AEROSIZE Avalanche Airbag Vest User manual

USER
MANUAL
WWW.AEROSIZE.COM

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
Introduction
Warnings
Contents
Cartridges
Preparation
Using the AEROSIZE System
Packing
Cleaning, storage
Transport
Service life, inspection and disposal
Additional information
Technical data, certificates, service
3
3 - 5
6 - 7
8 - 9
10
11- 17
18 - 20
21
22-23
24
25 - 26
26
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
page
Congratulations on choosing the AEROSIZEAvalanche Airbag Vest.
Please read and understand this manual carefully.
Please pay particular attention to the warnings in the manual
and store it for further reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

The AEROSIZE Avalanche Airbag Vest is a safety device that, under certain
conditions, after activation, can reduce the risk of complete burying during
a snow avalanche. The AEROSIZE System does not prevent avalanches from
occurring.
There is a lethal risk present even if the user has not been buried.
Every avalanche is a potential threat to life, regardless of your equipment, so
having the AEROSIZE System you should not feel encouraged to take risks.
The AEROSIZE System does not protect against impacts or low temperatures.
INTRODUCTION
This vest may increase the user's chances of survival, but does
not guarantee safety in the event of an avalanche.
In an avalanche area, exercise extreme caution to increase the
chances of survival.
Any slide or avalanche can be deadly!
This product is intended for use during activities in which the user
is exposed to avalanche risk
Avalanches kill. You should understand and accept the risks
involved before starting any activities that may expose you to
avalanche risk.
You are responsible for your own actions and risks arising from
your decisions.
Avalanche training is essential before going into an avalanche risk
area. You should know how to avoid avalanches and what to do
if you are caught in an avalanche.
I.
WARNINGS II.
2

1. The AEROSIZE System is not an anti-avalanche system, it has no
effect on and does not protect against triggering of an avalanche.
2. Regardless of the measures used, avalanches can be deadly.
3. Having the AEROSIZE System must not encourage taking risks.
4. Using the AEROSIZE System does not guarantee that you will stay
on the surface of an avalanche/snow. It only reduces the risk of being
buried.
5. The AEROSIZE System is not intended to replace the avalanche
rescue kit. It only serves to complement it. The vest should be used in
conjunction with other elements of avalanche equipment: beacon,
shovel and probe.
6.AEROSIZE sp. z o.o. cannot be held responsible for injuries caused
by an avalanche involving its AEROSIZE System.
7. The AEROSIZE System needs to be prepared properly before it is
put on.
8. The AEROSIZE System needs to be packed and folded in such
a way as to ensure no equipment (such as ice axe, skis, snowboard,
crampons, etc.) will damage or block the opening of the airbag.
9. The AEROSIZE System MUST BE PACKED INTO THE VEST IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS. Incorrect packing
hinders the opening of the avalanche airbag, may lead to malfunction
and may damage the vest and the airbag itself.
10. The set of cartridges required for one airbag activation should be
understood as two full AEROSIZE cartridges installed simultaneously.
11. Use only original AEROSIZE cartridges.
12. You should know the potential risks associated with the use and
transportation of gas cartridges.
13. Do not throw or stress the cartridges - risk of explosion. Maximum
temperature range is -30°C to +50°C, e.g. do not leave AEROSIZE
System in a sunlit car.
14. Be careful not to endanger other people when practicing the
activation of the airbag.
WARNINGS
3

Failure to read or follow the above warnings and
instructions can result in serious injury or death.
The system will only work properly if the vest is put on
according to the instructions, armed and activated in a timely
manner. Use the airbag only as described.
Complying with all instructions and warnings can reduce the
risk of being buried in an avalanche.
!
WARNINGS
15. In order to avoid an unwanted or inadvertent activation where other
people could be harmed by such an accidental activation, it is
recommended that you stow the trigger handle in the strap sleeve with
the zipper closed, especially in crowded places like chairlifts, gondolas,
in or around a helicopter, bus, train, automobile, etc.
16. Before the system can be put into operation again (airbag can be
inflated), it must be completely emptied of gases.
17. Do not activate the system (do not inflate the airbag) unless the
system has been fully packed and prepared for operation.
Doing this can damage the system.
18. TheAEROSIZE System must be kept clean at all times. In case of
a spoiled inflator system the function of the airbag system is not
granted.
19. The product may not be modified in any way.
20. Minors and persons with reduced physical, sensory and mental
abilities or persons who do not have sufficient experience and
knowledge must be under the direct supervision of an experienced and
responsible person when using this product.
21. Keep children away from the AEROSIZE System.
22. Not suitable for children. To be worn by one person only.
23. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website for updated
instructions.
4

