The study of ergonomics seeks to find the best fit between human beings, their environments, and their tools. Designed using ergonomic principles, a lightweight ProTeam backpack vacuum allows the user to maintain a more neutral posture when cleaning – as opposed to the extreme arm and leg extensions from using an upright. The FlexFit articulating harness responds to the motion of the user’s shoulders, back and hips – increasing comfort and reducing fatigue.
While some new users are hesitant about wearing a vacuum on their back, often these concerns are resolved by adjusting the harness to the individual user. ProTeam Sr. Regional Sales Manager Rich Stanley stresses the importance of quarterly training to make sure all team members know how to wear and operate their backpack vacuums.
“The FlexFit harness can be the most comfortable harness in the world,” said Stanley. “However, if it is not adjusted properly, you won’t get the benefits of what it’s designed to do. An ergonomic fit extends to a productivity gain.”
Follow these three steps secure the best harness fit from your ProTeam backpack vacuum:
1. Adjust Upper Harness
Each ProTeam backpack vacuum ships with the upper harness in the middle position. Use a phillips head screwdriver to adjust the harness up or down according to user height. Once the upper harness is adjusted, make sure to tighten the tension straps to provide a slight resistance to the pivoting bar. Make sure the straps are adjusted evenly.
Adjust the upper harness up or down depending on user height.
2. Tighten Waist Belt
Next, the user should loosen the straps and waist belt before lifting the vacuum onto their shoulders. Then they should connect and tighten the waist belt until they feel the weight of the unit transfer from the shoulders to the hips. This is a critical step, as it will ensure that the strong muscles of the legs carry the weight of the vacuum, helping to prevent unnecessary strain.
Tighten the waist belt to concentrate weight on hips.
3. Adjust Shoulder Straps
Next, adjust the shoulder straps so the vacuum fits close to the torso. Be careful to keep the weight on the hips. If the straps are tightened to the point where the user feels some weight on their shoulders, loosen them and start this step again. Finally, connect the sternum strap buckle and slide the strap up or down for the most comfortable fit across the chest.
Adjust the shoulder straps to fit comfortably.
The Importance of Proper Fit
Proper fit is the key to fully realizing the ergonomic and productivity benefits of your ProTeam backpack vacuum. Follow the above steps to help ensure an optimal vacuuming experience.
To watch the full fit tutorial video, follow this link.
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