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When you look at
materials lifting applications you find most problems
occur at the interface between the hook and load being
lifted. To insure maximum productivity, to minimise
costs and to ensure a safe lift it is essential to
choose the correct attachment for the specific lifting
application. Gone are the days when you could throw a
piece of rope or chain around a load and hope that it
holds or so you would think. Taking shortcuts, crossing
your fingers and hopping for the best just isn’t good
enough when people’s safety is at risk.
It may come as no
surprise to realise that there are still some businesses
using incorrect methods of lifting materials. It may be
that the initial cost of purchasing the correct
equipment is off-putting, although this needn’t be
expensive. They may not be aware that the equipment is
available or even that they are using the “wrong tools”
for the job. Every employer has a legal as well as morel
obligation to insure the safety of its work force by
providing equipment that is suitable for the duty it has
to perform and fit for the application in question.
If you consider the handling of rolled sections such as
I-beams, joists, bulb section and
channels. There is inherent danger involved in the
lifting and transporting of such material if an
incorrect lifting method is applied. The handling of
such loads requires the use of specialist clamps to
ensure safety as well as productivity.
Traditionally it has been common practice to use a chain
sling and hooks to lift beams by attaching the hooks to
either end of the beam. Once the beam was lifted a choke
hitch or sling would be placed around the beam for the
final lift. Initially all the load would be placed on
the tip of the hook. Hooks are designed to take the load
in the bowl of the hook and not on the tip. Any movement
of the beam during the lift would cause slippage of the
hook and the load becomes unstable. Once the beam is of
sufficient height from the ground the choke hitch would
be positioned. At this point the beam would have to be
supported while the hoist or crane was detached and
repositioned, attaching it to the choke hitch. The
lifting point would have to be placed at the centre of
gravity of the beam, not as easy as it may sound. If the
load tilts during a lift the sling could slip and so
might the beam. If two slings are used they may slide
together and you are faced with the same problem. To use
this method would involve two or three separate lifting
manoeuvres,
not to mention the time taken to place supports under
the beam while the hoist or crane is disengaged and
re-attached. There are clamps available that have been
specifically designed for this application. With the use
of a clamp the load is quickly attached, lifted and
positioned safely in one operation. A considerable
productivity increase can be achieved by selecting the
correct clamps to suit the specific application. After
all why use a cumbersome chain and several operations
when a clamp can do it in one lift.
The clamps
operate by griping the load via jaws and a series of
links to prevent the load slipping. Clamps can be
supplied for lifting beams in the “I” and the “H”
(vertical or horizontal flange) position and for
attachment to the end or the side of the beam.
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