Arjo Opera Installation guide

Operating and Product Care
Instructions
TM
KKX 52180.GB/2
Aug 2000
KPX 01700.GB
Issue 1
Jan. 2001
Opera

2
The vertical and horizontal lines printed in the
margins adjacent to the text/illustrations in these
instructions are for ARJO use only and should be
disregarded by the reader.
Some of the information contained in these
instructions may become outdated, due to
improvements made to the product in the future. If
you have any questions regarding these instructions
or your lifter, please contact ARJO or their
approved distributor.
The policy of ARJO is one of continuous
development, and therefore reserve the right to
change specifications without notice.
ARJO strongly advise and warn that only ARJO
Company Designated Parts, which aredesigned for
the purpose, should be used on equipment and
other appliances supplied by ARJO, to avoid
injuries attributable to the use of inadequate parts.
The ARJO Company’s Conditions of sale make
specific provision confirming no liability in such
circumstances.
‘Opera’, ‘Flites’ and ‘Lock and Load’ are
trademarks of the ARJO Group

3
SECTION Page
No.
Foreword ..................................................... 4
Safety Instructions...................................... 5
Product description/function..................... 6-12
Parts referred to in this manual ................. 6-7
Slings......................................................... 8-9
Control Handset......................................... 10
Dual Control panel.................................... 10
Emergency stop button (red)..................... 10
Reset button (green) .................................. 10
System failure lower override ................... 11
System failure wind down facility ............ 11
System cut-out switch ............................... 11
Automatic cutout....................................... 12
Automatic stop function............................ 12
Battery discharge indicator........................ 12
Service indicator........................................ 12
Adjustable width chassis legs.................... 12
Chassis castor Brakes................................ 12
Using your Opera ........................................ 13-28
Before apparoaching the patient................ 13
Powered opening ‘v’ chassis..................... 13
“Lock and Load” system jib...................... 13
Using the 4 point spreader bar................... 13
To lift from a chair................................. 14
To lift from a bed ................................... 15
To lift from the floor.............................. 17
At the toilet ............................................ 18
Powered patient positioning spreader bar
(if fitted) .................................................... 19
Using the 2 point spreader bar................... 21
To lift from a chair................................. 21
To lift from a bed ................................... 22
Using the soft stretcher.............................. 23
Using the strap stretcher............................ 25
Patient Scale (if fitted)............................... 28
Lifter Battery charging .............................. 29-30
Warnings for charging............................... 29
General safety Practices for Batteries ....... 29
Care of your Opera ..................................... 31-33
Sling Care and Cleaning............................ 31
Lifter Care and Cleaning........................... 31
Periodic Testing......................................... 32
Service Advice .......................................... 32
Labels........................................................... 34
Technical Specification............................... 35-36
Lifter Dimensions...................................... 37
Contents

4
Thank you for purchasing ARJO equipment
Your Opera is part of a series of quality products
designed especially for hospitals, nursing homes
and other health care uses.
We are dedicated to serving your needs and
providing the best products available along with
training that will bring your staff maximum benefit
from every ARJO product.
Please contact us if you have any questions about
the operation or maintenance of your ARJO
equipment.
The touch panel label on the dual control panel
displays several instruction symbols. The letter (i)
shown on the open book icon indicates
‘information’, and is an instruction to always read
the operating instructions before use. (See fig 1).
The expected operational life of the Opera is 10
years, providing it has been regularly serviced and
maintained as recommended in these instructions.
The expected operational life of the consumable
parts e.g. batteries, slings etc.is dependent on usage
(see also ‘Care of Your Opera’ section).
All references to the patient in these instructions
refer to the person being lifted, and reference to the
attendant refer to the person who operates the lifter.
References to left and right of the lifter in these
instructions are as viewed from the rear of the
Opera, i.e. viewed from the dual control panel (see
Fig. 1)
Lifting operations in these instructions are
described as if lifting a patient from a chair, the
same operations can be performedeffectively when
lifting a patient from a wheelchair or sitting
position on a bed, although a second attendant
should support the patient if the patient lacks sitting
balance.
All operations in these instructions are described as
if the attendant were using the control handset.
Each operation described can be controlled using
the control handset and/or the dual switch panel,
situated at the rear of the mast.
Foreword

