterion. Paratech can be placed in a clearance of approximately 1 inch, and the center markings enable the user to properly The Paratech received the highest score in the position the bags. Evaluators stated the airbags are capability, usability, and affordability categories. designed without handles, but each of the airbags with Evaluators commented that the Paratech airbag system a 10­ton rating or higher are equipped with eyelets, appears durable and well built, and its surface has a which allow for safe vertical placement and retrieval, soft rubber coating with a raised grid pattern. They as well as easy carrying. The airbags can be stacked noted that the regulator gauge, pressure relief valve, two high in order to increase lift height; however, and controller appear durable and capable of evaluators noted that stacked Paratech airbags withstanding repetitive emergency responder use. demonstrate a slight tendency to roll when fully Evaluators stated that the Paratech kit is packaged for inflated. Evaluators remarked that the airbag quick deployment and can be set up and operational in controller is easy to operate and works well with a less than 10 minutes. They also commented that its gloved hand but becomes difficult to operate after components are clearly labeled. The Paratech airbags extended use due to the stiff control buttons. Table 1. Lifting Bag Assessment Resultsa

Composite Affordability Capability Deployability Maintainability Usability System Score (15% Weighting) ( 30% Weighting) (20% Weighting) (15% Weighting) (20% Weighting) Paratech 81.1 75 85 83 66 89

Vetter 76.5 65 82 85 70 73

RESQTEC® 71.7 64 80 60 76 74

Matjack 71.1 55 79 80 67 66

Note:

a Scores contained in the complete assessment report may be listed in a different numerical scale. For the purposes of the SAVER Summary, SAVER category scores are normalized and rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 ● Durable, well­built ● Large assortment of airbag sizes ● Large center markings ● Raised, grid pattern surface Pros ● Raised, grid pattern surface Pros ● Strap handles on larger bags ● Deadman feature and eyelets on smaller bags ● Durable controller, color­coded ● Lightweight airbags buttons ● Durable pressure relief valves ● Detailed setup instructions ● Color­coded controller buttons ● Smooth inflation/deflation and extension hoses ● Easy transport ● Durable, easy­to­connect hoses ● Sturdy case ● Detailed setup instructions

● Inventory list ● 1­year warranty ● Deadman feature does not

immediately start/stop airflow ● Hoses appear to kink easily Cons ● Weak couplings and crimps ● No inspection requirements ● No case Cons ● Stiff control buttons ● Difficult to feather ● Slow deflation rate ● Slow deflation rate ● No handles ● No warranty information ● Needs an improved grip to Composite Assessment Score: 76.5 reduce slippage when fully Vetter inflated Evaluators reported that the Vetter manufacturer’s Paratech Composite Assessment Score: 81.1 user manual includes easy­to­read setup instructions, pictures, illustrations, and troubleshooting Evaluators stated that information. They stated that the user manual has the user manual does negligible procedures for making field repairs. The not specify costs for Vetter kit does not include a carrying case and is not routine maintenance or packaged for quick deployment. Evaluators stated the individual component Vetter airbag controller is difficult to operate. They replacement costs, but explained that, although the controller buttons are it provides a 1­year clearly marked and color­coded for easy identification, warranty against they do not allow the operator to easily control the rate

Inflated Paratech airbags defects in materials of airflow in or out of the airbags (meaning, and workmanship. feathering). The result is an “all or nothing” air The user manual also pressure. The Vetter airbags can be placed in a includes detailed pictures, easy­to­follow setup clearance of approximately 1 inch, and the center instructions, field repair procedures, and complete markings enable the user to properly position the bags. listing of maintenance/service requirements. Evaluators reported that one responder can easily and safely position the airbags to perform lifting Vetter operations, but one person cannot easily transport the The Vetter system received the highest score in the airbag system. They commented that the airbags have deployability category. Evaluators commented that two strap handles, which enhance the lifting, moving, the surface texture of the Vetter airbags prevents and placing capabilities. The Vetter user manual slippage and allows airbags to be used on concrete, includes a detailed listing of replacement parts, wood, and metal, as well as with wet, muddy surfaces. inspection, maintenance, and service requirements They stated that the airbags appear durable and including a testing procedure checklist. There was no capable of withstanding repetitive emergency warranty information available for the Vetter system at responder use. Evaluators noted that the regulator the time of the assessment. gauge, controller, and hoses appear solid and durable; however, couplings and crimps on the hose ends seem RESQTEC weak. The Vetter controller is capable of effectively The RESQTEC received the highest score in the operating two airbags at the same time. The airbags maintainability category. Evaluators complimented can be stacked two high, and evaluators reported that the manufacturer on the system’s airbag lifting they remained stable when stacked together during the capacity and lift height. They also noted that the assessment tasks. RESQTEC airbags may be stacked three high. The

