Vestil BC series - Manual (Page 5)

S
AFETY
G
UIDELINES
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 that it will be safe to use afterwards; NEVER
modify the product in any way without the express, written approval of Vestil.
• 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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