5
Before using your Opera, familiarise yourself with
the various parts and controls as illustrated in Fig.
1, and other illustrations, then please read this
manual thoroughly in its entirety before using your
Opera. Information in the manual is crucial to the
proper operation and maintenance of the
equipment, and will help protect your product and
ensure that the equipment performs to your
satisfaction. Some of the information in this
booklet is important for your safety and must be
read andunderstood to help prevent possible injury.
If there is anything in the manual that is confusing
or difficult to understand, please call ARJO Ltd or
their appointed distributor (the telephone number
appears on the last page of this manual.
Symbols used adjacent to the text in these
instructions:-
This product has been designed and manufactured
to provide you with trouble free use, however, this
product does contain components that with regular
use are subject to wear.
See also “Care of your Opera” section. This product is intended to be operated entirely by
an attendant. No functions regarding the control of
this product should be performed by the patient. A
second attendant may be required with certain
patients.
Danger: Means:- electrical hazard
warning, failure to understand and obey
this warning may result in electrical
shock.
Warning: Means:- failure to understand
and obey this warning may result in
injury to you or to others.
Caution: Means:- failure to follow
these instructions may cause damage to
all or parts of the system or equipment.
•Note: Means:- this is important
information for the correct use of this
system or equipment.
Warning: SOME OF THESE PARTS
ARE SAFETY CRITICAL TO THE
OPERATION OF THE LIFTER AND
WILL NEED EXAMINING AND
SERVICING ON A REGULAR BASIS
AND MUST BE REPLACED WHEN
NECESSARY.
Warning: Use only ARJO slings and
stretchers that have been specifically
designed for the Opera.
Warning: Do not overload the Opera
beyond the approved lifting capacity of
the lowest rated attachment/accessory.
The Opera may be used on gentle slopes
with caution.
Care should be taken when manually
lifting alternative/optional components
e.g. stretcher frames, spreader bars etc., to
avoid injury
Do not attempt to manually lift the
complete lifter.
Caution: Although manufactured to a
high standard the Opera and accessories
should not be left for extended periods in
humid or wet areas.
Do not under any circumstances spray the
Opera or accessories (excluding slings or
ARJO approved wet environment
equipment) with water e.g. under the
shower.
Warning: It is advisable to familiarise
yourself and understand the operation of
the various controls and features of the
Opera and ensure that any action or check
specified is carried out before
commencing to lift a patient.
Warning: The ARJO Opera has been
designed as a mobile lifter for raising and
transporting patients in hospitals and care
facility environments, and should only be
used for this purpose.
The ARJO Opera can be supplied with a
variety of optional attachments, which
may not be described in these instructions.
If your Opera has been fitted with an
alternative/optional sub assembly e.g:
stretcher etc.: then always refer to the
separate relevant operating instructions
supplement, as well as these instructions,
before attempting to operate the lifter.
Safety Instructions

6
Fig. 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
19
21
22
23
24
P1389ab, P1391c, P1198a, P1391c, P1395e, P1396c, mP1142c
Product Description/Function
Parts referred to in this manual

7
Fig. 1 Key
1. Mast
2. Adjustable chassis legs
3. Braked castors
4. Lifter manoeuvring handle
5. Jib
6. Mast top cover
7. 4 Point spreader bar
8. 2 Point spreader bar (if supplied)
9. Patient positioning handle
10. Lifter battery pack
11. Battery release button
12. Patient scale (if fitted)
13. Control handset
14. Dual control panel
15. Emergency stop button
16. Reset button
17. System failure lower override
18. System cut-out switch
19. Battery discharge indicator
20. Service indicator
21. Stretcher frame (if supplied)
22. Soft stretcher (if supplied)
23. Strap stretcher (if supplied)
24. Scoop stretcher (if supplied)
Product Description/Function

