Material Handling / Lifting With Plate Clamps

Vertical and horizontal plate clamps are designed for lifting sheets, profiles or structures in either a vertical and/or horizontal direction. Plate lifting clamps have a built-in safety mechanism which consists of a locking device, a tension spring and a lever. Once the lever has been operated, the safety mechanism provides constant pre-tensioning of the cam on the steel-plate to ensure that the clamp doesn’t slip when the lifting force is applied. When the load is lifted, the clamping force on the cam is increased by the weight of the load.

With their ease of use and locking functionality, they provide a safe and ergonomic way to lift many types of materials.

There are lifting clamps designed for particular applications as well as specific materials. For an overview, these are some of the available plate clamps on the market today:

Vertical Lifting Plate Clamps – For vertical lifting, transporting and turning of steel plates and structures.

• Flexible Lift/Extended Reach – Has 3-way articulating link for flexible vertical lifting of steel plates and structures.
• Thin Sheet – Vertical lifting and transporting of thin sheet metal.
• Wide Jaw Opening – Designed for lifting, handling and transporting shipbuilding structures, steel plates and structures.
• Holland Profile (Hp) – Designed specifically for the Hp profile to lift, handle and transport shipbuilding structures from all positions.
• Stainless Steel – For lifting, transporting and turning of stainless steel plates and structures.
• Non-Marking (Marring) – Clamps designed with two clamping jaws with a special plastic layer. These can be used with various materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, glass, plastic and stone. Not to be used with concrete.
• Automatic Lock – Clamps have a safety lock that automatically clicks onto the material as soon as the clamp is placed on the plate.
• Drum Lifting – Designed to vertically lift, move and transfer gallon drums with steel tops.
• Concrete Pipe – These clamps are designed to vertically lift and transfer concrete pipe sections and wells.
• Small-Grip – For the vertical lift and transfer of angle iron and other loads that have a small gripping area (h-beams, angles, etc.).

Horizontal Lifting Plate Clamps – Clamps that provide horizontal lifting and transfer of sheets and bundles.

• Sagging/Non Sagging  – Clamps that can be used for horizontal lifting and transfer of sagging and non-sagging material. Can also be used to handle material used in shears, bending and rolling machines or other fabrication equipment.
• Non-Sagging – These clamps only work with non-sagging sheets.
• Bundles – Designed to lift and transfer bundles of non-sagging steel plates in the horizontal position.
• Shipbuilding – Used for lifting, transferring and placing bulb profiles onto ship’s hulls perpendicularly. Clamps are fitted with a locking device for both the open and closed positions.
• Shipsection – Designed to lift, transfer and place complete shipsections. Fitted with a locking device for both open and closed positions.

Universal Plate Clamps – Can be used for horizontal and vertical lifting, transporting and turning of steel plates and structures. These shackles place the center of gravity of the beam to be lifted directly beneath the lifting shackle.

• Offset Lift – Used for lifting, transferring and stacking of level lifts of i-beams, fabrications and ship sections. Can be used for horizontal and vertical moving, transferring and stacking.
• H-Beam – Used to lift, transfer and stack h-beams. These clamps can be used in vertical and horizontal moving, transfer and stacking of different types of structures.
• Steel Beam – Clamps are used for horizontal lift and transfer of steel beams. They designed to be used in vertical and horizontal moving, transfer and stacking of i-beams, h-beams, angles, etc.

Note that if you are using plate clamps outside, wind velocity, precipitation, fog, extreme temperatures and lighting can adversely affect the lifting device’s operation.

As with any below-the-hook lifting device, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure to establish an inspection, testing and maintenance program in accordance with ASME B30.20.

For questions on the best plate clamp for your material handling application, please call our office at 800-242-3477 or email smartlift@wiscolift.com. 

Don’t Underestimate the Danger of Overhead Cranes

OSHA statistics don’t lie. Since January there have already been eight fatalities involving Overhead Cranes. One study referenced in OSHA literature indicated that approximately eleven percent of all overhead crane accidents are the result of mechanical errors. Mechanical error in overhead crane accidents is often the result of negligence on behalf of crane-related professionals, including employers and safety professionals. Overhead Crane accidents can be caused by a lack of adequate preventative maintenance, inspections, and lack of operator training and/or experience.

ASME B30.2-3.1.2 Crane Operating Training, states that training should include those items that applies to the crane at the employer’s workplace and type of load that will be handled (i.e., raw materials, bulk materials or fragile materials), and the operator’s responsibilities involving the movement of the load.

