orfit 8133PU.1-NS North Coast Colors Hand Therapy Sheet Instruction Manual

orfit 8133PU.1-NS North Coast Colors Hand Therapy Sheet Instruction Manual

ORFIT® COLORS NS

GENERAL PRODUCT INFORMATION

ORFIT COLORS NS is a low temperature thermoplastic sheet material for the production of orthoses, external immobilization devices and rehabilitation aids.
ORFIT COLORS NS is applied directly to the patient once it is activated.

! ORFIT COLORS NS is not suitable for internal use. It may not be used on open wounds or in the mouth.

PRODUCT RANGE

ORFIT COLORS NS is available in sheets of 450 x 600 mm, in different colors, thicknesses and perforation types.

PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE

1. Make sure the workplace is well-ventilated to avoid overheating.
2. The necessary tools should in no way put the patient at risk.
3. Encourage the patient to assume a comfortable position and ensure that you yourself are in an easy working
   position

TECHNICAL ACTIVATION

1. ORFIT COLORS NS is softened by heating at a minimum temperature of 65C (149F). Possible activation
   sources are: water bath, heat gun, heating plate, hot air oven. The activation time depends on the heat source
   and varies from 2 to 5 minutes.

2. When using a Susan water bath, it is recommended to soften the water by adding a spoonful of liquid soap. When using a heat gun, do not exceed 250C (482F) to avoid breakdown of the material. When using a heating plate or an oven, the hot surface must be covered with a Teflon film.

3. Please note: temperatures of 65°C (149°F) or more can also be reached in the patient’s daily life. Think of a closed car in the summer, the surface of a hot radiator, a sauna or the proximity of an open fireplace.

4. High temperatures up to a maximum of 120C (248F) do not damage ORFIT COLORS NS, but are not userfriendly. High temperatures are allowed provided that the activation time is reduced accordingly and that the product is sufficiently rubbed with talcum powder. Wear gloves and do not apply ORFIT COLORS NS directly to the patient at these high activation temperatures.

5. Never use an open flame to activate ORFIT COLORS NS

WORKING PROPERTIES

Cutting

1. Draw the orthotic pattern on the ORFIT COLORS NS sheet using a marker.

2. Cut the pattern out roughly with a suitable pair of scissors, or use a cutter. When using a cutter, carve a
   straight line and break the sheet in two
   ! Be careful of possible cuts when using a cutter; always keep the assisting hand away from the cutting line.

3. Heat the ORFIT COLORS NS sheet until it is formable but not yet stretchable and cut the precise orthotic
   pattern with a pair of scissors.

Applying

1. Activate the ORFITCOLORS NS pattern until it is completely soft. Take it out of the water and let its surface cool and dry on a towel for a few seconds.
   Make sure that the temperature of the activated material will not burn the patient.
   ORFIT COLORS NS is:

   • not adhesive at all when wet heated, or when dry heated and extra powdered with talcum.
   • slightly adhesive when dry heated at a low temperature.
   • fully adhesive when dry heated at a high temperature. However, the bonding is never permanent and
     will pop apart once the material has hardened.

2. Several application techniques are possible:

   • gravity technique: the material forms itself under gravity.
   • closed technique: mould the material around the limb and overlap the edges.
   • bandaging technique: secure the orthosis by means of a bandage.
     ! As with all thermoplastics, take advantage of the stretch and the elasticity of ORFIT COLORS NS while
     molding but be aware that it may tear if overstretched.

3. In case of accidental bonding, let ORFITCOLORS NS harden completely so that parts that are stuck can be
   separated. Reactivation in hot water is then safe again.

4. Remove the orthosis from the patient when ORFIT COLORS NS is sufficiently hard. Excessive material can be trimmed before complete hardening. To do so, use a suitable pair of bandage scissors. The cooling time can be shortened by means of cold air, a cold bandage or a cold spray.

5. To attach fastening straps and secure hinges, outriggers or other accessories to the orthosis, the NS film must be REMOVED locally. It can be scratched off with a knife using rough sandpaper or with a grinding tool. Avoid encrusting the film into the orthotic fabrication material by back and forth movements. The film can also be softened using acetone or rubbing alcohol and then wiped off. Use hot dry heat to make the spots sticky

FINISHING

There are several ways to give the edges of a ORFITCOLORS NS orthosis a smooth and even finish:

• local reheating and rubbing with a wet finger,
• after hardening, edge finishing can be done by means of a deburring knife,
• grinding by using a suitable polishing wheel at a low speed.

MAINTENANCE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

Orthoses made of ORFIT COLORS NS should be cleaned daily. Use lukewarm water and liquid soap, biological
detergent or toothpaste, and rinse well.

! Never use solvents. Avoid acid detergents.

Sterilisation of ORFITCOLORS NS orthoses in an autoclave is impossible.
Disinfection is possible with alcohol, quaternary ammonium or a solution of commercial disinfecting soaps (HAC®
Trillium® , etc.).

Avoid prolonged contact with detergents and acids which may affect the NS film.

After use, an orthosis can be disposed of with normal household waste without harming the environment. ORFIT
COLORS NS is biodegradable

ADVICE FOR THE PATIE

Give the patient sufficient information about the exact use of the orthosis and about the possible constraints of the orthosis.

STORAGE

• ORFIT COLORS NS should be stored vertically, if supported and horizontally if not.
• Stock should be kept in a dark, cool, dry place at a temperature of min. 10°C (50°F) and max. 30°C (86°F) and in the original packaging.
• Once removed from the packaging, left-overs should be placed back in the packaging for storage to avoid adhesion of the NS film and biodegradation.

Low temperature thermoplastics can only be kept for a limited period of time and must be protected as much as
possible from light, heat and humidity. The material ages in relation to storage circumstances. When aged, it becomes brittle and often very stretchy when activated.

. GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE

• ORFIT COLORS NS is not suitable for internal use. It may not be used on open wounds or in the mouth.
• Never use an open flame to activate ORFIT COLORS NS.
• To make orthoses and rehabilitation aids, ORFIT® COLORS NS may only be used by qualified health professionals

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information such as distributor contact information, product brochures, Safety Data Sheets and
regulatory information, please visit our website www.orfit.com.

References

• Orfit Industries - Leader in thermoplastic innovations

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