Rev. 4/4/2017
DRUM-GRAB, MANUAL
Copyright 2017 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
Page 2 of 5
Signal Words:
This manual uses SIGNAL WORDS to draw the reader’s attention to safety-related information. Signal words
indicate the likelihood of personal injuries as well as the probable seriousness of those injuries, if the product is
misused in the ways described. Other signal words call attention to uses of the product likely cause property
damage. Signal words used in this manual appear below along with the meaning of each word:
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in DEATH or
SERIOUS INJURY. Use of this signal word is limited to the most extreme
situations.
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in DEATH or
SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in MINOR or
MODERATE injury.
Identifies practices likely to result in product/property damage, such as operation that
might damage the product.
Hazards of Improper Use:
Vestil diligently strives to identify all foreseeable hazards associated with the use of its products. However,
material handling is dangerous and no manual can address every conceivable risk.
If this product is used improperly or carelessly, the operator and/or bystanders might sustain serious
personal injuries or even be killed. To reduce the likelihood of injury:
Failure to read and understand the entire manual before assembling, installing, using or servicing the
product is a misuse
of the product
.
Read the manual to refresh your understanding of proper use and maintenance
procedures as needed.
DO NOT exceed the maximum rated load (see Label 287 on product).
The lifting equipment (crane, hoist, trolley) must have AT LEAST the same maximum rated load (capacity) as the
Drum-Grab. The maximum rated load of the Drum-Grab is 2,200 pounds (1,000kg). DO NOT attempt to lift any load
whose weight exceeds the maximum rated load of the lifting component (crane, trolley, hoist, Drum-Grab) with the
smallest maximum rated load. For example, if the crane, hoist and Drum-Grab all have maximum rated loads of 2,200
pounds, but the trolley has a max. rated load of 1,500 pounds, the net weight applied to the trolley must not exceed
1,500 pounds.
DO NOT use the Drum-Grab if any part of it is loose or damaged. ALWAYS inspect the Drum-Grab before each use
according to the inspection procedures described in the most recent revision of ASME standard B30.20. B30.20 also
recommends “frequent” and “periodic” inspections. In particular, look for signs of wear, damage, or distortion. Check all
fasteners and confirm that they are not loose or damaged.
Review the safety messages included in the manual(s) for your crane, trolley, hoist, and any other device used in
conjunction with the tongs.
DO NOT open the Drum-Grab while using it to lift and/or move a drum. Be certain that the drum is fully supported by
the ground or other surface, and is fully immobilized, i.e. can’t fall over, roll, slide, or move in an uncontrolled manner,
before disconnecting the Drum-Grab from the drum.
ALWAYS attach the Drum-Grab to a safety hook (e.g. a hoist that has a safety hook attached to the end of the chain
or cable), or to a connection that includes safety mechanisms to prevent accidental or unintended detachment from the
hoist. DO NOT attach the device to a hoist hook that might accidentally or unintentionally release. DO NOT connect
the grab to a safety hook that does not function properly.
Before attaching the Drum-Grab to a drum, inspect the drum and verify that it and the rim/lip are structurally sound.
The rim must be able to support the weight of the drum and its contents.
To use the DRUM-GRAB properly, all 3 arms of the Drum-Grab must firmly engage the rim/lip of the drum.
Always test the soundness of the connection between the Drum-Grab and the drum rim by lifting the drum a few
inches off of the ground. Keep the drum elevated for 30 seconds. Only use the Drum-Grab to move the drum if the
connection is adequate and the drum does not distort under the load.
DO NOT stand or walk, or allow any other person to stand or walk beneath an elevated drum. Always maintain
sufficient separation between yourself and all other persons involved with the lift and the drum-grab (and drum) to avoid
contacting the drum. DO NOT raise the load over your feet or any other part of your body.
Every person not involved with lifting the drum should remain outside the lifting area for the duration of the process.
Avoid and minimize load swing. Position the trolley, hoist and Drum-Grab directly above the center of the top of the
drum before attaching the Drum-Grab to the drum; slowly raise the drum.