8
Slings
A circular label is fitted to the lifter jib for quick
colour to size reference (see “Labels” section).
A range of special purpose slings are available as
accessories, for these or for special size slings,
contact your ARJO representative.
•Note: All Opera slings will support
190kg/420lbs),note:theextraextralarge
sling will support 200 kg (440 lbs) all
slings are coded for size by having
different coloured edge binding as
follows:
Brown - Extra small - XS
Red - Small - S
Yellow - Medium - M
Green - Large - L
Blue - Extra Large - XL
White - Extra Extra Large
Warning: Only use ARJO supplied
slings and stretchers that are designed to
be used with Opera. The sling profiles
illustrated (see fig. 2) will help to identify
the various ARJO slings and fabric
stretchers available.
If ARJO Flites (disposable slings) are to
be used with the Opera, then always refer
to the separate operating instructions for
ARJO Flites, (literature reference part No.
MAX01720), as well as these instructions
before using.
Warning: ARJO slings with head
support have two pockets at the head
section which should contain plastic
reinforcement pieces during use. Always
ensure these reinforcement pieces have
been inserted into the sling pockets before
using the sling.
Product Description/Function

9
Four point unpadded
sling
Four point padded sling Four point mesh sling
Four point amputee slingLoop sling (with headrest) Four point toiletting
sling (With headrest)
Loop sling
Soft stretcher
Fig. 2
P1390, P1143 a,b, P953 a, b, c, d, e
Product Description/Function
ARJO standard sling profiles that can be used with the opera

10
Controls and Features
Control Handset:- (see fig 3) Raising and
lowering the jib and opening and closing the
chassislegs, is achieved by pressing theappropriate
button on the control handset. Note: icons with
direction arrows are printed on each button for
quick reference.
If pressure is released during any function powered
motion will cease immediately. Do not drop the
handset into water, e.g.: bath etc., although if this
does happen inadvertently no harm will come to
patient or attendant.
When not in use, the handset can be conveniently
kept ready for use by hooking it over the handle
support at the rear of the mast.
Dual Control Panel:- (see fig 4) An additional
feature fitted to the Opera, is a mast mounted dual
switch panel which operates in parallel with the
control handset enabling powered operations to be
controlled from the lifter mast as well as remotely,
using the handset. As with the handset, icons with
direction arrows are printed on each button for
quick reference.
Emergency Stop Button (Red):- (See fig 5) If, in
an emergency, you have to immediately stop any
powered movement, (other than by releasing
pressure on the control handset button or dual
switch panel button), press the “emergency stop
button”, situated on the rear of the mast.
Once the emergency stop button has been operated,
the green reset button will have to be re-engaged by
pressing it in, before any powered movement can
be utilised.
Reset button (green):- (See fig 5) Adjacent to the
emergency stop button. It is used to reset the ‘power
on’ condition, once the emergency stop button has
been operated, also used to reset if the automatic
overload fuse has operated, indicated by the reset
button projecting outwards slightly. If the fuse has
operated and once reset, operates again, withdraw
the lifter from use and contact ARJO Service
department or their appointed distributor.
P1396a
Fig. 3
“Raise”
Button “Lower”
Button
Chassis leg
open Button
Chassis leg
close button
Fig. 4
P1396b
“Raise”
Button
“Lower”
Button
Chassis leg
open Button Chassis leg
close Button
Fig. 5
P1389b
Emergency
Stop
Reset
System
Failure
Lower
Override
Systemcut
out switch
Battery
discharge
indicator
Service
indicator
Product Description/Function

