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Inspections & Maintenance:
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.
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
[plate clamp] and work [use of the plate 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
and "Modifications".
An adjustment or repair refers to a simple correction that restores the clamp to normal operating condition,
such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing debris from the surface of the clamp. (Continued on p. 12)
DO NOT use the clamp if adjustments and/or repairs are incomplete! Return the clamp to service ONLY
after finishing all necessary repairs and adjustments.
A modification is a change that alters the clamp from normal operating condition, like bending the structural
members. NEVER modify the clamp without the express, written approval of Vestil. Modifications
may render the clamp unsafe to use.
Step 5: Perform a periodic inspection, as recommended in ASME B30.20.
Step 6: Make a dated record of the repairs, adjustments and/or replacements made.
Rev. 9/10/2014
Copyright 2014 Vestil Manufacturing Co.
Page 9 of 12
EPC, manual.doc
Definitions of the service
"
Adjustments" and "Repairs,"
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