Point Two Air Jackets Advanced Protection for Equestrians User Guide

Point Two
advanced protection for equestrians
User Guide

To get the most out of your Point Two jacket, read this manual carefully.
Products covered by this information:
Point Two ProAir2 Adult/Child
Point Two Hunter/Z-Style
Point Two Soft Shell Gilet/Vest
Point Two’s inflatable body protector features the proven Point Two advanced inflatable airbag system to produce truly innovative and superior levels of protection for horse riders.

Testing and Approval

ProAir2, Hunter, Soft Shell
This body protector has been tested at SATRA Technology Centre, Kettering, UK against the manufacturer’s specifications. It conforms to the SATRA technical specification “SATRA M38:  July 2012- Requirements for air-vests for use in horse riding, intended to give protection in the event of a fall to ground.” The SATRA technical specification involves impacting a body  protector which has been inflated to the internal airbag pressures recorded 0.3 seconds after triggering. The test apparatus and impact performance requirements are identical to those specified  for EN 13158:2009 Level 3 body protectors.
EC Type-Examination certification has been issued by SATRA Technology Centre Limited, Kettering, UK; Notified Body No. 0321. This body protector is CE marked to denote compliance  with the EU Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC.

Protection

When the airbags are fully inflated, Point Two’s body protectors offer protection from impacts resulting from a fall from a horse. Impacts may be against soft or hard ground, or objects such as  trees, vehicles, posts or rails. Fallen riders also risk being kicked, trodden on or crushed by a horse.
WARNING
Injuries cannot be entirely prevented by this body protector, but should be reduced in severity. Injuries cannot be prevented in accidents involving severe torsion, flexion, extension or crushing  of the body.
Protection from neurological spinal injury is not guaranteed, although testing at the Transport Research Laboratory has shown that skeletal spinal injuries may be reduced in severity or  prevented. When inflated, the Point Two airbag system offers the collar of the neck and trunk more support, thus reducing the risk of over bending the spinal column. The Point Two body  protector cannot guarantee the rider absolute safety and does not protect the rider from all injuries.

Fitting

To benefit from the protection offered by your Point Two, please ensure that it covers the areas that it is designed to protect, that no discomfort is caused by the garment when you are in a  riding position and that you are able to maintain a full range of movements. When correctly worn and inflated, the Point Two should cover the following areas of the body:

• The bottom edge should be not less than 25mm below the ribcage anteriorly, and should reach the pelvis laterally
• Posteriorly, the edge should be not less than 15cm below the level of the top of the pelvis on an average adult
• The top of the back of the protector should just reach the level of the seventh cervical vertebra (the prominent bone at the base of the neck)
• The front of the protector should reach the top of the sternum
• The body protector should cover the lateral 75% of the collar-bone

1 Location and Adjustment ProAir2, Hunter and Soft Shell
Remove any pointed objects such as pens, pins, glasses and mobile phones from your clothing before putting on the Point Two vest.
Unfasten the buckles or main zip and put on the Point Two vest. Put your hands inside the side opening and, turning them sideways so your hand is at 90 degrees to your body, you can easily  run your hand from your chest to the bottom of the jacket without experiencing any tight spots, ensuring that there is at least a 7.5 cm/3″ gap between your body and the lining of the vest. On the ProAir2, if necessary use the buckle and Velcro fastened straps, to adjust the fit. The Hunter features a zip front and elasticated sides.

WARNING
It is important that the ProAir2 vest is not fastened snugly to the body, as the airbags require space in which to inflate. If, when inflated, the ProAir2 vest is too snug, it may be necessary to  adjust the straps or try a larger size in the case of the Hunter.