11
System Failure Lower Override:- (See fig 5) This
can be used in the event of main control failure. In
the unlikely event that the control handset or dual
switch panel fails to operate the lifter, with a patient
still supported by the sling or stretcher, provision
for lowering has been made, using the “System
Failure Lower Override switch”, situated on the
right hand side of the controls console, a green and
white identification label is positioned near the
switch, for quick and easy recognition. If pressure
is released from the switch during use, lowering
will stop.
System Failure Wind Down Facility:- (see Figs.
6 & 7) If the electrical power fails completely due
to battery power loss or other electrical
malfunction, the jib can be lowered, by firstly
removing the battery pack, then using a coin or
screwdriver slacken and remove the screw that
retains the mast top cover. Slightly lift the rear side
of the top cover approximately 5 mm (3/16 in),
slide the cover forwards then lift it off the mast.
Identify and remove the hexagon wrench located
inside the mast. Using the wrench slacken the shaft
lockscrew located at the top front of the mast (see
fig. 7c), turn it 3 full turns anti-clockwise. Identify
the hexagonal hole in the shaft centre inside the
mast (see fig. 7d) and using the wrench turn the
shaft clockwise to lower the patient.
Hold the hexagon wrench securely into the shaft
and do not release hand contact with the wrench to
ensure control is maintained during the lowering
procedure.
Once the patient has been lowered and removed
from the lifter ensure the components are re-
assembled by reversing the above procedure.
If the system failure lower override switch or wind
down facility has to be operated the lifter must then
be withdrawn from use immediately and the ARJO
Service Department or their appointed distributor
contacted.
System Cut-Out Switch:- (See fig 5) If the lifter
functions fail to operate when pressing the buttons
on the control handset or dual switch panel.
Check that the “green” reset button is pressed in
and check that the battery pack is in a good state of
charge, if the lifter still fails to operate, check the
system cut out switch, situated on the right hand
side of the controls console above the lower
override switch. If the cut-out has operated, the
switch will protrude from its mount, press the
switch in to reset.
Warning: The Lower Override switch
will only operate while the green reset
button is in. Only use this switch in an
emergency, do not use it for normal
function lowering.
Fig. 6
P1398a,b
AB
Top
Cover Wrench
Screwdriver/Coin
•Note: One full clockwise rotation of
the shaft lowers the mast jib by 10mm (3/
8 in).
Fig. 7
P1398c,d
CD
Shaft
lockscrew
Shaft
Warning: If the mast is in a high position
and the wind down facility has to be
utilized always ensure that suitable and
safe measures are taken to gain access to
the top cover.
•Note: To enable the shaft lockscrew
to be tightened three full turns the shaft
may have to be rotated slightly to make
alignment possible, this is aided by
identifying the alignment mark on the top
of the shaft and then rotating the shaft
until the mark aligns with the axis of the
lockscrew.
Product Description/Function

12
Automatic cut out:- (not an operator control but a
function built into the lifter electronics)
If the lifter is inadvertently overloaded (trying to
lift a patient heavier than permitted), an automatic
‘cut out’ operates to prevent the lifter lifting a load
in excess of one and a half times the maximum
rated load; this will stop the lift motion
automatically.
If this occurs, when pressure is released from the
lift button on the handset or dual control the
electronics will, after a short delay, reset and enable
the patient to be lowered only by pressing either
lower button. Remove the patient from the lifter.
Automatic stop function:- (not an operator control
but a function built into the lifter electronics)
Great care shouldbe taken notto lower thespreader
bar, or stretcher onto the patient or any other
obstruction, but if this should happen inadvertently
the motor will stop and downward movement will
be held by the obstruction. If this occurs release
pressure from the ‘lower’ button immediately,
operate the ‘raise’ button until clear, then remove
the obstruction.
Battery Discharge Indicator:- (See fig 5) Is a
small LED display which shows the charge
condition of the lifter battery. (See also ‘Battery
Charging Section’ for complete description).
Service Indicator:- (See fig 5) Is a small LCD
display which shows the total duration of powered
operation (in hours) of the lifting and lowering
procedure. This is primarily intended as an aid to
service engineers.
Adjustable width chassis legs:- (See fig 8) By
operating the appropriate button on either the
control handset or dual control panel on the lifter
the chassis legs can be opened to any variable
width. When pressure is released from the button,
movement will stop and the chassis legs will
remain securely in position. Always transport the
chassis legs in the narrow (closed) position.
Chassis castor Brakes:- (See fig 9) The chassis
rear castors have brakes which can be foot operated
if required, for example, when leaving the patient
unattended, or to keep the Opera in position.
Jib and spreader bars/stretcher frame:-
(see fig 1) If your Opera has not been supplied with
a ‘dedicated’ or permanently attached, powered
patient positioning 4 point spreader bar (P.P.P.)
then it will be supplied with the ‘Lock and Load’
system jib. This jib is fitted with a carrier, able to
accommodate any of the Opera jib attachments, eg.
2/4 point spreader bars, stretcher frame etc. (see
“Using your Opera” section for full instructions on
fitting or changing attachments).
Warning: If the system cut out switch
operates again withdraw the lifter from
use and contact ARJO Service
Department.
Fig. 8
P1392b
Fig. 9
mP1332e,f
Product Description/Function

