Vestil BT-20, BT-240, BT-2 60 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

HEAVY-DUTY BEAM TONGS

MODEL BT (20, 40, & 60)

MODEL NO. ________________________
SERIAL NO. ________________________

VESTIL MANUFACTURING CORP.

2999 NORTH WAYNE STREET, P.O. BOX 507, ANGOLA, IN 46703

TELEPHONE: [phone] -OR- TOLL FREE [phone]

FAX: [phone]

URL: WWW.VESTILMFG.COM EMAIL: [e-mail]

We produce several models of heavy-duty beam tongs 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 tongs. 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 attached 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 tongs. 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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PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

We produce 3 types of tongs, the BT-20, BT-40, and BT-60. All tongs are
constructed from steel and have a paint finish. The three models are
distinguishable by lifting capacity: 20’s are rated for loads of up to 2,000 pounds,
40’s are rated for loads that do not exceed 4,000 pounds, and 60’s can handle
loads weighing as much as 6,000 pounds. All models incorporate a heavy duty
formed shackle for easy attachment to overhead hoists.

Vestil Manufacturing Corp. created this manual to acquaint owners and
users of our tongs with safe use and maintenance procedures. Employers are

responsible for instructing employees to use the product properly.
Employees and any other person(s) who might foreseeably use, install, or
perform maintenance on the tongs must read and understand every
instruction before using the device. Persons who use the tongs 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 manual.

Although Vestil strives to identify the 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 Heavy-Duty Beam Tongs (“beam
tongs” or simply “tongs”) made by Vestil Manufacturing
Corporation (“Vestil”). Our beam tongs are durable, high-quality
products that combine safety features and superior lifting
capabilities. Despite 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 attach the tongs to a lifting device or use it for the first time.
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 tongs unless you are certain
modify the product in any way without the express, written approval of Vestil.

that they will be safe to use afterwards. NEVER

• Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact live electrical wires with the tongs or the load!

• Review the safety messages included in the manual(s) for your crane, trolley, hoist, and any other device used

in conjunction with the tongs.

• BEFORE opening the tongs, be certain that the beam (load) is fully supported by the ground or other surface,
and is fully immobilized, i.e. 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 tongs, push/pull the clamping arms
(see FIG. 1 on p. 6) away from each other. DO NOT open the tongs while using them to lift and/or move
material.

• ALWAYS inspect the beam tongs before each use according to the inspection procedures described in the most
recent revision of ASME standard B30.20. B30.20 also recommends “frequent” and “periodic” inspections.

• Properly maintain the beam tongs according to the maintenance procedures on p. 11-12. Vestil developed
these procedures to supplement the suggested maintenance practices of B30.20.

• ALWAYS attach the beam tongs 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 or unintended
detachment from the hoist. DO NOT attach the tongs to a hoist hook that might accidentally or unintentionally
release the tongs. DO NOT connect the tongs 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 tongs 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 tongs
UNLESS all labels are securely attached and readable.

• DO NOT attempt an unbalanced lift. Before performing the lift, attach enough tongs to the beam to properly
balance it. (See “Use Instructions,” Step 5, p. 8).

• DO NOT sit on or apply any weight/pressure to a load held by the beam tongs.

• DO NOT attempt to lift material that exceeds the load rating. ALWAYS make sure that the material weighs no

more than the rated load of the tongs.

• 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 tongs to lift material over people or to lift any apparatus that supports people, such as a work

platform. The tongs are 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 tongs from the load. Disconnect the tongs from the hoist BEFORE leaving the work
area.

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FIG. 1: Parts Diagram

3

Combined
Warning
Label and
Capacity
Label

1 1

**Note: Only present
in Models BT-40 and
BT-60. Model BT-20
does not use parts 7,
8, and 9; instead, the
model has 3 sets of
parts 4, 5 and 6.**

