OpeMed OpeMax 500 User manual

OpeMax 500 Passive Hoist
User Manual
www.opemed.net

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Content
1 Introduction
1.1 About this manual................................................................................2
1.2 Symbols ..............................................................................................2
1.3 Contents of the package.......................................................................2
1.4 The OpeMax hoist................................................................................3
1.5 Points of attention................................................................................4
2 Description
2.1 Overview OpeMax ................................................................................5
2.2 Wheels................................................................................................6
2.3 Engine ................................................................................................6
2.4 Battery................................................................................................7
2.5 Battery charger....................................................................................8
2.5.1 Charging the batteries..........................................................................8
2.5.2 Life span of the batteries......................................................................9
2.6 Control box..........................................................................................9
2.6.1 Emergency button................................................................................10
2.6.2 Emergency control ...............................................................................11
2.6.3 Battery indicator ..................................................................................11
2.7 Hand-held control ................................................................................12
2.8 Hanger bar ..........................................................................................13
2.9 Slings..................................................................................................14
2.9.1 Sling attachment..................................................................................14
2.9.1 General information about slings...........................................................15
2.9.2 Types and sizes of slings ......................................................................16
2.9.3 Washing instructions slings ...................................................................18
3 Use
3.1 Before use...........................................................................................17
3.2 Possible transfers.................................................................................18
3.3 Placing the caretaker into the OpeMax...................................................24
3.4 Moving the caretaker with the OpeMax..................................................25
3.5 Taking the caretaker out of the OpeMax ................................................26
4 Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning instructions ............................................................................27
4.2 Daily/Weekly maintenance....................................................................28
4.3 Annual inspection and maintenance ......................................................28
4.4 If the OpeMax does not function ...........................................................29
4.5 Disposal ..............................................................................................30
5 Appendix
5.1 Warranty statements............................................................................31
5.2 About OpeMed.....................................................................................31
5.3 Contact details.....................................................................................31

