Vestil BC User Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BEAM CLAMP
MODEL BC (2, 4, 6 & 8)
VESTIL MANUFACTURING CORP.
2999 NORTH WAYNE STREET, P.O. BOX 507, ANGOLA, IN 46703
TELEPHONE: (260) 665-7586 -OR- TOLL FREE (800) 348-0868
FAX: (260) 665-1339
URL: WWW.VESTILMFG.COM EMAIL: SALES@VESTIL.COM
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We produce several models of beam clamp so that our customers may select a product
that satisfies specific requirements. Each unit conforms to the generalized
specifications disclosed in this manual and fulfills our demanding standards for quality, safety and durability.
SAFETY PRINCIPLES
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. recognizes the critical importance of workplace safety. Each person who might participate in the assembly, use, operation, or maintenance of the product must read this manual. Read the entire manual and fully understand the
directions BEFORE assembling, using or maintaining the clamp. If you do not understand an instruction, contact Vestil for clarification. Failure to adhere to the directions in this manual might lead to serious personal injury or even death.
Vestil is not liable for any injury or property damage that occurs as a consequence of failing to apply the safe operation and maintenance procedures explained in this manual or that appear on labels affixed to the product. Failure to exercise good judgment and common sense may result in property damage, serious personal injury, or death, and are not the responsibility of Vestil.
This manual applies the hazard identification methods suggested for instruction manuals by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in ANSI standard Z535.6-2006. In accordance with ANSI guidelines for hazard warning language, this manual identifies personal injury risks and situations that could lead to property damage with SIGNAL WORDS. These signal words announce an associated safety message. The reader must understand that the signal word chosen to identify a particular safety hazard categorizes the seriousness of that hazard according to the following convention:
These symbols identify hazards that may result in personal injury
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, WILL
result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. Use of
this signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, COULD result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, COULD result in MINOR or MODERATE injury.
Although Z535.6-2006 approves the use of “CAUTION” without an accompanying safety alert symbol (black equilateral triangle with yellow exclamation point) as an alternative to “NOTICE”, this manual differentiates between hazards that pose a risk of personal injury and those that create mere property damage situations. CAUTION appears exclusively in conjunction with the safety alert symbol to identify injury risks.
Identifies practices not related to personal injury, such as operation that could damage the clamp. No safety alert symbol (equilateral triangle enclosing an exclamation point) accompanies this signal word.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Principles 2 Product Introduction 4 Safety Guidelines 5 Use Instructions 7-10 Maintenance & Inspections 11-12
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIG. 1: Parts Diagram 6 FIG. 2: Label Placement Diagram 12
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P
RODUCT INTRODUCTION
We produce 4 types of clamp, the BC-2, BC-4, BC-6, and BC-8. Each clamp is constructed from steel and has a paint finish. The four models are distinguishable by lifting capacity: 2’s are rated for loads of up to 2,000 pounds, 4’s are rated for loads that do not exceed 4,000 pounds, 6’s can handle loads weighing as much as 6,000 pounds, and 8’s have a load rating of 8,000 pounds. All models incorporate a heavy duty formed shackle for easy use with overhead hoists.
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. created this manual to acquaint owners and users of our clamps with safe use and maintenance procedures. Employers are
responsible for instructing employees to use the product properly. Employees and any other persons, who might foreseeably use, install, or perform maintenance on the clamp, must read and understand every instruction before using the device. Persons who use the clamp should have access to the manual at all times, and in particular should consult the directions before each use. Contact Vestil for answers to any question you have after reading the entire manual.
Although Vestil strives to identify foreseeable hazardous situations that could arise during use, this manual cannot address every conceivable danger. The end-user is responsible for exercising sound judgment at all times.
Thank you for purchasing a Beam Clamp (“beam clamp” or simply “clamp”) made by Vestil Manufacturing Corporation (“Vestil”). Our beam clamps are durable, high-quality products that combine safety features and superior lifting capabilities. Despite the clamp’s ease of use, all personnel must familiarize themselves with the safe operation instructions provided in this manual.
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SAFETY GUIDELINES
Read the entire manual before you use the clamp for the first time and before each subsequent use. Refer to the manual for safe use and maintenance procedures (p. 7-12). If questions remain
after you finish reading the manual, contact Vestil for answers. DO NOT attempt to resolve any problems with the clamp unless you are certain modify the product in any way without the express, written approval of Vestil.
that it will be safe to use afterwards; NEVER
Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact live electrical wires with the clamp or the load!
