Vestil LM-Boom - Manual (Page 3)

LM-series fork-mountable booms 01/11 rev. 11/14/2013
Page 3 of 28
Copyright 2013 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
S
AFETY
P
RINCIPLES
:
Vestil manufactures 5 models of Lift Master booms. The 5 variants are distinguishable by boom length,
whether the boom length is adjustable or fixed, and maximum rated load. Each unit conforms to the generalized
specifications disclosed in this manual and fulfills our demanding standards for quality, safety and durability.
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. recognizes the critical importance of workplace safety. Each person who might
participate in the operation or maintenance of the product must read this manual. Read the entire manual and
fully understand the directions BEFORE using or performing maintenance on the boom. 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 either:
1) the instructions that appear in this manual; or 2) the information disclosed on labels affixed to the product.
Furthermore, failure to exercise good judgment and common sense may result in property damage, serious
personal injury or death, and also are not the responsibility of Vestil.
This manual classifies 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 indicates the seriousness of the described hazard.
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.
Identifies practices likely to result in product/property damage, such as operation that might
damage the boom.
Safety Recommendations:
Vestil diligently strives to identify foreseeable hazards associated with the use of its products. However,
material handling is inherently dangerous and no manual can address every conceivable risk. The end-user
ultimately is responsible for exercising sound judgment at all times.
Electrocution might result if the boom contacts electrified wires. Reduce the likelihood that an
operator or bystander might be electrocuted by applying common sense:

DO NOT contact electrified wires with the boom;
 DO NOT use the boom in an area where it will contact electrified wires;
 DO NOT operate the boom close to electrified wires or other sources of electricity;
 Before using the boom, always inspect the usage area for unusual conditions that require special precautions.
Material handling is dangerous. Improper or careless operation might result in serious personal
injuries sustained by the boom operator(s) and bystanders. Always conform to OSHA material handling
regulations (29 CFR section 1910 Subpart N). Subpart N includes 2 sections that regulate the use of fork-
mounted boom-type devices: section 1910.178, “Powered industrial trucks,” and section 1910.179, “Overhead
and gantry cranes” (see
http://www.osha.gov/ ). In addition to regulatory requirements, boom operators should
conform to the following:
 DO NOT use a damaged boom. Inspect the boom before each use according to the inspection instructions on
p. 22-23. DO NOT use the boom unless it passes every part of the inspection.
 DO NOT use the boom if the safety chain/strap is damaged or absent. The only purpose of the safety chain is
to prevent the boom from sliding off of the forks—it is NOT intended or designed to bear the full load rating.
 DO NOT use a malfunctioning or structurally compromised boom.
 DO NOT lift the boom until it is securely connected to the carriage of the fork truck with the restraint strap.
 DO NOT attempt to lift a load weighing more than the boom’s maximum rated load (see Table, p. 2).
 DO NOT stand beneath or travel under the boom at any time, and especially not when a load is suspended.
DO NOT permit any person to stand beneath or travel under the boom or the load.
 Inform all persons in the area that you are going to use the boom; instruct them to stay clear of the device and
the supported load during operation.
 Failure to read and understand the instructions included in this manual before using or servicing the boom
constitutes misuse
 DO NOT allow people to ride on either the boom or the load.