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Introduction 1
1.1 About this manual
The aim of this user manual is to enable carers to operate the OpeMax and to let them carry out small
(preventive) maintenance jobs.
This manual deals with the following aspects related to operating the OpeMax:
• Parts description
• Working principle description
• Step-by-step lifting instructions
• Maintenance of the OpeMax; to be carried out by the carer
Next to this manual the following documentation on the OpeMax is available:
• Technical manual. The technical manual is developed for the technical service department and contains:
- maintenance procedures
- repair procedures
- parts lists with order numbers
- inspection reports
• Quick Reference. The Quick Reference guide handles with the main safety and operating aspects
relating to the OpeMax.
1.2 Symbols
Attention Read the manual before operating the hoist
Attention, High Voltage The producer of the product
With this,the OpeMax meets the European Standard, ISO 10535 and the
GQ-quality mark T-02, cluster UTT.
1.3 Contents of the package
The delivered package must contain:
• OpeMax • User manual
• Battery • Technical manual
• Battery charger(with clip and power lead) • Quick reference
• Sling (optional)
Remove the packaging from the OpeMax.
Check the contents of the package using the packing list.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Introduction 1
1.4 The OpeMax hoist
The OpeMax is a sling hoist for
passive transfers of caretakers. The
OpeMax is a compact, highly
manoeuvrable hoist with a high
range and a maximum lifting height
of about 2 meters. The caretaker
can be positioned either lying or
sitting. The OpeMax can be
delivered with a mechanical hanger
bar (balanced) or with a powered
hanger bar. To enable easy
positioning, the OpeMax is equipped
with a powered spreading under
frame.
The OpeMax can be used for the
following transfers:
• From a (wheel)chair to a bed and
vice-versa.
• From a (wheel)chair to a toilet
and vice-versa.
• From a (wheel)chair to a shower-
bath-toilet chair and vice-versa.
• From the floor to a (wheel)chair
or bed.
The OpeMax cannot be
used to help caretakers with standing up or walking (usually an active hoist like the James will
be used for these purposes).
The OpeMax meets the following demands (by KBOH):
• The user can be lifted from a sitting orlying position and will hang in a (semi)sitting position. After
transportation of hoist,the user can be placed back on the supporting element in a sitting or lying
position.
• The hoist can be used in combination with wheelchairs, without having to remove foot, leg or arm
supports. The hoist can be placed around the wheelchair from the front or sideways, with one of the
legs of the under frame between the wheels of the wheelchair.
• The hoist can be used in combination with an accessible bed, shower window or dressing table at
working height. Next to this the hoist can be used for transfers to and from the floor.
With this the OpeMax also complies to the demands set by the European Standards, ISO 10535
and the GQ-quality mark T-02, cluster UTT.
Under normal conditions, and with the exception of slings and batteries, the expected life span of the
hoist is 10 years (100.000 transfers), provided the hoist is maintained as instructed.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Introduction 1
1.5 Points of attention
•The OpeMax is designed to lift and transfer caretakers in combination with an appropriate sling, the
OpeMax can only be used for this purpose. Any other form of use is not allowed.
•It is not allowed to lift more than 227kg (500lbs.) with the OpeMax, unless otherwise stated on the lift.
•It is not allowed to use the hoist on surfaces with a slope of more than 5 decimal degrees.
•It is not allowed to lift any object (e.g. a chair or wheelchair) together with the caretaker.
•Special caution needs to be taken when the clips of a sling are attached to the hanger bar, incorrectly
attaching these clips can cause a fall of the caretaker and lead to severe injuries.
•The lifting engine of the hoist only serves to raise the lifting arm and should never be used as a handle
or support.
•Pushing or pulling (the hoist) on this engine (also with feet) can lead to dangerous situations.
•Always check whether sufficient space is available above the hoist before lifting, the hoist should never
get stuck. When passing a door casing, always check whether there is sufficient space above the lifting
arm.
•Only use the OpeMax in combination with a sling that is delivered by OpeMed. Always contact OpeMed
before using alternative slings.
•Treat the lift with care and always make sure the working environment is neat and clean.
•Working with the hoist is only allowed to authorized personnel.
•The OpeMax needs at least once a year a periodical inspection.
•Service and maintenance of the hoist is only allowed to be carried out by authorized personnel.
•Replacing hanger bars or other constructive parts of the hoist is only allowed to authorized personnel.
•Charging the battery always needs to be done in well ventilated, dry rooms. Battery chargers need to
be connected according to the installation demands. Battery chargers need periodical inspection at least
once a year.
•Make sure the lifting arm is positioned as low as possible during a transfer.
•When deformations occur to the hoist due to incorrect usage or transport, the hoist should not be used
anymore, and will have to be sent back to the supplier.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.1 Overview OpeMax
The parts from figure 1 will be described further on in this manual.
1 Under frame
2 Mast
3 Lifting arm
4 Hanger bar page 13 - paragraph 2.8
5 Lifting engine page 6 - paragraph 2.3
6 Battery page 7 - paragraph 2.4
7 Control box page 9 - paragraph 2.6
8 Hand-held control page 12 - paragraph 2.7
9 Leg
11 Wheels page 6 - paragraph 2.2
12 Push handle (2x)
Figure 1 The OpeMax Hoist

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.2 Wheels
The OpeMax has four swivelling wheels, two wheels without a brake on the end of the legs and two
braked wheels on the side of the mast.
The easiest way to move the hoist is when the wheels are in line with the driving direction.
The make sure the OpeMax will stay in a certain position, a brake can be applied on the two wheels on
the side of the mast, as shown in figure 4.
Fig.4a Wheel free Fig.4b Apply brake Fig.4c Applied brake
1 2
2.3 Engine
The OpeMax is fitted with an engine with a ball-circuit spindle and safety nut. The engine is connected to
the control box (paragraph 2.6, page 10). A hand-held control is attached to the control box (paragraph
2.7, page 13).
2
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.4 Battery
Fig
ure 5 Placing the battery
1 Handle
2 Fixing stop (2 x)
Figure 6 Fixing mechanism on the backside of the battery
Always make sure the battery is sufficiently charged before using the OpeMax. The battery has an easy-
to-use fixing mechanism to attach it to the control box (or the battery charger).
Figure 5 shows how the battery is placed on the control box.
Figure 6 shows in more detail how the handle of the battery has to be attached around the two fixing
stops. The easiest way to do this,is by pushing the handle on the top side of the battery, while placing it.
"
#