Consult the safety messages included in the manual(s) for your crane, trolley, hoist, and any other device
used in conjunction with the clamp.
DO NOT open the clamp while lifting and/or moving material. BEFORE opening the clamp, be certain that any beam load is fully supported by the ground or other surface, and is fully immobilized (can’t fall over, roll, slide, or move in an uncontrolled manner). If a second person is needed to ensure load immobility, find someone to help you. To open the clamp, turn the handle counterclockwise (see FIG. 1 on p. 6). DO NOT open the clamp while using them to lift and/or move material.
ALWAYS inspect the beam clamp before each use according to the inspection procedures described in the most recent revision of ASME B30.20. B30.20 also recommends “frequent” and “periodic” inspections.
Properly maintain the beam clamp according to the maintenance procedures on p. 11-12 of the manual. Vestil developed these procedures to supplement the maintenance practices of ASME B30.20.
ALWAYS attach the beam clamp to a safety hook (e.g. a hoist that has a safety hook attached to the end of the chain or rope), or to a connection that includes safety mechanisms to prevent accidental/unintended detachment from the hoist. DO NOT use the device on a hoist hook that might accidentally/unintentionally release the clamp. DO NOT connect the clamp to a safety hook that does not function properly or that is damaged.
DO NOT grip a load that has any debris or surface contamination on it that might affect the quality of the connection between the clamp and the load. Remove the debris, such as oil, grease, water and dirt.
Clear all debris, including fluids, from the path of travel if the job requires moving the load to a new location BEFORE picking up the load. If moisture is present in the path of travel, absorb it before using the tongs.
Make sure that no person is in the travel path.
DO NOT remove or obscure any label. Verify the placement and legibility of all labels as shown in FIG. 2 on
p. 12. If a label is damaged or unreadable, immediately contact Vestil for a replacement. DO NOT use the clamp UNLESS all labels are securely attached and readable.
DO NOT attempt an unbalanced lift. Before performing the lift, attach enough tongs to properly balance the load. (See “Use Instructions,” p. 7-10).
DO NOT sit on or apply any weight/pressure to a load held by the clamp.
DO NOT attempt to lift material that weighs more than the rated load of the clamp. ALWAYS make sure that
the load weighs no more than the rated load of the clamp.
DO NOT lift a load higher than necessary. (See “Use Instructions” on p. 7-10).
DO NOT raise the load over your feet or any other part of your body.
DO NOT use the clamp to lift material over people or to lift any apparatus that supports people, such as a
work platform. The clamp is designed ONLY to lift beams.
DO NOT get in front of or behind a suspended load while moving it. Always orient yourself so that the load is visible to you. You are less likely to be injured if the load remains within sight at all times. Stand to one side of the load and hold onto the hoist’s safety hook with one hand to stabilize the load as you move it to the desired location.
DO NOT leave a suspended load unattended. An unattended, suspended load creates a risk of injury to yourself and others. Always move the load to its desired location, set the load down and properly immobilize it, and then disengage the clamp from the load. Disconnect the clamp from the hoist BEFORE leaving the work area.
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Labeled Photographs
A
r
**Note: Vestil does NOT provide replacement parts for this product. The following diagram is solely intended to clarify terms that appear in the Use (p. 7-10) and Maintenance Instructions (p. 11-12).**
FIG. 1A: Side View
Handle
Spacer
Clamping Arm
Clamping
Threaded Shaft
8
Interior Notches that receive the top of an I­beam
Arm
Shaft linking collar
FIG. 1B: Top View
Shaft linking collar
Handle
Threaded Shaft
ttachment space
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Use Instructions:
recommendations of ASME standard B30.20. Only trained, designated persons should use the beam clamp. “Designated person” means someone
selected by his or her employer, or by a representative of the employer, as competent to use the beam clamp. Trainees under the direct supervision of a designated person may use the clamp. Maintenance persons and personnel who perform tests also may use the beam clamp when necessary for the performance of their employment duties.
Step 1: Perform a proper, “Every Lift” inspection as described in the most recent revision of ASME B30.20, BEFORE you connect the clamp to a hoisting device. Proceed to the next step ONLY IF the clamp passes the inspection and is deemed safe to use by designated inspection personnel.
: Connect the clamp to the hoisting device. Only connec t the clamp to the hoist via a safety hook
Step 2 to prevent accidental detachment from the hoist.
