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Blimp Managers Guide ABC Inflatables Limited B l i m p Operators Guide Page 1 of 15

ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

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ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

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Page 1: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

ABC Inflatables Limited Blimp

Operators Guide

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Page 2: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Full Visual Drawing

The Suppliers for the Blimp are as follows; ABC Inflatables Limited 4 Wildmere Close Wildmere Industrial Estate Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 3TL Contact: Mark Shears Website: www.abcinflatables.co.ukEmail: [email protected]: 01295 278600

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Page 3: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Initial Kit:

Inflation:

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Blimp Filling Pipe Tetherline x2 T-line Banner

Before filling tie off filling/exhilation pipe :

1. Pull flat 2. Fold down 3. Fold in 4. Wrap with bands

NOTE: Replace elastic bands regularly as they can perish and allow helium to escape.When pipe is tied off fill blimp through filling cap.Use tape to create bung around pipe to limit helium loss during inflation.

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Blimp Managers Guide

The Flight

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Page 5: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

ABC INFLATABLE FINNED BLIMP.

Parts supplied with Blimp

1 x 6m (20 ft) long Blimp 2 x 60m (200ft) long tether lines. Gas filling pipe. Repair kit.

The ABC of Balloon Flying.

1. Unroll Blimp onto clean, dry, snag free surface. Preferably onto a ground sheet or carpet.

2. Establish strength and direction of the wind and ensure nose of Blimp is pointing into wind.

3. Secure Blimp by the two tether lines and handling lines to immovable objects or something very heavy ( i.e. weight of around 200 kgs). This is to prevent the balloon rising whilst the helium is being put in.

4. Insert the helium gas-filling pipe into the inflation sleeve at the front of the balloon. Hold the sleeve tight around the filling hose to prevent air intake and helium loss.

Please note: You must ensure the tail pipe is properly tied off. This will allow air to enter the scoop on the underside of the bottom fin and then around the tail chamber and into the top fins. The fins will not fill until the Blimp is up and flying in a good breeze.

5. Turn on the helium cylinder valve slowly and start to inflate the balloon until it begins to take shape. When changing over to a fresh cylinder of helium, care should be taken that no air enters the balloon as this will dilute the helium and may seriously affect buoyancy. Do not overfill the balloon as during the day the temperature may rise and the helium will expand. The balloon should therefore be inflated until it is firm but not drum hard.

6. When inflated securely tie off the nose-filling pipe by twisting it and then folding it back towards the main body of the blimp and wrap the heavy-duty elastic band around the filling pipe. Now ensure the tether lines are securely tied onto your chosen anchoring points and allow the balloon to rise slowly, paying out the lines hand over hand until the desired altitude is reached. Please ensure there are no projections or obstructions in the vicinity ie overhead

N.B. ALWAYS WEAR STRONG GLOVES TO PREVENT ROPE BURNS.

7. The Blimp will need topping up occasionally, as there will always be a small amount of helium loss both through the fabric of the Blimp and due to contraction of the helium. Topping up can be done by removing the screw-on cap located on the front underside of the Blimp. Do

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cables - trees - tall buildings etc.

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Blimp Managers Guide

not use filling sleeve to hold or steady the balloon at any time. The four handling lines attached to the hull should be used for this purpose.

Please note: The majority of supposed leaks occur when the nose pipe has not been securely tied off.

Flying Notes:

1. Maximum height permitted by CAA in UK is 60 meters (200 feet). They do not permit the balloon to fly at night. If possible store indoors, fully inflated, or securely fasten down to the ground using strong tethers attached to all four harness points and handling line points.

2. Do not send the balloon up in excessive or gusty winds or in poor weather conditions - which includes heavy rain. Do not fly the balloon near electric or telephone wires etc.

3. Do not fly the balloon directly over moving traffic or position it in such a way as to become a visible hazard to vehicles travelling by. In addition the balloon should be kept over your own property line

- Ideally 60 meters away from any other buildings and tether out of reach of vandals.

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Page 7: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Repairs.

In the event of the hull being punctured:

Firstly locate the leak whilst the balloon is inflated. Cut a piece of balloon material large enough to cover the hole and spread the adhesive, supplied, onto both surfaces. Allow to dry for ten minutes then press the patch firmly onto the damaged area and ensure all air bubbles are removed.