Sources for training should include:

• Information outlined in the manual provided with the equipment.
• Information available through trade associations.
• Government training resources.
• Courses and programs from manufacturers of cranes, crane consultants, trade schools, continuing education schools, employers, and manufacturers of crane component parts.
• Requirements and recommendations found in National Consensus Standards (ASME).

Responsibilities of the employer/management are:

• Identify, document and assign responsibilities of the overhead crane operator and other persons involved in the movement of the load.
• Provide training to persons who will operate an overhead crane.
• Provide written and practical examinations that verify the person has acquired the knowledge and skill to operate the particular overhead crane(s) that will be operated by the person. The examinations shall be defined by the owner/user and in accordance with any local, state, and federal provisions that may apply.
•  Issue a certificate or formal record that verifies that the person has been trained and passed the examination.

Make sure you or your employees are properly trained before using overhead cranes. Their life may just depend on it!

Sky Hook Lifting Device - Lift 500 Lbs. with a Turn of a Wheel!

Have you heard of the Sky Hook? It is an ergonomic, portable lifting device that allows one person to lift up to 500 lbs. and pivots 360 degrees allowing high functionality in tight working conditions.

We are now selling two Sky Hook models on our website: the Model 8550 with a floor mount base, and the Model 8557 with a mobile base. Both models are ideal for maintenance and service departments. The Sky Hook fits into alternate bases and can be custom modified to meet your specific work application.

Features:

• Model 8550: Bolts easily to floor or any suitable flat surface.

• Model 8557: Designed to straddle the corner of benches, pallets, etc.

• Uses one hand operation that does the work of 4 people.

• Rotates 360 degrees.

• Operates in tight working conditions.

• Totally maintenance free.

• Disassembles for easy transport.

• Meets applicable OSHA and ASME requirements.

• Utilizes roller chain and Friction Brake.

• Clutch Brake and Cable Chain available upon request.

For additional information or to receive a Sky Hook brochure, please contact our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Remember, “Working Safe is Working Smart.”

MSDs Affect 31 Percent of Workers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from overexertion in lifting, accounted for 31 percent (356,910 cases) of the total cases for all workers. BLS.gov (Nov. 2016)

The good news is that those statistics are down from prior years, however, most MSDs occur in private industry where work included laborers and freight, stock, and material movers. Workers in the age group of 45-54 had the highest number of days away from work cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that by 2020, a quarter of all workers will be 55 or older, making occupational safety and health a priority for many industries.

OSHA recommends that employers evaluate their ergonomic hazards in the workplace and implement a systematic plan to resolve them:

1)    Commitment by Top Management
The Employer’s commitment is necessary to integrate an ergonomics program and carry it out with managers, supervisors, and employees.

2)    Written Program
The written program should establish clear goals and objectives and have dates of completion for each program element.

3)    Employee Involvement
The program should allow employees to bring safety concerns forward to be evaluated and corrected without fear of reprisal.

4)    Regular Program Review and Evaluation
Procedures and mechanisms should be developed to evaluate the implementation and progress of the program on a regular basis.

5)    Onsite Analysis
All areas should be evaluated as to existing hazards and if the risk hazards can be reduced or eliminated by using different equipment.

For the full report of ergonomic guidelines, go to: OSHA.gov.

Do you need assistance with ergonomic equipment for your workplace? WiscoLift is a leading material handling distributor for ergonomic lifting devices. For your free consultation, please call our office at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Remember, Working Safe is Working Smart.

#ergonomics #safety #materialhandling #wiscolift

Get a Helping Hand with a Vacuum Lift

Do you want to streamline material handling procedures yet don’t know the best lifting device to use or cannot find the exact device to accomplish your tasks efficiently?

When an application involves rotating, holding and manipulating product or material, a vacuum lifter can easily handle multiple tasks and custom vacuum lifters offer precise application efficiency, saving on staff and possible injury.

As you probably know, employees that have material handling tasks are at risk due to awkward postures, repetitive motion, and forceful exertion, all of which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Vacuum Lifters are a good solution because they grab the load using suction cups and can be controlled by a single operator and their non-marring pads are effective on a wide variety of materials.

Before You Buy

There are certain specifications that ASME B30.20-2013 Below the Hook Lifting Devices require of a vacuum lift’s construction:

•      The vacuum pad capacity, electrical equipment, and design should comply with ASME BTH-1 (Design Category A).
•      The horizontal lift should not be greater than 50% of the Ultimate Pad Capacity (UPC) for horizontal surface lifts.
•      The vertical lift should not be greater than 25% of the Ultimate Pad Capacity (UPC) for vertical surface lifts.