The operating instructions in this manual are meant to supplement the operation
Properly functioning safety latch Safety Hook
: Open the clamp by rotating the handle counterclockwise. Move the trolley to position the clamp
Step 3 above a beam as shown in photo 1. The beam must balance when lifted, and as a first approximation of the balance point, position the clamp above the center of the beam.
DO NOT push or pull the clamp so that the hoist chain/rope is not vertical. All horizontal adjustments in the position of the clamp must be accomplished by moving the trolley. This is important because any deflection of the chain/rope from straight up-and-down will cause the load to swing when lifted. A swinging load may cause serious personal injuries.
1 2
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Step 4: Engage the beam with the tongs. Turn the handle clockwise until the clamp firmly grasps the beam.
4
3
5
7
6
Each clamping arm is formed to include an interior notch. These notches receive the top of an I-beam. Tighten the clamp until the top of the beam contacts all four of the clamping arms within the notches as shown in photos 3 and 4. The angled teeth (circled in photo 5) allow the clamping arms to engage the underside of the top of an I­beam. Adjust the position of the tongs to allow all 4 teeth to make solid contact with the beam.
Firm contact between beam and notches in the clamping arms.
: Test the balance of the beam in the clamp. Grasp the hoist hook to stabilize the lift (see photo 6), and
Step 5 raise the beam just a few inches from the ground (or other supporting surface). The beam is improperly balanced if it slides or hangs lower on one side
. If improperly balanced, return the beam to the ground/supporting surface and immobilize it. Reposition the clamp to improve balance by moving the clamp slightly towards the end that hung lower during the test; then raise the object again to see if the beam is balanced. DO NOT proceed to the next step until the load is properly balanced and stabilized. DO NOT use the tongs if you cannot achieve a balanced hold of the beam; use a different device to lift and move the beam.
¾ If a single clamp cannot balance the beam, use a combination of two or more clamps. For instance, you
could connect a chain sling to the hoist hook, and attach a beam hook to each end of the sling via safety hooks. Afterwards, retest the balance of the beam according to the process described in Step 5. Raise the beam ONLY after achieving proper balance.
This end of the beam hangs lower than the other. Return the beam to the ground/supporting surface and reposition the tongs by moving them closer to this end.
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8
9
: Lift the beam. To raise the beam, steady the clamp and load by grasping [one of] the hoist hook[s].
Step 6 The photographs demonstrate the procedure as it applies to a lift using a single beam clamp. For combinations of two or more clamps, grasp the safety hook of the clamp attached to the back end of the beam (as shown in the diagram next to photograph 8). Lift the load to approximately waist height. Continue to grasp the hook. Direct the load to a position above the desired location. Refer to the “Warning” messages and follow the lifting rules below.
Review all “Safety Guidelines” on p.5 and always follow these “Lifting Rules” when using the
clamp:
1. NEVER lift material over yourself or other persons. Inform persons in the area that you are going to use the
clamp and make sure that no one is in the starting point, path of travel, or end point.
2. DO NOT press down on the beam. Grasp ONLY the hoist hook to stabilize the load while raising, lowering
and/or moving to a new location.
3. Always stand at arm’s length to the side of the load and hold onto the safety hook as shown in photo 8.
Make sure that your clothing, feet, and all other body parts stay out from underneath the load. This stance allows the operator to exercise some control of the load while maximizing safety.
4. The beam must remain level during movement. Walk slowly to keep the beam level. If the object has to be
removed from a container or be lifted over an obstacle, continue to grasp the hoist hook. Use a different device if you will not be able to maintain the safe stance described in Rule 3.
If you use a motorized trolley:
DO NOT push or pull the clamp or the beam. Allow the trolley to provide all movement. Your hold on the hook is a means ONLY for stabilizing the load.
If you use a manual trolley,
Grasp the hoist hook with one hand. DO NOT pull the beam in the direction of travel. Use the hand that grasps the hoist hook to move the trolley in the intended direction.
Grasp the hoist hook to stabilize load
Step 6 Diagram
Clamp attached to back end of beam
Direction of Travel
I-Beam
10
Hoist chain with safety hook
Chain sling with safety hooks at both ends
Step 8: Lower the beam. Make sure that the beam is not swinging or rotating, and then slowly lower the hoist until the beam contacts the ground or other supporting surface; lower the load sufficiently to create slack in the hoist chain (or rope) so that the interior of the hoist hook and the attachment spacer are no longer in contact (see
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Photos 11 and 12). DO NOT disconnect the clamp from the beam until you appropriately immobilize the beam to prevent it from rolling, falling over, or moving in an uncontrolled manner
. In the following photographs, the beam weighs little and lacks dangerous projections that could cause injury. It can easily be controlled by the operator. If you cannot control BOTH the clamp and beam without difficulty, find someone to help you. However, despite these suggestions you should always use the procedures developed by your employer for safely handling beams.