13
Before Approaching the Patient:-
Ensure the battery pack supplied is fully charged
before use (for charging, see instructions in “Lifter
Battery Charging” section). When the battery pack
is fully charged remove it from the charger unit and
insert it into the battery position of the Opera
situated at the rear of the mast (see Fig. 1) by firstly,
locating the recess across the bottom of the battery
with the protrusion at the bottom of the battery
position, then pivot the battery into position until
the retaining catch operates. Electrical connection
will be made automatically.
Ensure the green reset button (situated on the
control console below the dual control panel) is
pressed in (see fig. 5)
Ensure a selection ofsling types and sizes are easily
available for all types of lift likely to be
encountered when using the ARJO Opera.
The attendant should always tell the patient what
they are going to do, and have the correct size sling
ready. Where possible, always approach the patient
from the front.
If required, the chassis legs may be opened to go
around a chair or wheelchair.
Powered opening ‘V’ chassis:-
Select the appropriate button on the control handset
or dual switch panel and keep it depressed until the
required width is achieved. To close, press the
appropriate button, movement will stop if pressure
is released, whether opening or closing.
Opera ‘Lock and Load’ System
(see figs. 10 & 11)
If your Opera has not been supplied with a
‘dedicated’ or permanently attached powered
patient positioning (PPP) spreader bar, then it will
be supplied with the ‘Lock and Load’ System jib.
You may need to fit or change the attachment, (i.e.:
spreader bar or stretcher fame) proceed as follows:-
To remove an existing attachment, hold the unit
carefully and to release, depress the retaining catch
on the attachment yoke (see fig. 10). Then lift the
yoke upwards and away from the carrier and store
carefully for future use. Select the attachment
required then carefully lift the unit up and allow the
recess in the yoke to fit around the carrier shaft.
Ensure the yoke drops down over the carrier and the
retaining catch operates (see fig. 11), locking can be
checked by attempting to lift the yoke without
depressing the retaining catch.
Warning: To ensure maximum patient
comfort, do not allow the patient to hold
onto the spreader bar.
Warning: When opening or closing the
legs on a powered chassis, care must be
taken not to allow anyone to stand in the
way of the moving chassis legs.
Transport the Opera with the chassis legs
in parallel (closed) position only.
Fig. 10
P1391a, P1439a, P1439b
Attachment
yoke
Carrier
Retaining
catch
Using your Opera

14
Using the 4 point spreader bar
Ensure the spreader bar is securely connected to the
jib before commencing with the lifting procedure.
(‘Lock and Load’ system jib only).
To Lift from a Chair
Place the sling around the patient so that the base of
his/her spine is covered, and the head support area
is behind the head. Pull each leg piece under the
thigh so that it emerges on the inside of the thigh.
(See fig. 12).
Ensure the positioning handle on the spreader bar is
facing away from the patient, and that the wide part
of the spreader bar is at, or just below shoulder
level. (See fig. 13).
Ensure that the Opera is close enough to be able to
attach the shoulder clips of the sling to the spreader
bar. To accomplish this you may have to put the
patients feet on, or over the chassis.
Once the Opera is in position, attach the shoulder
strap attachment clips to the pegs on the spreader
bar. (See fig. 14).
Press down on the positioning handle of the
spreader bar and attach the leg strap attachment
clips. (See fig. 15).
Fig. 11
P1391b
Warning: Care must be taken when the
weight of the unit comes away from the
jib.
For larger attachments or if in any doubt
about being able to lift and hold the
attachment securely use more than one
person for the operation, or support the
attachment on a bed or chair.
Fig. 12
P1146a,b
Fig. 13
P1392c
•Note: The chassisrear castors have
brakes which can be foot operated when
required (see fig.9). Do not apply the
castorbrakesatthisstage,astheposition
of the patient will adjust to his/her own
centre of gravity when lifted.
Fig. 14
P1392d, P1002a,b,c
Warning: Apply the castor brakes when
leaving the patient unattended or to keep
the Opera in position on a sloping surface.
Using your Opera