In addition, inspections should be performed at every lift, and at additional intervals based on usage. Dated inspection reports should be available for each scheduled inspection, when the vacuum lifter is either altered or repaired, or has been out of service for a period of time.

To ascertain that the vacuum lift has been designed according to ASME regulations and has been properly load tested, only use a reputable manufacturer.

A Unique Solution

Below is a Vacuum Lift that WiscoLift designed and load tested for two customers that needed a custom lifting device built for their application.

This Vacuum Lift was designed with automatic vacuum sensing valves so it can be used on different sizes of material without the operator having to turn on/off the vacuum flow at individual vacuum pads.

For additional information on how a custom vacuum lift can assist with your application, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#materialhandling #ergonomics #lifting #wiscolift

50% Off Harrington and Coffing Hoists

WiscoLift is offering 50% OFF from now until January 1, 2017 on most of their CLOSEOUT products. Included are:

• Harrington Manual Trolley, 1/2 ton
• Harrington Lever Hoist, 1-1/2 ton
• Harrinton Hand Chain Hoist, 1-1/2 ton
• Harrington Hand Chain Hoist, 1 ton
• Coffing Electric Chain Hoist, 1/2 ton with 460 volt, 3-phase power
• Cargo Slings
• Nylon & Polyester Eye to Eye Slings
• Wire Rope Sling
• Lifting Beams

To get 50% off the listed price, enter the code "50OFFSALE" at checkout. Quantities are limited, so don't wait too long!

Visit Closeout Deals!

Merry Christmas!

#harringtonhoist #materialhandling #deals

Employee Fall Protection Still Lacks Concern

Given the fact that OSHA has had Fall Protection on its Top Ten list of violations for the last 5 years, you would think that employers understand the big picture on the importance of having fall protection equipment for their employees when it is required. Whether an employee is working above 4’ or not, if they are working over dangerous equipment and machinery, fall protection should be used.

Looking at the chart below, the number of citations has decreased from 2014, however, it is still significant since employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. If a Fall Prevention Program is not in place, implementing one will show employees that you are serious about their well-being on the job.

Implementing a Fall Prevention Program

It is better to implement a program to address workplace hazards than to stick your head in the sand and hope that no one gets injured on the job. Following are some pro-active steps to improve safety on the job.

1. Get a Free On-Site Consultation from OSHA
   
   OSHA offers free on-site consultations for small and medium-size businesses to help you identify workplace hazards. This does not count as enforcement and will not result in penalties or citations. The consultant will assess your specific needs and review their findings after a complete walk-through.|
   
2. Download Free Documentation
   
   OSHA’s Plan.Provide.Train program provides free educational materials and resources for workers and employers on Fall Protection and other work hazards.
   
3. Purchase Fall Protection Equipment
   
   OSHA’s Fall Protection Information states:
   
   All fall protection products fit into four functional categories. 1. Fall Arrest; 2. Positioning; 3. Suspension; 4. Retrieval.
   
   Fall Arrest
   
   A fall arrest system is required if any risk exists that a worker may fall from an elevated position, as a general rule, the fall arrest system should be used anytime a working height of six feet or more is reached. Working height is the distance from the walking/working surface to a grade or lower level. A fall arrest system will only come into service should a fall occur. A full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard or a retractable lifeline is the only product recommended. A full-body harness distributes the forces throughout the body, and the shock-absorbing lanyard decreases the total fall arresting forces.
   
   Positioning
   
   This system holds the worker in place while keeping his/her hands free to work. Whenever the worker leans back, the system is activated. However, the personal positioning system is not specifically designed for fall arrest purposes.
   
   Suspension
   
   This equipment lowers and supports the worker while allowing a hands-free work environment, and is widely used in window washing and painting industries. This suspension system components are not designed to arrest a free fall, a backup fall arrest system should be used in conjunction with the suspension system.
   
   Retrieval
   
   Preplanning for retrieval in the event of a fall should be taken into consideration when developing a proactive fall management program.

In addition to employees wearing fall protection, there are a variety of other ways employees can be protected such as guardrails, safety nets and appropriate training. Don’t become another OSHA statistic…recognize and evaluate fall protection hazards in your workplace before it’s too late.

If you would like information on Fall Protection Equipment for your company, please call our WiscoLift Sales Representative at 800-242-3477. Remember, “Working Safe is Working Smart.”

#fallprevention #safetyfirst #wiscolift