Sizing

Take measurements according to the pictogram (see right – size 5 depicted) and select the appropriate size from the size chart. The products described in this technical file are available in the following sizes:

ProAir, Soft Shell & Hunter| S| M| L| L W**| XL**| **XL W *
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Rider Height (cm)| 154-164| 162-172| 170-180| 170-180| 178-188| 178-188
Rider Chest (cm)| 90-100| 95-105| 100-110| 100-110| 105-115| 105-115
Rider Waist (cm)| 85-95| 90-100| 95-105| 95-105| 100-110| 100-110
Rider Hip (cm)| 90-100| 95-110| 100-115| 115-135| 105-120| 120-140
Waist-to-waist over shoulder (cm)| 82-92| 88-98| 94-104| 94-104| 100-110| 100-110
Nape of neck to coccyx| 65-71| 70-75| 74-78| 74-78| 77-83| 77-83
ProAir CHILD| Child S| Child M| Child L| Child XL**
---|---|---|---|---
Rider Height (cm)| 130-140| 138-148| 146-156| 150-160
Rider Chest (cm)| 75-85| 80-90| 85-95| 88-98
Rider Waist (cm)| 70-80| 75-85| 80-90| 82-92
Waist-to-waist over shoulder (cm)| 64-74| 70-80| 76-86| 78-88
Nape of neck to coccyx| 52-58| 56-60| 58-62| 60-64

Material Content and Cleaning

ProAir2 & Hunter:
Outer cover: 100% Polyester. Lining: 100% Polyester. Wipe clean with lukewarm water only and place on a hanger in a well-ventilated space to dry. Do not machine wash, use bleach, tumble dry or iron.
The materials from which this body protector is manufactured are not known to cause allergic reactions generally.

WARNING: The foam in your body protector is sensitive to extreme temperatures, which may reduce its protective properties. Any alteration, incorrect cleaning or misuse may also be  detrimental to the protective performance of your body protector.
Special instructions for laundering the Point Two Soft Shell body protector with removable outer.
The outer jacket of this Soft Shell model can be removed for washing (the inner layer, which contains the airbags and trigger, cannot be laundered).

Separating the inner and outer layers:

• Open the large zip opening on the right side of the body of the outer jacket
• Remove the CO2 canister from the trigger body carefully pull the lanyard attachment through the keyhole opening of the outer jacket.
• Unfasten the four zips which are located around both armholes, across the back waist and around the bod
• Separate the two hales of Velcro that attach each side of the trigger body to the back face of the outer jacket
• Pull the trigger body back through the square opening in the outer jacket
• The inner layer and outer jacket are now separated

Washing Instructions:

• Ensure all pocket zips are closed before washing

• Gentle/delicate wash at 30C.Line dry. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Do not iron. Do not dry clean
  

• The inner layer, which contains the airbag system, cannot be laundered. Wipe clean with a damp cloth only and place on a 0othes hanger to dry .in a we ventilated area away from sources of direct heat and sunlight.

Reassembly

• To reassemble the Soft Shell, first match up the inner layer and outer jacket

• Open the large zip opening on the right side of the body of the outer jacket insert the trigger body through the aperture to the back of the outer jacket pocket and carefully reattach
  the two halves of Velcro that attach each side of the trigger body to the back lace of the outer jacket taking care to ensure a secure fit

• Insert the lanyard attachment through the keyhole opening in the outer jacket

• Refasten the four zips to join the inner layer and outer jacket

• Ftthe CO2cartridge to the trigger, ensuring it is correctly locked in position, and refasten the pocket zip.

• Your Soft Shell is now ready tor use

Storage

Place on a clothes-hanger, and store in a dry, well -ventilated environment away from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature. Do not place heavy objects on top of the garment, as these  may cause damage to the airbag system. Do not sew or stick any thing onto the body protector as it could pierce the airbags and prevent them from working properly.

IMPORTANT
Any failure to comply with these instructions and precautions, as well as any additional instructions and precautions provided in the manual, may result in serious injury or death.

Maintenance

Frequent visual inspection should be made for signs of obvious wear, especially after any accident. In particular, check all areas are in good condition where the airbag system is present, i.e. no rips or tears, before each use. If you suspect the airbag may be damaged, reset the trigger, fit a new cylinder and pull the lanyard to inflate the airbag. If it does not inflate correctly, exhibits  reduced pressure, or deflates morapidly than usual, return your air jacket to Point Two for professional inspection and repair. The garment should be replaced if in any doubt. Cleaned and maintained in accordance with these instructions, the service life of the body protector in normal conditions should be up to three years.