15
If necessary, lower the spreader bar using the
handset control, being careful not to lower it onto
the patient, although if this should happen
inadvertently, there is a built in cut-out device
which will prevent any further downwards
movement. Do not continue to press the handset
lowering button.
Raise the patient by operating the handset control,
move the lifter away from the chair then carefully
lift the positioning handle until the patient is
reclined in the sling - the head support will now
come into use. (See fig. 16). This is the most
comfortable position for transportation, as it
reduces pressure on the thighs. The angle of recline
can be adjusted for increased comfort if the patient
is restless.
Before transportation, turn the patient to face the
attendant at approximately normal chair height.
(See fig. 17). This gives confidence and dignity and
also improves the Opera mobility.
Remember to release the brakes, if they have been
applied, before attempting to transport the patient.
When lowering the patient back into a chair - or
when transferring from bed to chair - push down on
the positioning handle to put the patient into a good
sitting position. This avoids further lifting effort.
Take care not to push down too quickly, as this may
jerk the patient’s head forward.
Fig. 15
P1392e
•Note: If the handset button is
released during lifting or lowering,
powered motion will stop immediately.
Warning: IMPORTANT: Always
check that the sling attachment clips are
fully in position before and during the
commencement of the lifting cycle, andin
tension as the patient’s weight is
gradually taken up.
Fig. 16
P1393f
Fig. 17
P1393d
Warning: When lowering the lifter
ensure that the patient’s or attendant’s
legs and feet are well clear of the moving
mast.
Using your Opera

16
To Lift from a Bed
Before lifting a person from a bed, ensure there is
sufficient clearance underneath to accommodate
the Opera chassis legs.
Position the patient onto the sling by rolling the
patient towards you then folding the sling in half
and placing it behind the patient’s back (see fig.
18). Position the sling carefully so that when rolled
back the patient will lie centrally on the sling (see
fig. 19) and check that the head support area of the
sling covers the patient’s neck.
Alternatively, the patient can be brought into a
sitting posture then position the sling as detailed in
the section “To Lift From A Chair”.
Approach the bed with the open side of the spreader
bar towards the patient’s head. (See fig. 20).
Using the adjustable width chassis, it is possible to
make adjustments to chassis leg widths to assist
manoeuvrability around obstructions, for example,
bed legs.
Position the Opera so that the spreader bar is just
above, and centrally situated over the patient.
Using the positioning handle, tilt the spreader bar
until the shoulder attachment points can be
connected to the sling shoulder strap attachment
clips. (See fig. 21).
Press down on the positioning handle until
connection of the sling leg pieces is possible. (See
fig. 22) The leg pieces must be brought under the
thighs to connect up, this may involve lifting one
leg at a time to connect up. You may need to lower
the spreader bar a little more, using the handset
control.
Fig. 18
P1133b
Fig. 19
P1022a
•Note: When rolling the patient back
onto the sling, roll the patient slightly in
the opposite direction so that the folded
part of the sling can be brought out.
Fig. 20
P1393e
Warning: Care must be taken not to
lower the spreader bar onto the patient.
Fig. 21
P1395a, P1002 a,b,c
Using your Opera