3 ● Three­airbag stacking capability ● Smooth, high lift Pros ● Color­coded components and controller buttons ● Deadman feature ● Easy­to­operate controller ● Durable hoses ● Step­by­step setup requirements ● Vinyl case ● Airbag handles ● Detailed user manual Inflated RESQTEC airbags ● Easy transport

that the RESQTEC user manual includes detailed

● Only two same­size airbags in step­by­step setup instructions, limited troubleshooting information, and pictures that are easy kit Cons ● Controller buttons too close to follow. The user manual has no procedures for together making field repairs. The RESQTEC kit is configured ● No protection on valves for quick deployment and can be set up and ● Regulator not durable ● Slowest deflation operational in less than 10 minutes. Evaluators ● Setup time required for stacking explained that the RESQTEC repositioning times ● Large airbag diameter easily exceed 10 minutes due to a slow deflation rate. ● Insertion height 1­1/2 to 2 inches They stated the RESQTEC airbags include handles, ● Pressure creeps up during use which enhance the safety of personnel during RESQTEC® Composite Assessment Score: 71.7 positioning. The RESQTEC user manual includes a complete listing of replacement parts, maintenance, airbags can be connected together, creating a more and service requirements. Inspection requirements for stabilized stacked system, and their circular shape other system components (such as O­rings and allows them to lift more evenly than controllers) are also provided. Evaluators noted that square/rectangular bags. Evaluators commented that the provided lists are detailed, clearly written, and the RESQTEC airbag, hoses, controller, and air easy to understand. They also noted the user manual pressure regulator appear durable, well built, and indicates a warranty is provided, but terms and capable of withstanding repetitive emergency conditions are not clearly described. responder use. Matjack Evaluators stated the airbag controller is compact and easy to operate. They commented that the controller Evaluators complimented the manufacturer on the switches are clearly marked and color­coded for easy heavy, rugged construction of the Matjack airbags. identification. Evaluators noted that a 1­1/2­ to 2­inch The textured surface and bag thickness create a strong clearance is required to insert the airbags. They surface grip, which allowed the airbags to remain reported that the load must always be centered on the stable while lifting concrete, wood, and metal load plate for optimal stability, and they pointed out surfaces. Evaluators stated that the controller and that the large diameter of the bags makes it difficult to built­in pressure relief valve hoses are solidly work the airbags into confined spaces. They constructed and sufficiently durable to withstand commented that the difficulty in positioning the repetitive first responder use. However, the regulator airbags limits the applications in which the system can gauge and hose couplings do not appear durable. be used. Evaluators indicated the controller buttons Evaluators noted that the controllers are capable of operated smoothly but are positioned too close effectively operating two airbags at the same time. together, which make it difficult to control two airbags The airbags can be stacked two high, and their surface at the same time. They expressed concerns that the texture allows them to be stacked with no slippage. operator could inadvertently press the wrong button However, stacked airbags have a tendency to roll while wearing rescue gloves. Each airbag is packed in when fully inflated. a soft vinyl carrying case, and a hard plastic carrying Evaluators reported that the Matjack airbag kit is not case with foam cut­outs is provided for all packaged for quick deployment, mainly because it components. Evaluators commented that this system can be easily repackaged for transport. They reported 4 ● Thick, sturdy airbags An analysis of the evaluator comments and scores ● Stable lifting capability revealed these common observations concerning the Pros ● Textured butyl rubber surface assessed lifting airbags: ● Strong grip ● Handles on larger bags and ● Evaluators expressed a strong preference for eyelets on smaller bags kits with a wide variety of airbag sizes and ● Assortment of airbag sizes lifting capacities. An assortment of airbag ● Deadman feature ● Durable hoses sizes provides added flexibility for emergency ● Detailed setup instructions response applications. For example, smaller

diameter bags are easier to place in limited ● No case openings to create additional lift points for ● Weak connections larger bags. Cons ● Controller not ergonomic ● Evaluators placed a high value on system ● Unclear directional arrows on mobility. Features such as carrying cases and controller airbag handles simplify transport. ● Difficult feathering capabilities ● Airbag weight ● Evaluators preferred airbags that can be easily ● Regulator not durable positioned for lifting operations. Airbag ● Limited information in user features such as handles and eyelets enhance manual lifting, moving, and positioning. Matjack Composite Assessment Score: 71.1 ● Evaluators placed a high value on systems with durable airbags and rugged components. Well­built, heavy­duty systems allow for does not include carrying cases. They indicated that repetitive emergency responder use. repackaging of the system for transport is difficult ● Evaluators expressed a strong preference for without proper carrying cases or other packaging airbag systems that can be easily set up. materials. Evaluators stated the airbag controller is Components such as color­coded hoses and easy to operate, but not ergonomically designed. The hand­tightened regulators allow users to easily controller’s directional arrow labeling does not clearly set up the airbag systems. indicate which buttons inflate or deflate the airbags, ● Evaluators preferred airbags that can be and evaluators experienced minor difficulties quickly deflated. Rapid deflation times enable feathering air in or out of the system during the responders to reposition the bags and expedite assessment. The Matjack airbags require a 1­ to lifting procedures during an emergency 1­1/2­inch clearance. The larger Matjack bags have response situation. handles, which enhance the lifting, moving, and ● Evaluators expressed a preference for airbag placing capabilities of the airbags; whereas, the systems, which included detailed user manuals. smaller airbags do not have handles. Evaluators Easy­to­follow instructions, detailed pictures, reported that the user manual includes setup and exploded diagrams enable users to instructions, pictures, and illustrations that are easy to accurately assemble, operate, and maintain the read. The manual also provides service and inspection airbag system. requirements along with procedures for making minor field repairs. The manufacturer offers a 5­year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Conclusion The evaluators were able to successfully complete the assessment tasks with all four of the assessed airbag systems.

5 QuickLook Snapshota

Note: a The SAVER QuickLook, available on the SAVER Web site, allows users to select the SAVER categories that are most important to their department and view results according to their specific needs. All reports in this series, as well as reports on other technologies, are available on the SAVER Web site (https://www.rkb.us/saver).

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