Holes in areas covered by graphics or paint can be sealed from inside by enlarging the hole so that a piece of balloon material can be placed inside the damaged area. Adhesive can then be applied through the hole and the material is then pressed together to form an 'invisible' mend. This can only be done with the balloon deflated.

ABC Inflatables Ltd offer a complete repair service to all their clients, please ring 01295 278600 for further details.

Deflation:

If the balloon is going to be stored:

Tie the tether lines to the helium cylinder or a similar heavy object. Untie the nose pipe and roll from the tail to force the helium out.

Fold the balloon; avoiding sharp creases and pack away only when DRY. If the blimp is packed away wet, it will deteriorate very rapidly.

WHEN THE HELIUM GAS CYLINDERS ARE EMPTY OR NEED UPLIFTING PLEASE CALL ABC INFLATABLES ON 01295 278600 AND WE WILL ARRANGE COLLECTION. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER GAS REQUIREMENTS PLEASE ALSO CALL THE ABOVE NUMBER.

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Page 8: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Risk Assessment for helium filled inflatable advertising blimps

Description of Activity: Setting up and operation of a helium filled inflatable blimp.

Description of Product: Approx 6m long x 2.5m diameter advertising balloon known as a blimp made from PU coated nylon with a UV coating

Equipment to be used: The inflatable balloon and helium gas

Equipment Hazards:

1. Cylinders of Helium Gas. The cylinders are heavy and can cause damage if they fall over. Pressurised gas can cause harm if released accidentally near the eyes. However, helium gas itself is totally inert and non-flammable. The helium cylinders should be kept away from the general public and if a container is used to store the blimp, it can also be used to store the helium cylinders.

2. Inflatable balloons. If punctured the blimp will deflate and float down to the ground, providing it is still securely tethered to an immovable object. If the blimp is stored in a standard shipping container, it can be attached to the top of the container. If the tether lines are cut through vandalism or if the balloon breaks free due to bad weather, the CAA should be informed immediately as directed by the CAA Permission.

Safeguards and Controls: Cylinders of helium Gas. The operative when moving the cylinders should use a trolley, gloves and boots. Only the authorised operator will use the Gas cylinders to inflate the balloon. If the inflatable requires topping up an authorised operator will perform that task in the manner set in the method statement/operating instructions and /or as shown by our ABC operator if we are installing the balloon initially.

Suitability of Site. It is important that the site where the balloon is to be flown from is suitable. The operator will fly from the designated area as defined by the client providing it is suitable. The operator will be aware if the surface is slippery (if outdoors) or if the ground or roof area (if on top of a building) requires sweeping prior to erection of the balloon. It is important there are no sharp objects that may puncture the balloon and to help protect the balloon the operator will use a ground sheet during initial inflation. It may also be useful where the balloon is to be stored fully inflated overnight to have a ground sheet to help protect the hull.

Balloons cannot be flown outdoors overnight. They should be brought down to the ground and either stored fully inflated where possible, or deflated to be re-inflated the

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Page 9: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

following day. A standard shipping container is ideal for storing the fully inflated blimp and helium cylinders.

If the balloon is to be operated or installed by an authorised ABC operator he will be responsible for rigging and tethering the balloon and will ensure that it is tethered to an immovable object. i.e. permanent fixing, such as railings or similar, or vehicle or if nothing else suitable, the helium cylinders. The actual positioning of the balloon will be done if required with the help of the client/contact on site to ensure maximum visibility, whilst at the same time ensuring there are no overhead projections which would prevent the blimp from flying freely at its maximum height Typical projections to be avoided are overhanging trees, telephone wires, power cables, cranes etc. Likewise the balloon should be kept away from buildings, busy main roads, railways etc. where it could cause a problem if the balloon was to come down.

It is important that where a balloon is flown at a venue other than a clients private property the event organisers are aware that the ABC operator has to have access to the site with his vehicle and the facility to park it within clear view of the balloon for safety and security purposes. Where the balloon is to be flown by the client themselves they should also fly it within clear view of a member of staff who can keep an eye on the balloon should there be any changes in weather conditions or where there may be access by the public. Where the balloon is being operated by an ABC operator, he will be in constant attendance, based on an 8hour day.

When the balloon is being installed or operated by an ABC operator he has the final say on whether the balloon is to fly or be brought down depending on the prevailing weather conditions. The same degree of judgement should be exercised by the client when weather conditions deteriorate, as it is better to bring the balloon down safely when bad weather is forecast before conditions worsen rather than during.