17
When lifting from the bed, some attendants prefer
to connect the leg pieces first. This particularly
applies to patients with large thighs. In this case,
raise the hip and knee into maximum flexion, and
attach the leg strap attachment clips, then tilt the
spreader bar towards the shoulders for connection.
Lift the patient using the handset control, and adjust
to a comfortable position for transfer. (See fig. 23).
The specially designed sling together with its’
integral head support, enables one person to carry
out the complete lifting function without additional
help.
If returning the patient to a bed, move into the
desired position above the bed adjusting the sling
position as necessary, and then lower using the
handset control.
Move the Opera away before removing the sling
from under the patient. If transferring the patient to
a chair refer to the section “To Lift from a Chair”.
To Raise from the Floor
Put the sling around the patient as before, by using
the rolling or sitting up method. Depending on
circumstances, space and/or position of patient etc.
approach the patient with the open part of the
chassis. Open the chassis legs if necessary, and lift
the patient’s legs over the chassis as shown in
figure 24.
The patient’s head and shoulders could be raised on
pillows for comfort, if required, but this is not
essential when connecting up the sling to the
spreader bar.
With the open part of the spreader bar pointing
down towards the shoulders, attach the shoulder
strap attachment clips, as shown in figure 25 and
inset.
Fig. 22
P1395b
Warning: IMPORTANT: Always
check that the sling attachment clips are
fully in position before and during the
commencement of the lifting cycle, andin
tension as the patient’s weight is
gradually taken up.
Fig. 23
P1395d
Warning: When lowering the lifter
ensure that the patient’s or attendant’s
legs and feet are well clear of the moving
mast.
Only when the patient’s body weight is
fully supported by the bed may the sling
leg connection clips be detached,
followed by the shoulder connections.
Fig. 24
P1394a
Using your Opera

18
Once connected, raise the hip and knee into
maximum flexion, and push down on the
positioning handle in order to connect the leg strap
attachment clips as shown in figure 26. This will
have the effect of raising the patient’s head and
shoulders slightly.
When lifting from the floor, some attendants prefer
to connect the leg pieces first. This in particular
applies to the very large patient with large thighs. In
this case, raise the hip and knee into maximum
flexion, and attach the leg straps first, then tilt the
spreader bar towards the shoulders to enable the
shoulder straps to be connected.
When all the straps have been properly connected,
raise the patient from the floor in a semi-recumbent
position. Supporting the head can be comfortable
and reassuring for the patient. Once raised from the
floor, ensure the patient’s legs are clear of the
chassis before continuing to lift. (See fig. 27). The
leg sections of the sling will tend to be fairly high
in the crotch, so straighten them out for added
comfort. The patient may be positioned in a chair,
or placed onto a bed. If the patient is prone to
extensor spasm, he/she may be lifted by the Opera,
but special attention should be paid to supporting
the legs during the early part of the lift.
When lifting patient’s with leg amputations, use the
double amputee sling (available as an accessory
from ARJO Ltd). This sling is specially designed to
accommodate the differing patient centre of
gravity.
At the Toilet
For toileting a patient, use the toilet sling with head
rest. The toilet sling is fitted in a similar manner to
the standard four point sling, except, the sling is not
taken to the base of the patient’s spine, but fitted
with the top of the head support area of the sling
level with the top of the patients head as a guide to
positioning. (See fig 28)
Fig. 25
P1394b, P1002 a,b,c
Fig. 26
P1394c
Warning: IMPORTANT: Always
check that the sling attachment clips are
fully in position before and during the
commencement of the lifting cycle, andin
tension as the patient’s weight is
gradually taken up.
Fig. 27
P1394d
Warning: When lowering the lifter
ensure that the patient’s or attendant’s
legs and feet are well clear of the moving
mast.
Transportation of a patient should always
be done with the chassis legs parallel
(closed) manoeuvrability will be easier,
especially through doorways, with the
chassis legs closed. The patient should be
positioned facing the attendant. (See fig.
17). Apply the chassis brakes if leaving
the patient unattended.
Using your Opera

