Vestil CPC - Manual (Page 6)

Step 4: Engage the sheet with the clamp. Press down firmly on the clamp until the top of the sheet material
contacts the back of the clamp mouth (photos 4a & 4b). Lock the clamp by rotating the latch lever (2) upwards.
Step 5: Test the balance of the material in the clamp. Use the proper grasp technique shown in photo 5: grasp
the chain plate at the point where it connects to the chain. This grip will help stabilize the sheet during the lift.
Raise the load a few inches off of the ground or other supporting surface (see photo 6 below). The material is
improperly balanced if it slides or hangs lower on one side. If improperly balanced, return the sheet to the ground
or other 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 it is balanced. DO
NOT proceed to the next step until the load is properly balanced. DO NOT use the clamp if you cannot
achieve a balanced hold; use a different lifting device to raise and move the sheet.
 If
a single clamp cannot balance the load, use a combination of two or more clamps. For instance, you
could connect a chain sling to the hoist hook, and attach a plate clamp to each end of the sling via safety
hooks. This setup is demonstrated in the “Use of 2 or More Clamps” diagram below. Afterwards, retest the
balance of the sheet material according to the process described in Step 5. Raise the sheet material ONLY
after achieving proper balance.
Step 6: Lift the material. To raise the sheet, steady the clamp and load with the proper grasp. [Note: The
photographs demonstrate the procedure as it applies to a lift using a single plate clamp. For combinations of two
or more clamps, properly grasp the clamp attached to the back end of the sheet as shown in the “Properly Grasp
the second clamp,” diagram next to photograph 8.]
Lift the load to approximately waist height. Continue to properly grasp the clamp. Walk slowly and move 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 all persons have cleared the area before lifting and moving material.
2. DO NOT press down on the sheet material. Grasp ONLY the hoist hook while raising, lowering or moving
material to a different location. Your grasp will stabilize the load.
5
6
This side of the sheet material hangs lower than the
other. Return the material to the ground (or other
supporting surface) and reposition the clamp by
moving it closer to this end.
Latch
the
clamp
Raised a few
inches off ground
Level
line
4b
4a
The top of the sheet
contacts the back of the
clamp mouth (arrow).
3
Top of sheet
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