IMPORTANT
Send your jacket in for a service annually, after six inflations or after a particularly heavy fall. We will remove the airbag, verify its integrity and wash your vest. If there are any weaknesses, we will replace the air bag free of charge. See Servicing section for more details. Register your jacket for extra protection.
Servicing by anyone other than Point Two engineers will void the lifetime warranty of your airbag and trigger system. As part of your regular visual inspection please ensure that you check your lanyard for any signs of wear and tear especially when using your vest daily. If any signs of wear and tear are noted, please contact Point Two for professional inspection and replacement.

Special Instructions for the Point Two Airbag System

IMPORTANT
Please read these special instructions carefully in order to ensure optimum protection is provided by the Point Two airbag system, which is designed to keep the spinal column supported and  absorb shock. Failure to follow the instruction could lead to your body protector malfunctioning or reduce its effectiveness.
The Point Two is worn like any other conventional foam body protector when horse riding. The wearer attaches a lanyard to the ring of the adjustable saddle attachment, which they have fitted  securely to the saddle and, when they fall or are thrown from their horse, the lanyard linking them to the saddle tightens and forces out the release pin from the trigger body, which in turn  allows a spring to push the piston into the neck of the COp cartridge. The CO; is then discharged into the airbag until it reaches full inflation.
Peak inflation is maintained for between 10 and 15 seconds, after which the CO begins to automatically discharge through a decompression outlet in the trigger body.
Point Two requires its retailers to provide every purchaser of a Point Two body protector with the opportunity to experience a test inflation of their new garment. It is highly recommended that  you take advantage of this, as you will then know what to expect when the system is activated in response to a real incident and how the body protector feels when inflated. You may experience a feeling of slight restriction for a few seconds, but as the gas is released, the pressure gradually decreases. Most wearers do not find this troublesome, particularly if they have  experienced the test inflation, and those who still feel particularly restricted can release the front fastening in order to ease the pressure, which we recommend is also done as part of the test  inflation process. The test inflation experience is also an opportunity for the retailer to demonstrate and talk you through how to reset the airbag system. This is also covered in detail later in  this information.

Point Two Airbag System

1. The Airbags
   The airbags are made of high-quality resistant polyurethane sheaths, which provide the best possible shock absorption. It is possible for the airbags to be ripped or damaged in an accident  if they hit any pointed or sharp objects.
   CAUTION The sheaths must not be exposed to temperatures above 5O°C/122°F.

2. The Release Pin
   A force, applied to the connecting lanyard, is required to pull the release pin from the trigger body. This releases a spring which forces a needle to perforate the CO; canister, releasing the  gas into the airbags. A pull from any direction will detach the release pin from the trigger body.
   WARNING
   For your own safety, do not dismantle the release pin or remove any parts.

3. The Gas Cartridge (COp)
   When replacing the gas cartridge, use only a genuine Point Two part of the correct size. The capacity of COp is stamped on the canister on the CO line. Replacement gas (COp) cartridges  can be obtained from Point-2 Equine Ltd.
   Please call 01403 732128 in the UK.
   Point-2 Equine Ltd. Please call 01403 732128 in the UK.

IMPORTANT

• The cartridge should be stored and used in temperatures below 45°C /113°F.

• The cartridge must be used at a temperature over O°C/32°F. If stored under 0C/32°F, warm up before use or replace with a cartridge which has been warmed in an indoor environment.

• Do not expose full cartridges to naked flames.

• Do not leave full cartridges in the car in high temperatures.

• If rust or other corrosive marks appear on the outer surface of the cartridge, change it immediately and dispose of the corroded cartridge in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

• Ensure that a spent cartridge is completely empty before removing it from the trigger system.
  Only install genuine Point Two gas cartridges of the same size sold with the Point Two body protector.

• Please ensure spare CO cartridges are kept out of children’s reach at all times.