12
leg loop adjustment buckle
1
pneumatic airbag frame
2
air chamber
4
compressed gas cartridges
6
tubes for airbag deflation
when folded
3
airbag emptying valves
7
airbag burst-release zippers
8
trigger
5
cartridge pocket zipper
9
trigger pocket zipper
11
main buckle
10
main strap with adjustment
13
leg loop
CONTENTS
The AEROSIZE vest is equipped
with an avalanche airbag system,
the purpose of which is to
increase the chances of survival
in an avalanche accident.
The airbag, by increasing the
total volume of a person caught
in an avalanche, helps to keep
the victim on the surface of the
slide, at the same time reducing
the chances of burying the victim
completely and facilitating the
rescue operation.
THE PACKAGE PROVIDED
BY THE MANUFACTURER
INCLUDES:
1x AEROSIZE System
1x Cartridge set (two cartridges)
1x Manual
III.
5

3
2
1(at the back of the airbag)
11
8
10
9
5
6
12
7
13
(in the cartridge
pocket)
4
FIG. 1 - AEROSIZE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
6

!WARNING!
AEROSIZE cartridges must not be exposed to temperatures above
+50°C (122°F).
WARNING!
AEROSIZE cartridges should be kept away from sources of heat and
ignition (direct sunlight, exposed flame, furnaces, etc.).
WARNING!
When the gas is leaving the cartridge it may cause the cartridge to
freeze up. Do not touch the empty cartridge with bare hands.
CARTRIDGES
AEROSIZE cartridges do not require any maintenance if stored properly.
After filling the airbag, replace the gas cartridges with a new set. AEROSIZE
cartridges are disposable and they cannot be refilled.
Improper handling can lead to system failure.
The AEROSIZE cartridges must be protected against damage. Damaged
cartridges should be replaced with new ones. Keep the cartridges away from
heat sources (direct sunlight, heaters, cookers, etc.). Flying with this type of
cartridges is approved by IATA (International Air Transport Association,
a worldwide airlines trade association).
USE ONLYAEROSIZE CARTRIDGES.
System is designed and certified for AEROSIZE gas cartidges only.
Use of any other gas cartridges is stricly prohibited.
Technical data:
1. The working pressure of one cartridge is 223 Bar
2. The cartridges are designed to operate in temperatures of up to +50°C and
the use of the cartridge must be limited to this temperature range.
3. The compressed gas in the cartridges is non-flammable Argon gas. Do not
inhale Argon directly, e.g. when deflating the airbag. Argon may be harmful
in higher concentrations. Argon is heavier than air.
4. TheAEROSIZE cartridge can only be used in theAEROSIZE System. Do not
refill disposable cartridges. If the weight of the gas cartridge is less than the
minimum weight specified on the cartridge (minimum gross weight), the
cartridge should be rejected.
5. Dispose of the old cartridges is the same as of any other products made
of steel
6. AEROSIZE cartridges meet the requirements of ISO 11118.
IV.
7

(back of the vest)
Correctly positioned cartridges -
after triggering - will inflate
the avalanche airbag with gas.
FIG. 2 - ARMING THE AEROSIZE SYSTEM
1Open the zipper (5)
to reveal the
threaded holes. 2Screw in the two gas
cartridges, one by one,
evenly into the holes
(all the way).
INSTALLING GAS CARTRIDGES
3Close the zipper (5)
leaving the screwed-in
cartridges inside the pocket.
WARNING!
The system should be armed BEFORE
entering the avalanche risk zone.
WARNING!
The AEROSIZE cartridges must not be exposed to impacts.
During their operation, they must not be exposed to excessive force.
WARNING!
In order for the system to function properly,
the AEROSIZE cartridges must be installed correctly and completely.
i
!
When CHANGING CARTRIDGES,
pay attention to the correct positioning of the gasket.
UNINSTALLING the gas cartridges
should be done only after the airbag has been emptied.
!
!
8