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.5 Battery Charger
Figure 7 Placing the battery onto the battery charger
Batteries for the OpeMax are charged with a battery charger. This battery charger is delivered
separately with the hoist. Batteries are placed on the charger in the same way as on the
control box (see figure7). It is advisable to have two batteries available at all time, one in the
hoist and one in the charger, in order to alwayshave accessto a charged battery.
2.5.1 Charging the batteries
In order to get the longest life span from the batteries,it is necessary to charge them on a regular basis.
It is advised to charge the batteries at least once a week. A battery indicator on the control box shows
whether it is necessary to charge a battery.
Charge the battery instantly when the battery indicator on the control box shows the capacity is
less than 50%. When the battery indicator shows less than 25% it is not allowed anymore to
use the battery (the hoist) before the battery is charged (or a charged battery is placed).
Use the following procedure to charge the battery:
- Connect the battery charger to the power grid.
- The indicator ‘on’ will light up.
- Take the battery from the hoist and place it on the charger.
- The charging process will start automatically.
- During the charging process the indicator ‘charge’ will be lit.
- When the battery is fully charged, the indicator ‘charge’ will not be lit anymore.
- Take into account that the average charging time is 8 hours.
$

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.5.2 Life span of the batteries
Capacity
The number of lifting cycles that can be done with a fully charged battery depends on the time the lifting
cycle takes, the lifted weight and the age and condition of the battery.
Discharging
A battery which is not used for a longer time will discharge automatically. This is the case with spare
batteries and a battery that is placed on the hoist. Too much discharging of the batteries reduces the
batteries capacity, which will result in the fact that less lifting cycles can be done with a battery.
It is also advised to charge spare batteries (even when not in use) at least once a week.
2.6 Control box
1 Emergency stop
2 Emergency control
3 Battery indicator
Figure 8 The control box
The control box is fixed on the mast of the OpeMax.
The separate parts (figure 8) are described in the following paragraphs:
Emergency button - Paragraph 2.6.1, page 11
Emergency control - Paragraph 2.6.2, page 12
Battery indicator - Paragraph 2.6.3, page 12

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.6.1 Emergency button
When the emergency button is activated, the hoist will stop lifting immediately.
The emergency button is controlled as follows:
Activate emergency button (figure 9a). Press the red emergency button.
De-activate emergency button (figure 9a-c). Turn the emergency button clock-wise in order to de-active
it.
Figure 9a Activated Figuur 9b Turn clockwise Figure 9c De-activated
1 Emergency button activated
2 Emergency button de-activated
Activate the emergency button when the OpeMax is not in use. This will prevent the batteries
from discharging and prolong the life span of the batteries.
%