• Do not remove any part of the Point Two trigger system

• The CO cartridge is not re-usable. Once used, it must be replaced with a fresh cartridge of the same capacity.

• Check the weight of the cartridge yearly. It should not differ by more than 3g from the weight engraved on the cartridge.

The Adjustable Saddle Attachment
Attaching the adjustable saddle attachment:

• Remove both stirrups leathers from the saddle.
• Standing at the pommel of the saddle, thread one end of the attachment through the ‘D’ ring and then slide the loop over the stirrup bar.
• Repeat the process with the other end of the strap on the opposite side. It may be necessary to loosen the straps to reach the other stirrup bar at this point.
• Now adjust the strap evenly on both sides so the attaching ring sits at the centre of the pommel.
• The strap should be short enough to not exceed passing behind the pommel but not so tight it lies flat on the horse’s wither.
• Replace the stirrup leathers ensuring they are securely on.

CAUTION
Make sure that the lanyard cannot wrap itself around any part of the saddle when riding. Shorten it accordingly and check that it does not restrict the rider’s movements and that the chosen  fixing point is sturdy enough.
Please ensure that your lanyard is attached to the supplied Point Two saddle attachment. Do not attach Please ensure that your lanyard is attached to the supplied Point Two saddle attachment.  Do not attach to D-rings or any other part of the saddle as this may cause the jacket to fail in the event of a fall or to D-rings or any other part of the saddle as this may cause the jacket to fail in  the event of a fall or cause premature inflation. Additional saddle attachments can be purchased from Point Two directly or cause premature inflation. Additional saddle attachments can be  purchased from Point Two directly or distributor.
Attaching the Lanyard to the Attachment
The lanyard has a clip at the end, which simply clips onto the central ring of the adjustable attachment on the saddle. The lanyard must be securely clipped on to the ring otherwise your jacket  will not inflate in the event of a fall.
Considerable force is required to activate the trigger mechanism, so the Point Two airbag system should not be activated during normal use. Should the lanyard linking the saddle to the release  pin catch on any obstruction, accidental activation could occur.
If the horse falls and the rider stays in the saddle, the Point Two airbag system cannot be activated until the activation distance (full stretch of the lanyard) and activation force are both reached.
Always detach the lanyard from the saddle before dismounting to avoid accidentally inflating the airbag system. Forgetting to unfasten the lanyard before dismounting when the lanyard is too  long or not enough force is exerted will mean the wearer will still be attached to the saddle if the horse gallops off. If this happens, push back forcefully to trigger the airbag system, which will also disconnect the lanyard.

Resetting the Trigger

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO AVAIL ABLE AT www.pointtwoairvests.com.
lt after reading the following instructions you remain unsure ot the correct procedure to reset your Point Two’s airbag system, we recommend you take it to an authorised dealer for resetting  and a further demonstration of how you Can reset the system yourself. I he Point Two body protector can be reused if it is reset according to the following procedure, but if it is not reset correctly there could be a malfunction. U/sing the Point Two body protector without a correctly set airbag nigger system could deprive the wearer of the protection provided by the airbags
IMPORTANT
These steps must be followed in sequence be tore removing a spent car ridge to avoid damaging the 01403 732128 release pin. We recommend that an adult resets the jacket after activation or  contact in the UK for advice.
A This is how the trigger looks after activation. The release pin and lanyard have detached, the piston has slid towards the cartridge and the spring (marked with a yellow arrow is visible.
B Unlock the empty cartridge by applying slight downward pressure and turning it anticlockwise to the right in the trigger body.

C When the retention lug on the bayonet fitting reaches the right hand side of the location slot (shown by the yellow arrow in the picture), you will feel the cartridge loosen in the trigger body

D Remove the empty CO cartridge upwards away from the trigger body

Replacing the CO2 Cartridge

E Loosen the spring tension cap with the Allen key provided, turning it in the direction shown by the arrow, until the spring drops out of sight below the bottom of the release pin aperture of the trigger body.