!
PREPARE1Read the instructions carefully.
ARM THE VEST (fig. 2)
2Compressed gas cartridges must be installed correctly
before using the vest.
PUT ON THE VEST (fig. 3)
3The vest should be put on and worn in accordance with the safety rules.
ACTIVATE THE VEST (fig. 4)
4Remove the trigger from the pocket of an armed vest
and prepare it for use.
INFLATE THE VEST (fig. 5)
5Pull the trigger sharply to inflate the airbag.
In the event of an avalanche, the user, by pulling the trigger,
releases compressed gas from two AEROSIZE cartridges
simultaneously: this will inflate the 170-liter avalanche airbag
in approximately 3 seconds.
PACK THE VEST (fig. 6)
6Correct packing of the vest is required to assure safety
when using it again.
USE SAFELY
7Observe the safety rules to reduce the risk to your life and health.
PREPARATION FOR INFLATION
HANDLING THE AEROSIZE SYSTEM
V.
Before using this product, you should read and understand all
instructions and warnings provided with it, familiarize yourself
with its capabilities and limitations, and obtain appropriate
training in the use of this product
(available at www.aerosize.com).
If you do not know how to use the product, please refer to
www.aerosize.com
9

The operation of avalanche airbags is based on the physical principle of
inverse segregation. Simply put: in an evenly moving mass of particles
in an avalanche, smaller particles fall down and larger ones are carried
to the surface. An inflated airbag increases the volume of the victim and
greatly enhances the effect of inverse segregation.
The AEROSIZE Avalanche System
reduces the risk of being completely buried in snow.
USING THE AEROSIZE SYSTEM VI.
The inflated airbag is designed to keep the user on the surface of an avalanche
or as close to the surface as possible, minimizing the time necessary for the
rescuers to extract the avalanche victim.
In addition to activating the airbag, try to keep afloat the avalanche, and when
the slide begins to slow down, try to create a space with air around your head.
w
i
t
h
a
i
r
b
a
g
w
i
t
h
o
u
t
a
i
r
b
a
g
the anticipated
behavior of the airbag in an avalanche
The product is designed to reduce the risk of being completely buried by
an avalanche. The use of the product does not guarantee this 100%
though, as it depends on a number of external factors. Moreover, there is
still a risk to health or life, even if the user is not buried by an avalanche.
10

FIG. 3 - PUTTING ON AND ADJUSTING THE VEST
2
4
Put on the armed (fig. 2) vest.
1Prepare your vest.
Loosen the straps.
3Pull the end of the
safety leg loop
between your legs -
from back to front.
Pass the larger part
of the main buckle through
one end of the leg loop.
WARNING! The Aerosize vest must not be used without the leg loop
strapped. The leg loop prevents the vest from slipping off the body during
an avalanche.
!
11

5 6
Due to the required volume of the airbag, the vest has one universal size.
Acorrectly put on and fitted vest enables free movement.
Fasten the main buckle. Adjust the vest to your body
by pulling the ends of the
main strap.
8When in dangerous terrain,
activate the system (fig. 4)
by opening the zipper (9)
and removing the trigger
from the
vest pocket.
Adjust the length of the
leg loop using the
adjustment buckle.
7
!
!
NOTE!
Correct fitting of the vest and fastening it securely
to the body are of utmost importance.
!
i
12

A correctly positioned trigger is easy to grab and pull quickly
in the event of an immediate avalanche threat.
(front of the vest)
FIG. 4 - ACTIVATION OF THE VEST AFTER PUTTING ON
1Open the zipper (9)
to reveal the trigger. 2Slide the trigger out so that it is easily accessible.
PREPARATION FOR USE
3Close the zipper (9) leaving the trigger outside the pocket,
so that it sticks out from the vest.
!
1. Before entering avalanche risk areas open the trigger pocket and make
sure the trigger is within easy reach.
2. In an immediate avalanche danger, grab the trigger and pull it down
firmly.
3. The airbag will begin to inflate immediately.
When the system is armed and the vest is put on properly,
the airbag can be deployed.
i
13