11
12
Step 9: Disengage the clamp. Turn the handle counterclockwise to open the clamp and release the beam. Raise the hoist high enough that the clamp no longer contacts the beam, and then disconnect the clamp from the hoist.
You should fully open the clamp to prevent accidental or partial engagement of the beam.
13 14
15
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Maintenance and Inspections:
A designated person must verify that the clamp complies with all regulations, codes, and standards that apply to “Under-the-Hook Lifting Devices” in the location where the clamp is used. The person(s) designated to conduct inspections must do so before it is installed for use.
Inspections:
The end-user is responsible for performing inspections as recommended in ASME B30.20.
The standard categorizes examinations based on regularity of performance. Highlights of the recommended inspection procedures appear below. However, the full procedures as given in the published standard must be followed.
DO NOT use a clamp that is structurally damaged. Structural damage includes, but is
not limited to, bending, warping, cracking or other deformation of one or more of the spacers, clamping arms, or of the threaded shaft (see FIG. 1 on p.6). Restore the clamp to normal operating condition BEFORE using it again.
Inspections Before & During EVERY lift AND during each lift. In particular, the operator should inspect for:
1. Debris on the load surfaces; AND
2. Condition and operation of the controls.
Frequent Inspections
: the specific meaning of “frequent” varies from daily to monthly depending on the service classification (normal, heavy, severe, and special/infrequent) of the clamp. Definitions of the service classifications appear in ASME B30.20. The operator or other designated person(s) should visually inspect the clamp for:
1. Deformation, cracking, or excessive wear of any part of the clamp;
2. Operating mechanisms for conditions that interfere with proper function; AND/OR
3. Loose or missing fasteners, stops or nameplates.
Periodic Inspections
: complete visual inspections performed AND recorded by a qualified person. The
inspection should specifically look for:
1. Loose bolts or fasteners;
2. Excessive wear of friction pads, linkages, and other mechanical parts; AND/OR
3. Excessive wear at the points where the clamp connects to the hoist hook, and load support clevises or pins.
Maintenance: the end-user must implement a maintenance program to ensure the proper function and safety of the clamp. A qualified person may establish a program that is used in preference to the maintenance procedures described below. However, if you apply the procedure that follows, complete EVERY step each time
maintenance is performed.
: visual examination must be performed by the operator prior to
the clamp is used for the first time, and EACH time
Vestil DOES NOT provide replacement parts for the beam clamp. Any condition which
requires replacement parts can ONLY be corrected by purchasing a new clamp.
ONLY qualified persons may perform maintenance on the clamp. A qualified person is someone “who, by possession of a recognized degree in an applicable field or certificate of professional training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter [beam clamp] and work [use of the beam clamp].” See ASME B30.20-0.2-2003.
: All sources of power must be disconnected, locked out and tagged, “Out of Service.”
Step 1
: Disconnect the clamp from the hoist hook and tag it, “Out of Service.”
Step 2 Step 3
periodic). Step 4
new clamp
attachment spacer or any other spacer warrants immediate replacement of the clamp).
: Perform all adjustments indicated as necessary during any inspection (every lift, frequent, or
: If other conditions exist which require new/replacement parts to repair, contact Vestil to order a
. Deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of fasteners, clamping arm(s), and/or the
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The reader should understand the significant difference between Adjustments” and
“Repairs,” and “Modifications”. ¾ An adjustment or repair refers to a simple correction that restores the clamp to normal operating
condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing debris from the surface of the clamp. DO NOT use the clamp if adjustments and/or repairs are incomp lete! Return the clamp to service ONLY after finishing all necessary repairs and adjustments.
¾ A modification is a change that alters the clamp from normal operating condition, like bending the
structural members. NEVER modify the clamp w ithout the express, w ritten approval of Vestil. Modifications may render the clamp unsafe to use.
: Perform a periodic inspection, as recommended in ASME B30.20.
Step 5
: Make a dated record of the repairs, adjustments and/or replacements made.
Step 6
Markings:
Only use the clamp if ALL labels are readable and undamaged. Contact Vestil for replacement labels.
FIG. 2: Product label placement
Manufacturer’s Name Label
Rated Load label
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