Vestil BT (20, 40, & 60) - Manual (Page 5)

S
AFETY
G
UIDELINES
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 that they 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 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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