Item No. Part No. Description Quantity

1
1
1

2
2
2
3 99-145-019 3-1/4 ton Shackle 1

4
4
4

5
5
5

6
6
6

7
7

8
8

9
9

4

8

7

9

49-014-005
49-014-003
49-014-002

49-014-004
49-014-006
49-014-001

13211
13211
13211

37030
37030
37030

33012
33012
33012

13315
13315

37036
37036

33016
33016

2 2

6

Link Arm
BT-20
BT-40
BT-60
Clamping Arm
BT-20
BT-40
BT-60

½ - 13 x 2 inch Z-plated Bolt
BT-20
BT-40
BT-60
½ - 13 Nylock Nut
BT-20
BT-40
BT-60
½ Flat Washer
BT-20
BT-40
BT-60
5/8 - 11 x 3inch Z-plated Bolt
BT-40
BT-60
5/8 - 11 Nylock Nut
BT-40
BT-60
¾ inch Flat Washer
BT-40
BT-60

5

2
2
2

2
2
2

3
2
2

3
2
2

6
4
4

1
1

1
1

2
2

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Use Instructions:

The use instructions in this manual are meant to supplement the operation

recommendations of ASME standard B30.20.
Only trained, designated persons should use the beam tongs. “Designated person” means someone

selected by his or her employer, or by a representative of the employer, as competent to use the beam
tongs. Trainees under the direct supervision of a designated person may use the device. Maintenance
persons and personnel who perform equipment tests also may use the beam tongs 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 tongs to a hoisting device. Proceed to the next step ONLY IF the
tongs pass the inspection and are deemed safe to use by designated inspection personnel.

: Connect the tongs to the hoisting device. The tongs must only be connected to the hoist via a

Step 2
safety hook to prevent accidental detachment from the hoist.

Safety Hook

Properly functioning safety latch

Step 3: Position the tongs above the load as shown in photos 1 and 2. The load must balance when
lifted. As a first approximation of the balance point, move the tongs to a position above the center of the
beam. The center is identified by a dashed line.

DO NOT push or pull the tongs so that the hoist chain/rope is not vertical. All horizontal
adjustments to the position of the tongs 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

Step 4: Engage the beam with the tongs. Open the tongs by pulling the clamping arms in opposite
directions as shown in photos 3-5. The angled teeth (circled in photo 3) allow the clamping arms to engage
the top portion of an I-beam. Adjust the position of the tongs to allow BOTH teeth to make solid contact
with the beam (photos 5 & 6).

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3

8

5

4

6

9

7

: Test the balance of the beam in the tongs. Grasp the hoist hook to stabilize the lift (see photo 7),

Step 5
and 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 tongs to improve the balance by moving the
tongs slightly towards the end that hung lower when you tested the balance. Raise the object again to see
if the beam is balanced. DO NOT proceed to the next step until the load is properly stabilized. DO NOT
use the tongs if you cannot achieve a stable, balanced hold of the beam; use a different device to lift and
move the beam.

Hoist Hook

Shackle

This end of the beam is
lower than the other. Return
the beam to the
ground/supporting surface
and reposition the tongs by
moving them closer to this
end.

10

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Step 6: If a single pair of tongs cannot balance the beam, use a combination of two or more tongs. In the
pictures below, two sets of beam tongs are shown connected to a chain sling. Lower the hoist sufficiently
so that there is slack in the chain/rope, and securely connect each pair of tongs to the beam.

11 12

Step 7: Retest the balance by using the procedure described in Step 5. Raise the beam ONLY after
achieving proper balance. While raising the beam, steady it by grasping the safety hook that connects to a
set of tongs. Lift the load to approximately waist height, and continue to grip the hook. Refer to the safety
hazard messages and lifting rules below, and move the load to the desired location (photo 13).

Review all hazard safety messages (p. 5) and always follow these “Lifting Rules” when using the

tongs:

1. NEVER lift material over yourself or other persons. Inform persons in the area that you will be using the
tongs and make sure that no one is present at the starting point, in the path of travel, or at the end point.

2. DO NOT apply pressure to the beam. Grasp ONLY the hoist hook to stabilize the load while raising,
lowering, and/or moving a beam to a new location.

3. Always stand at arm’s length to the side of the beam and hold onto the hook as shown in photo 13.
Make sure that your clothing, feet, and all other body parts stay clear of the load. This stance allows the
operator to exercise some control over the beam while maximizing safety.

4. If the object must be removed from a container or be lifted over an obstacle, continue to grasp the hoist
hook as the beam is repositioned. You MUST use a different device if you will not be able to maintain the
safe stance described in Rule 3.