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.6.2 Emergency control
The emergency control can be used when the hand-held control is broken or when the battery is out of
power.
The emergency control switches the brake from the engine and will use spare power in the battery and
will therefore only work when the battery is placed.
The emergency control can be used as follows:
Emergency control up (figure 10, number 1)
Press with the point of a pencil in the gap EMERGENCY &
Only the standard OpeMax (130kg) has this function
Emergency control down (figure 10, number 2)
Press with the point of a pencil in the gap EMERGENCY "
1 Emergency control up &(Only OpeMax 130kg.)
2 Emergency control down "
Figure 10 Emergency control
2.6.3 Battery indicator
1 Battery empty
2 Battery fully charged
Figure 11 Battery indicator
The battery indicator shows the capacity of the placedbattery as shown in figure 11
The values on the battery indicator should be read as follows:
• 50%-100% (up to twoempty rectangles)
The battery has sufficient capacity and the hoist can be used.
• 25%-50% (rectangle with plug is shown)
The battery has to be charged, but the hoist can still be used.
• 0%-25% (rectangle with STOP is shown)
The battery has to be charged and the hoist should not be used.
When the emergency button is activated, the battery indicator will show the battery is empty
(fig. 11, nr. 1), even when this is not necessarily the case. Therefore, only check the capacity
when the emergency button is de-activated.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.7 Hand-held control
1 Hoist up
2 Hoist down
3 Under frame open
4 Under frame close
5 Hanger bar to sitting position
6 Hanger bar to lying position
Figure 12 Hand-held control
The OpeMax is operated with the hand-held control.
The hand-held control is used to:
• move the lifting arm up or down
• open or close the legs of the under frame
• bring the hanger bar from a lying position into a sitting position (only with powered hanger bar).
The hand-held control is provided with:
• a curling-wire with which it is attached to the control box.
• a brace to attach it to the hoist.
• the control buttons asshown in figure 12.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.8 Hanger bar (sometimes called spreader bar or cradle)
The OpeMax is provided with a hanger bar. The hanger bar is a construction to
which the sling in which the caretaker will take place can be attached. The
hanger bar is attached to the lifting arm with a universal joint. This universal
joint enables the hanger bar to turn and tilt freely, to enable a stable transfer
through balance. Three types of hanger bars are available; 2 point loop style
hanger bar, the the possibility of transporting the caretaker in a sitting or a lying
position. The way this is done is described below.
Point Loop hanger bar
A standard width 2 point spreader bar that can be used with OpeMed loop slings
or standard loop slings from approved competitors.
Balanced hanger bar
A balanced hanger bar is influenced by the caretaker. The caretaker can bring
himself/herself by simple movements into a sitting or a lying position. The
balanced hanger is most efficient when applied with caretakers who have
sufficient stability in the hip-joint and sufficient body balance. To lift caretakers
who make a lot of sudden or uncontrolled movements the balanced hanger bar
is also the best option.
Powered hanger bar
The powered hanger bar is moved from a sitting to a lying position by means of
an electric engine on the hanger bar. This enables automatic positioning of the
caretaker into the desired position, which has high benefits for caretakers with
a low hip-stability. The powered hanger bar is controlled by two buttons on the
hand-held control.
Sitting position hanger bar Lying position hanger bar

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.9 Slings
2.9.1 Sling attachment
Read these guidelines carefully before using the sling. It is ESSENTIAL that you fully
understand how to attach the sling in the correct way. Always check the sling for signs of wear
or damaging before use.
1 Hold on to the strip onthe clip with one hand, and pull the big hole in the clip over the attachment
point, check whether the belt on which the sling is hanging is not turned or twisted.
2Take the belt under the clip and pull this down until the clip falls into the secure position.
3The attachment point is now locked into the hole in the top side of the clip.
Figure 14, Sling attachment
E-Clip Attachments
The OpeMed E-Clip sling can also be used on the OpeMax 500. To attach
the e-clip squeeze the two grey sides of the clip to open the levers.
Attach the clip over the attachment and release the grey levers. Check
that the clip has attached correctly and the levers have closed.
The E-Clips should be routinely checked that all screws and mechanisms
are in working order (particularly after washing). Please refer to separate
sling guide that is packaged with each sling.
Attachment point
clip

