Clamp Safety & Inspection
For complete details on clamp safety and inspection, download the Operational Manual.
Lifting Clamp Safety
- Instruct and train all workers in the safe use of the clamp.
- Inspect the clamp to ensure that it is in operating condition, i.e. no missing, damaged, badly worn and/or non-operating components
- Use the proper type of clamp - a vertical clamp for lifting a plate in a vertical position, a pair of horizontal clamps for lifting a plate in a horizontal position, an HL/SBC clamp for lifting flanged beams or as locking clamps to be used in pairs on plate in a horizontal position.
- Use the proper size and capacity of clamp/jaw openings to suit the thickness being gripped and a lifting capacity equal to, or greater than, the weight of the item being lifted. The capacity of horizontal clamps is based on a sling angle of 60° (the angle of the sling leg to the load) - sling angles less than 60° increase the loading on the clamps.
- Locate the clamp jaws square with the edge of the plate and far enough in so that the entire swivel die is engaged.
- Balance the load.
- Close and lock the cams.
- Lift only one piece of material at one time.
Lifting Clamp Inspection
- Inspect clamps on a daily or weekly basis, depending on usage.
- Inspect cams (SC-42), swivel die (SC- 70), spring and locking cam assembly (KSC-2) and cam yokes (SC-80).
- If the teeth on cams (SC_42) appears or feels dull, replace immediately
- If the swivel die (SC-70) appears or feels dull, replace immediately.
- If handle moves forward to easy, the spring (SC-61) is weak and should be replaced immediately.
- If the locking cam gets rounded on the end and unlocks when the clamp is shaken, replace immediately.
- If, when you push in on the lifting shakle(SC-10), the cams (SC-42) do not open properly, check if the cam yokes (SC-80) are stretched because an over-lift was done. In this case, inspect the lifting shackle (SC-10) for elongation in the pin to the cam yokes hole.
- Inspect all pins for wear and bending. This is usually due to long term usage.
- If any further information is required, please contact us.