F With your finger or with the Allen key, push through the trigger aperture to move the piston back to its location. Ensure the recess of the silver piston is aligned with the hole in the centre of  the trigger casing as pictured.

G insert the release pin into the aperture, making sure it is fully pushed into the recess in the piston. Hold it in place with one hand and begin tightening the spring tension cap with the other  hand.

H Finish tightening the cap with the Allen key, until the lip of the spring tension cap is flush with the trigger body and the markers on the trigger body and spring tension cap line up as shown by the yellow arrow.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE CAP.

IMPORTANT
Please pay particular attention to the following points when reassembling the trigger system of your Point Two body protector:

• Check for visible external damage (holes, rips, etc.) in the fabric of the outer garment and the airbags (if visible);
• Ensure that the airbags have completely deflated;
• Always ensure the replacement cartridge ls.a genuine, approved Point two part of the correct size, which is 60cc tor adult sizes ad Child Large ProAir and 50cc tor Child Small and Medium  and

I To insert a new CO cartridge; first ensure it has the correct bayonet fitting lt is not possible to use screw-fitting cartridges in the Point Two bayonet trigger system. Line up the location lug on  the bayonet fitting (highlighted by the top arrow in the picture) with the slot on the trigger body (highlighted by the bottom arrow in the picture)

J Insert the CO cartridge into the trigger body. If you encounter resistance ensure you have correctly aligned the location lug on the bayonet fitting with the insertion slot on the trigger body

K Using light downward pressure, twist the CO cartridge clockwise to the left, as shown by the direction of the top yellow arrow in the picture, until the location lug on the bayonet fitting is in  the left side of the location slot.

L Provides a close up of the correct final position tor the location lug in the trigger body location slot.

M Close the zip on the CO cartridge cover.

CONCLUSION
Check again to ensure accurate reassembly of the airbag trigger system bearing in mind your own safety.
Any exterior or interior damage could cause a malfunction.
Thoroughly following these instructions will ensure your Point Two body protectors’ airbag system is properly reset. If, however, you remain unsure about the resetting procedure, or are not  confident of your understanding of these instructions, please visit the Point Two website to view the instructional video, or for one-to-one assistance, speak with the supplying retailer, or contact Point Two direct.

Use with other Personal Protective Equipment

Body protectors are part of the protective equipment ensemble available for use by horse riders, and are intended to be used with a safety helmet meeting an appropriate standard, with fitted or  separate eye protection where there is a risk of eye injuries.
Where this body protector features attachment points for fitment of shoulder protectors, it is strongly recommended that where these are worn, they are also type approved and CE marked in  accordance with the requirements of EN 13158:2009, or other documents of equal status.
For added protection, Point Two Vests (ProAir2, Hunter and Soft Shell) can be worn over an EN 13158 body protector.

Disclaimer

• Please note, no body protector can prevent death or serious injury in certain accidents.
• Point-2 Equine Ltd will be held in no way responsible for any bodily injury or death, and/or property damage that may occur whilst using any Point Two product.
• Point-2 Equine Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any improper installation and usage of any of its products .
• All Point Two air jackets are rigorously tested before being sold. Each jacket is inflated before dispatch, however we cannot guarantee the jacket will inflate every time or be held  responsible should it not.
• Point Two requires that all jackets are serviced annually, after every 6 inflations, a particularly heavy fall, or a fall into water.
• This product has been CE certified under the name of Point Two by: SATRA Technology Centre, Satra House, Rockingham Rd, Kettering NN16 9JD
• The Point Two jacket protects only when inflated.
• Any modification or misuse could lead to malfunction.
• No garment or backpack should be used over the Point Two jacket.
  Currently little data exists on the use of air jackets by pregnant women. However, we suggest that the Point Two air jacket is not worn beyond 18 weeks pregnancy to avoid the theoretical  risk of spontaneous miscarriage/ preterm labour, amniotic fluid embolisation, abruptoplacenta and isoimmunization.

