Instructions For Filling and Using the Torso Bag
Filling
1.
Open the bag wrap by releasing the velcro straps surrounding the bag to find 10 small gravel bags
which you will fill with 4.5 kilograms (10 lb.) of washed pea gravel. The unfilled combined weight of
the torso bag is about 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb.).
2.
Each gravel bag is constructed with a velcro folding lock system that is designed to seal the top of the
bag and when folded over will ensure that the bag fill does not escape. The gravel bag is designed to
hold 4.5 kilograms of washed pea gravel.
3.
Obtain the desired amount of pea gravel from your local gravel supplier (e.g. cement company), wash it
and allow it to dry prior to filling each of the gravel bag.
4.
Once the pea gravel has dried, place a gravel bag on a small weight scale and fill it to a combined
weight of 4.5 kilograms (kg). Close the velcro and fold the top of the bag over one or two times and
then close the velcro system securely to ensure that none of the gravel escapes. Repeat this process
using as many of the other gravel bags as required to meet your required weight.
For example, if 80 pounds (36.36 kg) is required, fill seven (7) gravel bags with 4.5 kg as described
above. If more weight is required either fill more bags or change the fill to a more dense and heavier
material (e.g. washed sand, steel “shot”, etc.). The torso bag system is designed to hold about 120 kg
(250 lb.) of weight using heavy fill.
5.
To ensure an accurate weight has been achieved, place the filled gravel bags across the velcro strips
located on the inside of the cover wrap, spacing them evenly to permit the cover to be wrapped without
stacking the filled gravel bags, and roll the system into the bag form. Place the rolled torso bag on the
scale and then place a partially filled gravel bag on top of the bag and complete the fill until the desired
weight is recorded on the weight scale. Unwrap the torso bag, adjust the fill bags if required, and place
the last filled gravel bag across the velcro straps. Rewrap the gravel fill bags within the cover and close
the system by wrapping and securing the outer velcro straps to the outer surface of the cover.
Using
The torso bag is designed to be lifted and carried by the loose “skirt edges” of the bag simulating the
grasping of a person’s loose clothing. The width of the torso bag when lifted is similar to the width of a
person’s shoulders again simulating the lifter’s natural lifting and carrying positions.
The torso bag has been designed to be used in justice and public safety standardized physical
abilities testing and work hardening or rehabilitative programs. Within these programs the users
are instructed on the safe and proper lifting and carrying procedures which, if followed, will reduce
the potential for personal injury. Users of the torso bag for testing and other purposes, such as in
wrestling and judo mat work, should be instructed by the teachers and test administrators on its uses
and must take full responsibility for their personal safety.
Lifting Instructions contained in St. John’s Ambulance First Aid (Safety Oriented) 1 are recommended
procedures for lifting and carrying heavy objects.
1
First Aid (Safety Oriented), Third Edition, 1990. St. John Ambulance, 312 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa,
Canada K1N 6P6. p.219
Printed in Canada