Vestil PG series - Manual (Page 5)

S
AFETY
G
UIDELINES
Read the entire manual before attaching the pipe grab to a lifting device or using it for the first
time. Refer to the manual for safe use and maintenance procedures (p. 12-13). If questions
remain after you finish reading the manual, contact Vestil for answers. DO NOT attempt to resolve
any problems with the pipe grab unless you are certain that it will be safe to use afterwards, but
you must NEVER modify the product in any way without the express written approval of Vestil.
• Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact live electrical wires with the pipe grab or the load!
• Consult the safety messages included in the manual for the crane, trolley, hoist, and any other device
used in conjunction with the pipe grab.
• The pipe grab DOES NOT have a latch for holding the grab in an open or closed position. To open
the grab, lift one of both of the pipe guide weldments. DO NOT lift either arm while using the grab to
lift and/or move material.
• ALWAYS inspect the coil hook before each use according inspection procedures described in ASME
B30.20. B30.20 also recommends frequent and periodic inspections. A brief synopsis of the
inspection recommendations appears p. 12 of this manual.
• Properly maintain the pipe grab according to the maintenance procedures on p. 12-13. These
procedures were developed to supplement suggested maintenance practices of the ASME (B30.20).
• The pipe grab must ALWAYS be attached to a safety hook (e.g. a chain or rope hoist that has a
safety hook attached to the end of the chain or rope) or to a connection that includes safety features
for preventing accidental/unintended detachment from the hoist. DO NOT use the pipe grab on a
hook that might release the grab. DO NOT connect the grab to a safety hook that does not function
properly or that is damaged.
• DO NOT grab a load that has any debris or surface contamination on it. Remove debris, including
but not limited to oil, grease, dirt, or other material, that might affect the quality of the connection
between the grab and the load.
• Clear
all debris, including fluids, from the path of travel if the job requires moving the load to a new
location (as opposed to picking up the load and setting in down in the same position). Clear all such
debris BEFORE picking up the load! If moisture is present in the path of travel, absorb the liquid
before using the grab to reposition the load.
• Make sure that no person is in the travel path of the load.
• Verify the placement and legibility all safety warning labels as shown in FIG. 3 on p. 12. If any labels
become damaged or unreadable, contact Vestil for replacement(s). DO NOT use the hook UNLESS
all labels are attached and readable.
• DO NOT attempt to lift an unbalanced load. Always use enough grabs to balance the load before
attempting to lift and/or move the load.
• DO NOT sit on the load or apply any weight/pressure to a load grasped by the pipe grab.
• DO NOT attempt to lift material that weighs more than the rated load of the grab. ALWAYS make
sure that the load weighs no more than the rated load of the pipe grab.
• DO NOT lift a load higher than necessary. (See “Use Instructions” on p. 8-10).
• DO NOT raise the load over your feet or any other part of your body. DO NOT use the pipe grab to
lift material over people!
• DO NOT use the pipe grab to lift any apparatus that is used to support people, such as a platform or
scaffold.
• Always orient yourself so that the load is visible to you. You are less likely to be injured by the load if
it remains within sight at all times. Standing to one side of the load next to the pipe grab will allow
you to stabilize the load as you move it to the desired location. You should hold onto the hoist
(safety) hook with one hand and to the load with the other hand if the lifting device is manually
operated, or to the hoist hook with one hand if the lifting device is electronic/motor-driven.
• DO NOT leave a suspended load unattended. Always use the pipe grab to move a load to its desired
location, then set the load down and properly immobilize it; then disengage the grab from the load
BEFORE leaving the work area. An unattended, suspended load creates a risk of injury to yourself
and others.
- 5 -