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Figure 15
Figure 16
Head side
• • • • • • • • • • • • • Description 2
2.9.2 General information about slings
Check whether there is tension on all the belts onthe clips, before lifting
the care taker.
During transfers the caretaker takes place into a hammock shaped sling,
which is attached to the hanger bar with clips. Several sizes and types of
slings are available, each for its own purpose (paragraph 2.9.2, page 17).
Some caretakers are only allowed to be lifted with a specific type of sling.
Follow the directions about which type of sling to use for a
specific caretaker. Regularly check slings for signs of wear or
damage. Only use the OpeMax in combination with a sling that
is delivered by OpeMed. Always contact OpeMed before using alternative
slings.
The sling needs to fully support the caretaker in the sitting
position as well as in the lying position. For extra support of head
and shoulders, two plastic whalebones need to be put into the
special pockets on the head side of the sling, as shown in figure
16.
2.9.3 Types and sizes of slings
Specific transfers require specific slings. When transferring to a chair, a different type of
sling is required compared to when transferring to a toilet ora bath. An overview of
available types of slings and the way they are applied is given in table 1. Each type of sling
can be delivered in different sizes. The next characteristicsare important for determining
the required size; weight, size and shape of the caretaker, available hip-stability, pain,
amputations etc. A general guideline to determine the required size is given in table 2.
Standard OpeMed slings can be used up to a maximum weight of 200 kg.,
person specific slings can be used up to a maximum of 160kg (unless otherwise stated).
!

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Use 3
3.1 Before use
Check the OpeMax on the following points before use:
• Place the battery on the OpeMax
• Turn on the OpeMax by turning the emergency button clock-wise
• Check the capacity of the battery with the battery indicator on the control box
• Check whether the used sling fits the purpose and the transfer
• Check the condition of the sling and the clips
• Carefully place the sling
The OpeMax can only be used as described in this user manual. Always make sure the working
environment is nice and clean.
3.2 Possible transfers
The OpeMax can be used for the following transfers:
• From a (wheel)chair to a bed and vice-versa.
• From a (wheel)chair to a toilet and vice-versa.
• From a (wheel)chair to a shower, bath, trolley and vice-versa.
• From the floor to a (wheel)chair or a bed.
Several operations are similar for all transfers. These operations are divided into the following steps:
• Placing the caretaker into the OpeMax - paragraph 3.3, page 20.
• Moving the caretaker with the OpeMax - paragraph 3.4, page 27.
• Taking the caretaker out of the OpeMax - paragraph 3.5, page 29.
Sometimes an operation is only applicable in a specific situation, like lifting a caretaker from a bed
(instead of a chair). This will be marked clearly in the lifting instructions.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Use 3
3.3 Placing the caretaker into the OpeMax
Step 1
Before starting check the following points:
• Is the emergency button de-activated?
• Is the battery fully charged?
See also paragraph 2.5, page 9.
• Is the caretaker allowed to be, and does he/she want
to, be lifted with the OpeMax?
Always make clear to the caretaker what is
happening with every step of the process!
Step 2
Take the correct type and size sling
• See paragraph 2.9.2, page 16 for help with choosing
the correct sling.
• Make sure the plastic whalebones are placed on the
head side of the sling.
Step 3a
Lifting from a chair: place the sling
• Place the sling behind the back of the caretaker up to
the seat. Let the caretaker sit a bit forward during this
handling.
• Make sure the sling is placed with the washing
instructions facing to the outside.
'
'
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Use 3
• Guide the leg slips along the buttocks of the caretaker
toward the front.
• After this, pull the leg slips slightly forward, this way the
caretaker already sits ‘inside’ the sling.
• Lift one of the caretaker’s legs and bring oneleg slip of
the sling to the inside of the leg.
• Do the same with the other leg slip.
• If necessary, pull the head side of the sling up to the
correct height. The sling will now fit around the
caretaker like a ‘tank chair’.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • Use 3
Step 3b
Lifting from a bed: place the sling
• Roll-up one slide of the sling for about half the total
width of the sling.
• Roll the caretaker over on one side, facing the carer.
• Put the sling with the rolled-up side against the back
of the caretaker.
• Make sure the sling is placed with the washing
instructions facing to the outside (currently the down
side.
• Roll-over the caretaker over the sling onto his/her
other side.
• The rolled-up part of the sling will now be on the side
of the carer.
• Unroll the rolled-up part of the sling and pull this to
the correct position.
• Roll the caretaker back on his or her back, making
sure he or she is now lying on the sling.