Vestil FMDL User Manual

Page 3

08/2010

rev. 11/16/2012

FMDL manual, operation instructions.doc

Page 3 of 12

AFETY

RINCIPLES

Vestil manufactures several kinds of fork-mountable drum handling equipment. This manual

addresses the specifications, features, and capabilities of 3 product lines: 1) FMDL-series; 2) FPDL-series; and 3) DFDL-3.
Each lifter 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 use or maintenance of the product must read this manual and fully understand the directions BEFORE using or
performing maintenance on the drum lifter. If you do not understand an instruction, ask your supervisor or
employer for assistance. Failure to adhere to the directions in this manual might result in 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 provided on labels affixed to the product. Furthermore, failure
to exercise good judgment and common sense might result in property damage, serious personal injury or death. Such
failure is solely the fault of the person(s) who acted without good judgment; it is not another responsibility delegated to
manufacturers.

This manual uses SIGNAL WORDS to classify personal injury risks and situations that might lead to property damage,

as well as to draw attention to safety message(s). The reader must understand that each signal word 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

drum lifter.

Failure to read and understand the instructions included in this manual before using

or servicing the drum lifter constitutes misuse of the product. Study the entire manual before you install the
product. Read the manual to refresh your understanding of the safe use and inspection procedures explained on p. 9. DO
NOT attempt to resolve any problem(s) with the lifter unless you are both authorized to do so and certain that it will be safe
to use afterwards.

Electrocution might result if any part of the lifter or fork truck contacts electrified wires. Reduce the likelihood

of electrocution by applying common sense:

DO NOT contact electrified wires with any part of the drum lifter, drum or fork truck;
DO NOT use or store the drum lifter in an area where contact with electrified wires is likely or possible;
Before engaging or using the lifter, inspect the usage area for unusual conditions and implement precautions that account

for those conditions.

If this product is used improperly or carelessly, the operator and/or bystanders might sustain serious personal

injuries or even be killed. To reduce the likelihood of injury:

•

DO NOT exceed the maximum rated load of your lifter (see Label on product; also see table on p. 2).

•

DO NOT use a structurally compromised drum lifter. Examples of structural damage include: 1) missing, broken or

significantly bent drum-engaging arms; 2) broken, missing, or deformed safety chain/strap; 3) damaged or broken fork
pockets. Inspect the drum lifter according to the inspection instructions on p. 9-10. Replace each part that fails to pass an
inspection. DO NOT use the drum lifter until authorized maintenance personnel approve the lifter for service.

•

DO NOT stand, or allow other persons to stand, beneath any part of the lifter or drum.

•

DO NOT use the lifter to transport anything but drums matched to the specific lifter according to the table on p. 2.

•

ONLY transport drums in accordance with the fork truck training you received.

•

DO NOT use the lifter to transport a drum(s) over rough, uneven, or damaged terrain UNLESS the drum is secured to the

lifter with a ratchet strap.

•

DO NOT modify the drum lifter or any component of the lifter in any way UNLESS you first obtain written approval from

Vestil. Unauthorized modifications might make the lift unsafe to use.

•

DO NOT use the lifter UNLESS all product labels (see FIG. 6 on p. 10) are readable and undamaged.

•

In order for the Eagle Beak™ mechanism to work properly, each drum (including its contents) must weigh AT LEAST

50lbs (~22.7kg).

AFETY

UIDELINES