19
The ARJO toilet sling has been specially designed
to help support patients whilst toiletting.
To provide the best possible access when toiletting
the sling has a wide commode opening and because
of this it is essential that:-
(a) The correct size sling is chosen, relative to the
weight and height of patient and
(b) Both of the patient’s arms are positioned
outside the sling, over the padded areas but
under the “head section” support straps’ (See
fig. 28) this will help prevent the patient from
sliding through the sling.
When used in accordance with these instructions
the toiletting sling provides a very effective method
of toiletting dependent patients.
Once the patient has been lifted and transported to
the toilet, position the lifter so that the patient is
positioned above the toilet seat.
Apply the chassis brakes.
Unbutton and / or remove the patients garments
lower the patient to a comfortable sitting position.
Powered Patient Positioning
Spreader Bar (if fitted)
If your lifter has been supplied fitted with a
Powered Patient Positioning (P.P.P.) spreader bar,
the use of this type of spreader bar including sling
positioning with patient, sling connection to the
spreader bar, and patient handling, is the same as
the non-powered 4 point spreader bar described
previously in these instructions.
The fundamental difference being, the “P.P.P.”
spreader bar has the added advantage of enabling
the patient positioning manoeuvre to be performed
with minimal physical effort by the attendant.
Fig. 28
P1130a
“Head Section”
support strap buckles
Warning: It is essential to familiarise
yourself with the correct method of use
before any attempt is made to lift a
patient.
Always ensure that the patient has
sufficient trunk and head self-control to
be safely lifted in the toilet sling. If in any
doubt use the standard type sling.
•Note: It is advisable to release the
“head section” support strap buckles
prior to fitting the sling, once the sling is
around the patient, reconnect the support
strap buckles ensuring the patient’s arms
are positioned over the sling.
Warning: Always ensure that the
patient, when suspended, is in an upright
sitting position, as shown in figure 28.
Warning: When lowering the lifter
ensure that the patient’s or attendant’s
legs and feet are well clear of the moving
mast.
Warning: Always use the toilet sling
with caution, encourage the patient to
hold tightly to the sling to avoid sliding
out. Do not use the toilet sling for lifting
and transportation apart from toilet visits.
Fig. 29
P1397a
Jib
Motor
cover
Gearbox
covers
Support
frame
Sling attachment lugs
Isolator
/cut-off
switch
Positioning
control handle
Spreader
bar
Using your Opera

20
Rotation of the P.P.P. spreader bar is manual and is
the same as the manual patient positioning spreader
bar.
The (P.P.P.) is fully waterproof and is classified by
ARJO as a wet environment unit and has a blue and
white circular label to qualify this, attached. (See
“Labels” Section). This label signifies that the
lower end of the unit may be immersed in bath
water, or used for showering.
To operate the powered patient positioning
function, ensure the isolator/cut off switch is in the
on position (see fig. 30)
When ready to perform the patient positioning
function (as described previously) hold the
positioning handle and apply a lifting or lowering
action as necessary (see fig. 31)
Powered movement will continue in the direction
of hand pressure until the limit of travel has been
reached, or until pressure is released from the
handle.
The spreader bar will remain firmly in position,
once powered movement has ceased.
Warning: Before using your lifter when
fitted with the P.P.P. spreader bar,
familiarise yourself with the various parts
as illustrated in figure 29. then read and
thoroughly understand the following
operating instructions.
The P.P.P. spreader bar must be used in
accordance with the following
instructions and in conjunction with the
operating instructions previously
described for the manually operated (non-
powered) four point spreader bar.
The lifting capacity of the lifter when
fitted with the P.P.P. spreader bar remains
the same as the non-powered patient
positioning spreader bar version.
Fig. 30
P1389d
Off
On
Fig. 31
P1397b
•Note: Aslightpivotingmovementof
the handle may be noticed, this is correct,
and is how the direction sensing device
operates.
Warning: To stop any powered
movement, release pressure from the
handle or press the isolator/cut off switch.
•Note: The isolator/cut off switch
can remain in the ON position
indefinitely if required, it will not drain
any power from the battery.
Warning: Before and during operating
the powered patient positioning spreader
bar, ensure all obstructions are well clear
of the spreader bar, support frame and jib.
Using your Opera