Vestil CPC - Manual (Page 9)

Inspections and Maintenance:
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 by your employer should do so before the clamp is used for the first time, and EACH time it is
installed for use.
Inspections:
The end-user is responsible for performing inspections. We suggest that the inspection
recommendations published in ASME B30.20 be applied. Highlights of the recommended inspection procedures
appear below. However, the complete procedures should 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 pear link, gripper, cam, chain, spring(s)
or spring pin(s), or connecting link (see FIG. 1 on p.6). Restore the clamp to normal operating condition BEFORE
using it 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 debris on the load-gripping surfaces AND should
determine the condition and operability of the clamping mechanisms.
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:
1. All parts of the clamp for deformations, cracks, or excessive wear;
2. Operating mechanisms (the parts that interact to grip loads) 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 should 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.
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
[clamp] and work [use of the clamp].” See ASME B30.20-0.2-2003.
Step 1: Disconnect the clamp from the hoist hook and tag it, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Perform all adjustments indicated as necessary during any inspection (every lift, frequent, or periodic).
Step 3: If other conditions exist which require new/replacement parts to repair, complete all necessary repairs
with appropriate replacement parts before returning the clamp to service. Deformity, corrosion, rusting, or
excessive wear of structural members warrants immediate replacement of the entire clamp.
The reader should understand the difference between “ Adjustments” and “Repairs,” and
“Modifications”.
 An
adjustment or repair is 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 incomplete! Return the clamp to service ONLY after
finishing all necessary repairs and adjustments.
 A modification is a change that alters the clamp from normal operating condition, like bending the structural
members. NEVER modify the clamp unless you are certain that it will be safe to use afterwards. ANY
modification automatically voids the warranty.
Step 5: Perform a periodic inspection, as recommended in ASME B30.20.
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