Vestil DLT series - Manual (Page 5)

S
AFETY
G
UIDELINES
Read the entire manual before attaching the tongs to a lifting device or using them for the first
time. Refer to the manual for safe use and maintenance procedures (p. 7-11). If questions remain
after you finish reading the manual, contact Vestil for answers. DO NOT attempt to resolve any
problems with the tongs unless you are certain that they will be safe to use afterwards. NEVER
modify the product in any way without the express, written approval of Vestil.
•
Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact live electrical wires with the tongs or the load!
• Review the safety messages included in the manual(s) for your crane, trolley, hoist, and any other device
used in conjunction with the tongs.
• BEFORE opening the tongs, be certain that the die (“load”) is completely supported by the ground or other
surface, and is fully immobilized (can’t fall over, roll, slide, etc.). If a second person is needed to ensure load
immobility, find someone to help you. To open the tongs, push/pull the hook weldments (see FIG. 1 on p. 6)
away from each other. DO NOT open the tongs while using them to lift and/or move material.
• ALWAYS inspect the die tongs before each use according to the inspection procedures described in the most
recent revision of ASME B30.20. B30.20 also recommends frequent and periodic inspections.
• Properly maintain the die tongs according to the maintenance procedures on p. 10-11. Vestil developed
these procedures to supplement the suggested maintenance practices of B30.20.
• ONLY attach the die tongs to a safety hook (e.g. a hoist that has a safety hook connected to the end of the
chain or rope), or to a connection that includes safety features to prevent accidental/unintended detachment
from the hoist. DO NOT attach the tongs to a hoist hook that might accidentally/unintentionally release the
tongs. DO NOT connect the tongs to a safety hook that does not function properly or that is damaged.
• DO NOT grip a load that has any debris or surface contamination on it that might affect the quality of the
connection between the tongs and the load. Remove all debris, such as oil, grease, water and dirt.
• Clear all debris, including fluids, from the path of travel (if the job requires moving the load to a new location)
BEFORE picking up the load. If moisture is present in the path of travel, absorb it before using the tongs.
Make sure that no person is in the travel path.
• DO NOT remove or obscure any label. Verify the placement and legibility of all labels as shown in FIG. 2, on
p. 11. If any label becomes damaged or unreadable, immediately contact Vestil for a replacement. DO NOT
use the tongs UNLESS all labels are attached and readable.
• DO NOT attempt an unbalanced lift. Always use enough tongs to properly balance the load before lifting
and/or moving the material. (See “Use Instructions,” Step 5 on p. 8).
• DO NOT sit on or apply any weight/pressure to a load held by the die tongs.
• DO NOT attempt to lift material that exceeds the load rating. ALWAYS make sure that the load weighs no
more than the rated load of the tongs.
• DO NOT lift a load higher than necessary. (See “Use Instructions” on p. 7-9).
• DO NOT raise the load over your feet or any other part of your body.
• DO NOT use the tongs to lift material over people, or to lift any apparatus that is used to support people, such
as a work platform. The tongs are designed to ONLY lift dies.
• Always orient yourself so that the load is visible to you. You are less likely to be injured if the load remains
within sight at all times. Standing to one side of the load and next to the die tongs will allow you to stabilize
the load as you move it to the desired location.
• DO NOT leave a suspended load unattended. An unattended, suspended load creates a risk of injury to
yourself and others. Always move a load to its desired location, set the load down and properly immobilize it,
and then disengage the tongs from the load. Disconnect the tongs from the hoist BEFORE you leave the
work area.
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