Inflated airbag.
In an emergency,
pull the trigger sharply
(fully out) and release it. The airbag will deploy,
tearing the zippers (7) open.
1 2
FIG. 5 - INFLATING THE AEROSIZE SYSTEM
!
WARNING!
Do not attach any objects
to the vest!
They may interfere with the
proper operation of the airbag!
14
The zipper (7) is specifically designed
to allow easy bursting
and re-fastening many times.

Wear protective clothing UNDER the vest so that the airbag can be inflated
freely when the system needs to be used. Nothing may be put on, worn on,
attached to, etc. the vest. The vest must be the top outer layer (of clothing,
equipment, etc.).
No sharp elements, such as crampons, ice axes, etc., may be attached to
and carried near the vest as they may pierce the fabric.
Both at the place of storage and on the trail the system should be stored
and used in a way that prevents accidental activation or mechanical
damage with sharp objects.
Do not use vest tightening straps for any other purposes (e.g. for attaching
skis).
The airbag must always be folded as per the instructions in this
manual. Failure to do so may prevent proper inflation of the system
and damage the airbag.
After activating and deploying the system, replace the cartridges with argon
cartridges supplied by the manufacturer only.
Argon is a noble gas that has no smell, taste or color.
It is non-flammable and non-toxic, but at too high a dose it can cause
pulmonary edema, so do not breathe it directly from cartridges or from
a filled airbag frame.
Do not inflate the system in small rooms or in a crowd.
After using the system in an avalanche send the vest with the airbag
to a service center for inspection to check for any damage (e.g. hitting
rocks, rubbing against mountain pine or material carried by the avalanche).
BASIC SAFETY RULES
!
The AEROSIZE system has been designed to enable putting on
and taking off the backpack and equipment
without having to remove the vest.
It is permitted to put on a backpack or additional equipment, but they
cannot take up the space intended for an inflated airbag, and the backpack
straps should be tucked UNDER the vest.
1. Put on the vest first.
2. Then put on a backpack.
3. Place the shoulder straps of the backpack UNDER the vest.
15

!
1 = 1
BASIC SAFETY RULES
16

WARNING! Do not twist the airbag while folding it.
!
FIG. 6 - FOLDING THE AIRBAG
1Loosen the vest straps. Separate the ends
of the zippers at both ends of the vest
and move both slides towards the cartridge pocket.
Unfasten the zipper (5),
unscrew and remove
the used cartridges.
5
Insert the tubes into both valves in the airbag (the smaller one
to the frame, the larger one to the air chamber) to empty it.
Leave the tubes in the valves as the airbag is folded.
6
Release gas from the airbag
by rolling it from the opposite side
towards the valves.
3
4
2
Remove the airbag deflation tubes
from the cartridge pocket
(keeping the string attached to them).
VII.
17

7Place the vest horizontally with its back to the ground,
placing the airbag ON THE VEST.
Arrange the airbag flat, stretching all sections of the frame neatly.
8
Leave the middle part of the
airbag sides folded inward.
Align the upper and lower
surfaces so that they lay flat.
9Fold the airbag lengthwise, placing every odd frame edge
(marked with flaps) together.
Start by unfolding the first frame edge with the flap that is closest to you.
Fold every second frame (without the flap) inwards.
18

WARNING!
Incorrectly folded vest may prevent the system from working properly.
!
Fold the formed
rectangle
in half lengthwise.
Pack the folded airbag
into the vest
fastening the zipper (7).
Start on the side
opposite the valves.
Close the zipper (7) tucking the folded airbag inside the vest.
Open Velcro.
Remove the tubes
from the valves, insert them
into the cartridge pocket
and close the zipper (5).
10
Fasten in the
middle with Velcro
to facilitate packing. 11
12
13
14
15 Fasten the zipper (7) all the way.
19