OPERATING AIDS
1. The Model VL-Channel should not be used to handle material with
temperatures below 0° F or above 225° F. These temperature
restrictions apply to both the ambient temperature and the
temperature of the material to be lifted.
2. Do not use the VL-Channel clamps for horizontal transfer of materials.
3. Do not use clamps on materials with a hardness in excess of
450 Brinell (48 Rockwell C).
Warning: Do Not lift plate steel with the Model VL-Channel clamp.
4. Never exceed ten degrees (10°) side load with a VL-Channel clamp
that has a standard lifting shackle (Fig. 3).
5. Make sure the load to be lifted is properly balanced. Multiple clamps
may be needed to balance the load.
6. Never lift or transfer material over or near people.
7. Always lock the clamp closed before making a lift. Do not make a lift
with the lock in the open or locked open position.
8. Do not lift clamp with an open-end hook.
9. Do not alter clamp. Do not weld, grind, or modify the clamp in any way.
10. If a clamp has been overloaded or damaged in any way, take the
clamp out of service immediately.
11. Do not improvise and misuse the clamp. Always use correct clamp for
the
lift.
Safety Clamps, Inc.
Model VL-Channel
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Figure 3:
Never exceed 10° side loading with a VL-Channel clamp unless using a
clamp with a Universal Lifting Shackle (Fig. 6).
OPERATION
Inspection Before and After Each Use
The Safety Clamps inspection procedures meet and/or exceed the
requirements set forth in the ASME B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
guideline.
1. Before using any Safety Clamp, the operator must read and understand
the Operator’s Manual in its entirety.
2. All Safety Clamps should be inspected before and after each use.
Do not use if any components are bent, elongated, gouged, nicked
excessively, worn, and/or damaged. Make sure that nuts, bolts, pins,
and other mechanical fasteners are tightened and secured.
3. Be sure the clamp to be used is the proper clamp for the job. Check
the rated capacity and jaw opening stenciled on the Identi
fi
cation Tag.
Both should equal or exceed the requirements for the load to be lifted.
Warning: Never exceed the rated capacity or use on material that
is not within jaw range of the clamp. Never lift material that does
not meet the minimum rated capacity of the clamp.
4. Do not use the clamp if the Identi
fi
cation Tag or the Warning Tag is
missing or illegible.
5. Inspect the gripping cam(s) (SC-50 or SC-42, Fig. 7) for wear and
defects. Gripping surfaces must be sharp and free of foreign matter.
6. Inspect the condition of the body for wear, damage and distortion,
particularly in the area of the jaw opening and holes for pins.
7. Inspect the lifting shackle (SC-10, Fig. 7) and all pins for wear and
damage.
8. The lock spring (SC-61, Fig. 7) must have a de
fi
nite amount of tension
when the lock is moved to the lock closed position, with minimal
material in the clamp.
9. Remove from service and tag any clamp in need of repair indicating
the problem area and bring to supervisor’s attention. A full periodic
inspection is to be performed at this time by quali
fi
ed personnel (see
periodic inspection, p. 9). The next periodic inspection will be timed
from when the clamp is returned to service.
10. Make sure that all roll pins are securely in place.
11. Never use a clamp in need of repair.
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Safety Clamps, Inc.
Model VL-Channel
