Vehicle Rescue Technician (VRT) Practice Exam

The maximum allowable weight of stacked airbags is primarily influenced by the strength of the smallest bag in the stack. This is due to the fact that when multiple airbags are stacked, the load they bear is distributed among them, but they must all be able to withstand the weight effectively. If the smallest bag in the stack has a lower strength rating than the others, it will determine the overall capacity of the stacked system.

In any situation where airbags are used in rescue operations, the integrity and strength of each individual bag are critical. If the smallest bag fails under the weight, it could compromise the entire system, leading to potential dangers and ineffective lifting. Thus, understanding the strength capacities of all bags, and especially the weakest link, is essential in ensuring safe and effective operation.

While the other factors like the width of the bags, the amount of air they contain, and the material used do play a role in how these airbags function and their efficiency, it is the strength of the smallest bag that is the decisive factor regarding the maximum weight the stacked system can handle safely.