If you are using a motorized trolley:

• DO NOT push or pull the tongs or beam. Allow the trolley to supply all movement. Your hold on the

safety hook is a means ONLY for stabilizing the load.

If you are using a manual trolley,

• DO NOT pull the beam in the direction of travel. Grasp the safety hook with one hand. Use the hand

that grasps the hook to move the trolley in the intended direction.

13

Grasp the
safety
hook to
stabilize
the load

Direction of
movement

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Step 8: Lower the beam to the ground/supporting surface. Make sure that the beam is not swinging or rotating ,
then slowly lower the beam until it contacts the ground/surface. Lower the load sufficiently to create slack in the
rope/chain. DO NOT remove the beam from the tongs until you appropriately immobilize the beam so that it
cannot roll, fall over, or move in an uncontrolled manner. Disengage the tongs from the beam, and then
disconnect the tongs from the hoist.
In the following photographs, the beam weighs little and lacks dangerous projections that could cause injury, and
thus is easily controlled by the operator. If you cannot easily control BOTH the tongs and beam, find someone to
help you. Furthermore, you should always use the procedure(s) developed by your employer for safely handling

.

beams

14 15

16

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Maintenance and Inspections:

A designated person must verify that the device complies with all regulations, codes, and standards that
apply to “Under-the-Hook Lifting Devices” in the location where the tongs are used. The person(s)
designated to conduct inspections must do so before
the hook is installed for use.

Inspections:

The end-user is responsible for performing inspections as recommended in ASME B30.20,

which categorizes examinations based on regularity of performance. Highlights of the recommended
inspection procedures appear below. However, the full procedures as explained in the published
standard must be followed.

DO NOT use tongs that are structurally damaged. Such damage might include bent,

warped, cracked or otherwise deformed link arms, clamping arms, or shackle (see FIG. 1 on p.6).
Restore the tongs to normal operating condition BEFORE using them again.

Inspections Before & During EVERY lift

: visual examination must be performed by the operator prior to

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 tongs. Definitions of the
service classifications appear in ASME B30.20. The operator or other designated person(s) should
visually inspect the tongs for:

1. Deformation, cracking, or excessive wear of any part of the tongs;

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 tongs connect 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 tongs. A qualified person may establish a program that is used in preference to the
maintenance procedures described below. However, if you apply the procedure below, complete EVERY
step each time

maintenance is performed.

ONLY qualified persons may perform maintenance on the tongs. 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 and work.” 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 tongs from the hoist hook, and tag them as, “Out of Service.”

Step 2

: Perform all adjustments identified as necessary during any inspection (every lift, frequent, or

Step 3
periodic). Refer to ASME B30.20 for recommended inspection procedures.

: If other conditions exist which require new or replacement parts to repair, contact Vestil to order

Step 4
replacements. Deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of fasteners and/or the link arm(s),

clamping arm(s), and/or shackle warrants immediate replacement of the affected part(s).

The reader should understand the significant difference between “Adjustments [and]

repairs,” and modifications. An adjustment or repair refers to a simple correction that restores the tongs
to normal operating condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing debris. A modification is a
(Continued on page 12)

the tongs are used for the first time, and EACH time

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change that alters the tongs from normal operating condition, like bending the structural members.

NEVER modify the tongs without the express, written approval of Vestil. Modifications may
render the tongs unsafe to use.

DO NOT use the tongs if adjustments and/or repairs are incomplete! Return the tongs to service
ONLY after finishing all necessary repairs and/or adjustments.

Step 5: Install the replacement parts.

ASME B30.20 requires special markings for all repaired or modified lifters (beam tongs).

Consult the standard and affix/attach the necessary marking(s).
Step 6: After the tongs have been repaired, conduct a periodic inspection. The tongs may be returned to

service ONLY IF they pass the inspection. Repeat steps 3-5 if the inspection reveals additional safety
issues.

Step 7: Make a dated record of the repairs, adjustments and/or replacements made.

Markings:

Only use the tongs if ALL labels are readable and undamaged. Contact Vestil for replacement labels.

FIG. 2: Product label placement

Manufacturer’s
Name Label

“Made in USA”

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