IMPORTANT
Point-2 Equine Ltd and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, members, owners, officers, Point-2 Equine Ltd and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, members, owners,  officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, affiliates, and assigns, are collectively referred to in this directors, employees, independent contractors, affiliates, and assigns, are  collectively referred to in this Notice, Disclaimer & Warning as “Point Two”.
Notice, Disclaimer & Warning as “Point Two”.
All equestrian sports are inherently dangerous and involve the risk of serious injury or death. Riders using Point Two products ride at their own risk with full knowledge of the hazards and risks  associated with their activities. Point Two air vests, and their attachments and associated products, are designed for equestrian use only. Point Two products cannot offer complete protection from injury or death to riders in case of fall, collision, impact, loss of control or otherwise. Point Two products cannot protect areas of the body that are not covered. Point Two  products offer no protection against injuries involving forces other than impact.
Notice: Point Two products must fit properly and the connecting lanyard must be attached for the air bag to properly deploy in the event of a fall. Point Two air jackets that suffer an impact  should be examined and, if necessary, serviced by Point Two. The protective qualities of the Point Two air vest may be compromised by prior impact, use, and many common substances.  Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying cleaning agents, adhesives, or any other object to the Point Two air vest.
Point Two disclaims any responsibility for injuries or death incurred while wearing any of the Point Two products. Representations regarding testing results, equipment ratings, product  specifications, and the adequacy of all such standards and designations are made solely by Point Two and therefore Point Two does not warrant or confirm the representations of any other distributor, sales representative, retailer, or any other person or entity. Point Two does not guarantee the deployment of the Point Two air vest in all falls, impacts, or other incidents. By  purchasing any of the Point Two products offered for sale and using it in an equestrian sport, the purchaser and user agree freely and voluntarily to assume all risks related to equestrian sports  including the risk of personal injury, damage, death or property damage. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the purchaser and user releases Point Two from any and all responsibility or legal liability related to purchaser’s and user’s participation in equestrian sports.

Warranty

Point Two requires that all jackets are serviced once a year, after six inflations or after a particularly heavy fall. Servicing includes trigger clean, shell wash and removal and full pressure  testing of the airbag.
All Point Two air jackets come with a lifetime warranty on the air bag component. The warranty is subject to the jacket being serviced annually by Point Two and if any reduction in the airbag  performance is detected during inflation the airbag will be replaced FOG for the customer.

Look after your Point Two and your Point Two will look after you. We ask that you Sen your Jacket in tor a service annually, after sir inflations, or after a particularly heavy fal. We will remove  the air bag, verify its integrity and wash your vest. If there are any weaknesses, we will replace the air bag tree of charge.

General Service

General Service + Colour Swap
Point Two will remove the air bag to check for any unseen” weakness from use and replace it for free if necessary. We look tor tears, punctures and creases and test it with a compressor to  ensure that it inflates fully and deflates at the appropriate rate. We will also wash your shell and give you the option to change l for another colour, or in the case of the Child’s ProAir, a larger size. We do our utmost to ensure that your air jacket is as reliable as the first day you bought it.

Shipping Your Vest

Please print off and complete the service form that you will find on our website under services and add to your parcel.
We recommend sending your vest ROYAL MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY to the address detailed below, please ensure you remove the canister before packing and include the lanyard as this is checked over as part of the service. Once your vest is ready we will contact your for payment if you have not Pre-Paid on the website www.pointtwoairvests.com 
Please allow a minimum of 48 hours turnaround from date of receipt unless there Is closure due to public Bank Holidays etc then this will take longer.
Post your vest to:
Point Two Air Vest Servicing Dept UK Beckley Stud, Reeds Lane
Southwater
West Sussex
RH13 9D0

Accessories

Point Two Air Vests are manufactured and serviced in Great Britain and in the US:

Beckley Stud
Reeds Lane
Southwater
West Sussex
RH13 9DQ
Tel: 01403 732128
Email: info@point-two.co.uk
www.pointtwoairvests.com

Any failure to comply with these instructions and precautions, as well as any additional instructions and precautions provided in the manual, may result in serious injury or death.

References

• Julian Portch Photography
• Point Two Air Vests - Made in the UK

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