Vestil Model EPC - Manual (Page 11)

Maintenance and Inspections:
A designated person must verify that the clamp complies with all regulations, codes, and standards that
apply to “Under-the-Hook Lifting Devices” in the location where the clamp is used. The person(s)
designated to conduct inspections by your employer must do so before the clamp is used for the first
time, and EACH time it is installed for use.
Inspections:
The end-user is responsible for performing inspections as recommended in ASME B30.20.
The standard categorizes inspections based on regularity of performance. Highlights of the
recommended inspection procedures appear below. However, the full procedures written in the
published standard must be followed.
DO NOT use a clamp that is structurally damaged. Structural damage includes, but is
not limited to, bending, warping, cracking or other deformation of one or more of the shackle, gripper,
cam, connecting arm, lock wheel assembly, spring or spring pins, chain or lock ring (see FIG. 1 on p.6).
Restore the clamp to normal operating condition BEFORE using it 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 clamp. Definitions of the
service classifications appear in ASME B30.20. The operator or other designated person(s) should
visually inspect the clamp for:
1. Deformation, cracking, or excessive wear of any part of the clamp;
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 clamp 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 clamp. A qualified person may establish a program that is used in preference to the
maintenance procedures described below. However, if you apply the procedure that follows, complete
EVERY step each time maintenance is performed.
ONLY qualified persons may perform maintenance on the clamp. A qualified person is
someone “who, by possession of a recognized degree in an applicable field or certificate of professional
training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating
to the subject matter [beam clamp] and work [use of the beam clamp].” See ASME B30.20-0.2-2003.
Step 1: All sources of power must be disconnected, locked out and tagged, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Disconnect the clamp from the hoist hook and tag it, “Out of Service.”
Step 3: Perform all adjustments indicated as necessary during any inspection (every lift, frequent, or
periodic).
Step 4: If other conditions exist which require new/replacement parts to repair, contact Vestil. Deformity,
corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of structural members warrants immediate replacement.
The reader should understand the significant difference between “ Adjustments” and
“Repairs,” and “Modifications”.
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