07/19/11
Rev. 3/7/2017
S-FORK-4-AT, MANUAL
Copyright 2017 Vestil Manufacturing Corp
Page 5 of 7
.
Inspections & Maintenance:
A designated person must verify that the S-FORK complies with all regulations, codes, and standards that apply to
hoisting devices in the location where it is
used
. A person designated to conduct inspections by your employer must do
so before the S-FORK is used for the first time and prior to EACH use thereafter.
Inspections:
DO NOT use an S-FORK that is structurally damaged. Structural damage includes, but is not limited to,
bending, warping, cracking or other deformation of one or more of the following components: shackle; tension arm
weldment; or fork tube weldment (see FIG. 1 on p. 3). Restore the S-FORK to normal operating condition BEFORE using
it again.
Routine: visual examination must be performed by the operator prior to AND during each lift. In particular, the
operator
should:
1. Inspect for and remove all debris on load surfaces of the load hook, especially debris that might interfere with
or prevent the S-Fork from adequately engaging the load; AND
2. Inspect the S-FORK to confirm that all parts are in normal operating condition.
Frequent Inspection: maintenance personnel or other
designated person(s)
should visually inspect the S-Fork at least
once per month for:
1. Deformations, cracks, or excessive wear of any part of the S-Fork, including fasteners (nuts, bolts, and
washers). Inspect the load hook according to the recommendations of ASME B30.10;
2. Loose or missing fasteners;
3. Excessive wear-and-tear to the safety strap or snap hook (at the free end of the strap).
Maintenance:
Implement a maintenance program to ensure that the product remains in normal operating condition. A qualified person
may establish a program used in preference to the maintenance procedures described below. However, if you apply the
following procedure, complete every step each time maintenance is performed.
NOTE:
ONLY qualified persons should perform maintenance on the S-FORK. 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 [S-FORK] and work.” See
ASME B30.16-2003, Section 16-0.2, p. 1.
Step 1: Disconnect the S-FORK from the forklift tine and tag it, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Perform all adjustments found to be necessary during the inspection.
Step 3: If conditions exist that require replacement parts to repair, contact the manufacturer. Deformity, cracking, severe
wear, significant corrosion/rusting, or excessive wear of structural members warrants immediate replacement of the entire
unit
.
The reader should understand the significant difference between
“
Adjustments” or “Repairs,” and
“Modifications”. An adjustment or repair refers to a simple correction that restores the S-FORK to normal operating
condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing debris from the surface of the device. A modification is a
change that alters the S-Fork from normal operating condition, like bending the structural members. NEVER modify the
S-Fork. Modifications may render the device unsafe to use and automatically void the limited warranty.
Step 4: Make a dated record of the repairs, adjustments and/or replacements made.
