Vestil PG series - Manual (Page 14)

Maintenance and Inspections:
A designated person must verify that the device complies with all regulations, codes, and standards that
apply to “Under-the-Hook Lifting Devices” in the location where the pipe grab is used. The person
designated to conduct inspections must do so before the pipe grab is used for the first time, and EACH
time the grab is installed for use.
Inspections:
The end-user is responsible for performing inspections as recommended in ASME B30.20,
which categorizes examinations based on regularity of performance. Highlights of the recommended
inspection procedures appear below. The reader must recognize that Vestil has merely reproduced an
outline of the ASME recommendations, and the full explanations as given in the published standard must
be used.
DO NOT use a pipe grab that bears structural damage, such as bent jaws, deformation
of the clevis or support pin(s), damaged pipe guide weldments. Restore the grab to normal operating
condition BEFORE using the grab 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:
1. Debris on the load surfaces; AND
2. Condition and operation of the controls.
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 pipe grab. Definitions of the
service classifications appear in ASME B30.20. The operator or other designated person(s) should
visually inspect the pipe grab for:
1. Deformation, cracking, or excessive wear of any part of the pipe grab;
2. Operating mechanisms 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 grab connects to the hoist hook, and load support
clevises or pins.
Maintenance: the end-user must implement a maintenance program to ensure the proper function and
safety of the pipe grab. A qualified person may establish a program that is used in preference to the
maintenance procedures described below. However, if you apply the procedure below, complete EVERY
step each time maintenance is performed.
ONLY qualified persons may perform maintenance on the pipe grab.
Step 1: All sources of power must be disconnected, locked out and tagged, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Disconnect the pipe grab from the hoist hook, and tag it as, “Out of Service.”
Step 3: Perform all adjustments identified as necessary during any inspection (every lift, frequent, or
periodic). Consult ASME B30.20, paragraph 20-1.3.1 through 20-1.3.5, for recommended inspection
procedures.
Step 4: If other conditions exist which require new/replacement parts to repair, contact Vestil to order
replacement parts. Deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of fasteners, jaws, pipe guide
weldments, or the clevis warrants immediate replacement of the affected part(s).
The reader should understand the significant difference between “ Adjustments [and]
repairs,” and modifications. An adjustment or repair refers to a simple correction that restores the grab to
normal operating condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing debris from the surface of the
grab. A modification is a change that alters the grab from normal operating condition, like bending the
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