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Page 10: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Handling, movement and storage of blimp Description Main risks may include movement of helium filled balloon, use of helium cylinders, pulling and releasing of rope, rope burn. Slips and falls, moving traffic. Significant hazards Moving parts, moving vehicles, weather, compressed air Control procedures Ensure that all staff are aware of hazards associated with their role by referring to this risk assessment, associated risk assessments, and any relevant local risk assessments, during their training. The experience and qualifications of the individual must be considered when deciding upon the tasks we would expect the person to complete safely and competently The level of training and supervision must be appropriate to the background of the employee and the tasks, which we expect to perform. Movement of blimp Only fully trained people must be present when moving blimp fr om container to attachment point, blimp must be attached with correct knot to ground at all times including when moving. Correct attire must be worn by rope handlers, heavy-duty gloves, and adequate footwear. The blimp should only be flown from the agreed designated place and should only be flown during designated times. The blimp must not be flown in high winds and rain. In the event of the rope lines being cut or breaking free you must contact the CAA and the local Police.

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On Site/Store Risk Assessment

Page 11: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Training:

Training date: **********Training covered all aspects of inflation, deflation, storage and general handling. Session run by: Operator from ABC Inflatables

Attended by: *********************** *********************** *********************** *********************** *********************** *********************** ***********************

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***********************

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Blimp Managers Guide

** IMPORTANT ** This note should be printed off and stored in the blimp diary if relevant and H&S file. Loss of the Blimp In the event that the balloon does not break free of its moorings, and not promptly deflate you should follow the checklist below immediately.

1. Inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) at London Terminal Control Centre (LTCC) Tel 01895 426422, of the last observed height and direction of drift of the balloon and approximate cable length trailing.

2. Inform the local police of the last observed height and direction of drift of the balloon

and approximate cable length trailing. Insert the number -______________________

3. Inform ABC Inflatables - Tel 01295 278600and fill in the details in the Blimp diary (if applicable).

4. In addition a FULL report in writing must then be submitted to

Manager Airspace Utilisation Section Civil Aviation Authority K702 CAA House 45-59 Kingsway London WC2B 6TE

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Page 13: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Conditions of usage:

The blimp should NOT be operated during the following conditions.

The blimp cannot be operated in the twilight (early or late with seasonal variations). Times of usage should be agreed during training.

WEATHER: If in doubt do not fly the blimp. If the weather is wet If the weather is cloudy If the weather is windy (tree movement) If the weather is snowy or generally inclement

General Usage

The blimp should only be handled by a Trained member of staff. The two other staff members should ideally receive training on the handling and care of the Blimp. The blimp should be included in the travel path of the Store exterior. All staff members should be communicated to, and aware of this change. The blimp should be monitored every 30 minutes. All problems should be reported to the Manager.

The blimp cannot be used from the roof and should ONLY fly from the agreed points. The elastic bands on the tail of the blimp must never be removed. The helium should only be topped up from the top up nozzle using the hose supplied. This should be completed as trained.

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Page 14: ABC Inflatables Blimp Instructions

Blimp Managers Guide

Procedures for flight:

Usage times: Between 9.00am and 5.00pm (depending on weather conditions and staff levels) The weather conditions should be reviewed prior to flight and at regular intervals during the day. To fly the blimp the container should be unlocked and the blimp from inside the container.

The blimp should be checked and if necessary it should be topped up with helium. The flying area should be cleared and checked for obstructions prior to the blimps removal. The blimp should be removed from the container and walked to the flying area. Staff members should wear the gloves supplied at all times. The blimp should be tied off at the agreed two points as trained. The blimp is ready for flight. The balloon flyer should once again review the weather conditions and if appropriate fly the blimp as trained. (Hand over hand). The container should then be locked.

Procedures for taking the blimp down:

The weather conditions should be reviewed throughout the day, every 30 minutes as part of the exterior travel path. If the weather conditions change the blimp should be

taken down and stored immediately. The blimp cannot fly in twilight and should be taken down no later than 5.00pm every day of flight. The flying area should be cleared and checked for obstructions prior to the blimps removal. To put the blimp away the container should be unlocked the blimp untied. The blimp should be removed from the flying area and walked to the container. Staff members should wear the gloves supplied at all times. The blimp should be tied off at the agreed points as trained inside the container. The blimp is ready for shut down. The container should then be locked.

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