New Crane Technology Increases Safety for Your Employees

There are many options in the industry to retrofit your overhead crane and increase the safety of employees in your workplace. Below are some outstanding products you may want to consider installing:

Collision Avoidance

Magnetek's trio of distance detection and collision avoidance systems prevent crane-to-crane or crane-to-end-stop collisions. 

• The ReFlx® 45 is the most cost-effective system, ideal for a single stop action and has a 3-45 foot detection range. 
• ReFlx® 120 is a reliable, solid-state control board in a small, easy-to-install enclosure and a 20-120 foot detection range. 
• Laserguard2 is the most advanced system that uses self-monitoring optical lasers to check your crane's position. Detection ranges are from 8 inches to 150 feet.

Impulse Sway Control

Magnetek's IMPULSE® Sway Control System (SCS) Series 2 custom software improves productivity by allowing crane operators to concentrate on load engagement rather than minimizing load swing.

Available in single or dual motion sway control systems. Reduces sway by 85-95%.

Hoist Side Pull System

Laser-View Technologies® Crane Sentry Hoist Side Pull System detects side pulling in industrial applications. It can be used to alert the operator of the condition or disable functions. This detection system consists of an assembly that mounts to the wire rope of single or double reeved hoists.

Zone Manager II Package

Laser-View Technologies® has come out with a next generation Crane Sentry® Zone Manager that is capable of protecting and interfacing with up to 8 individual machine no-fly zones. This is a measuring system, not a proximity device. Remote access capability from a smartphone or tablet is optional in addition to the physical controller built-in on board.

Additional products that enhance your safety and productivity are:

• Crane Lights
• Wireless Remotes
• Load Weight Displays
• Service Catwalks
• Variable Speed Control

At WiscoLift we have Inside and Outside Sales Specialists with knowledge of everything Crane related. Call us at 800-242-3477 to have your area Salesperson visit your site or speak with our inside Crane Experts about retrofitting your existing cranes with new technology. Remember, "Working Safe is Working Smart".

Hoist and Crane Safety: Stop New Employees From Hurting Themselves

The excuses for not adequately training new employees are plentiful.

“His past employment history was working with cranes.” 
“We’re not going to spend time right now, he may not stick around.”
“We’re too busy right now so we leave it to the supervisor.”

Of course, there are many more. And sadly, most lifting accidents are caused by operator error and are totally preventable. New employees are especially vulnerable as they try to adjust to a new work environment.

They aren’t always completely honest about their past crane operation experience. They often rush and hurry to attempt to make a good impression. An example I witnessed was the decision to not stop and rehook the chains to balance a 20 ft. long load of bar stock. Instead the operator sat on one end of the load to balance the load as he rode down the crane bay!

New employees are sometimes used as fill ins for multiple locations in the plant. A recent example of the problem caused by this was a work cell where the normal operator knew exactly how to hook up the chains to turn a fabrication. An accident was caused by the load tipping back on the operator. A comment I heard was, “I guess we didn’t know there was a wrong way to do it.”

Some of the basic and most important parts of safe lifting training are not conveyed to the new employees:

1. Don’t stop watching the load when operating controls.
2. Never be under a suspended load! 
3. Know how much the load weighs.
4. Only use rated components.
5. Sharp edges are hazards to nylon slings.
6. Hazards caused by using magnets on thin gauge material.
7. Hooks are not attached properly.
8. Twists in chains can cause overload.
9. Angles of lifts can cause overload.
10. Eye bolt and hoist ring misuse.
11. Don’t use crane to pull slings out from under load.

Morale can suffer in a plant when long time employees see lifting gear that everyone shares being misused and damaged. It is common these days to have language barriers that keep employees from sharing and learning specifics on safe lifting practices. 

New employees need to have basic lifting knowledge to help create a safe working environment.

  Written by Don Cooper, Vice President Sales, WiscoLift, Inc.

Improve Lifting Safety in 3 Easy Steps

We all want safe environments for our workers and associates, but making a study of lifting products, their warnings and application instructions and their inspection methods, can be a time consuming effort.

A costly effort, with little measurable results. On the other hand, failure to implement an efficient, comprehensive lifting safety program can result in tremendous costs, both human and financial.

This article is designed to offer a logical approach for getting lifting under control, making it transparent and manageable.

An unfortunate misconception in the industry is that a sling or hoist purchase is an isolated event, unrelated to any further effort or investment. The truth is that the initial purchase can be the economic “tip of the iceberg.”

For example, let’s say that you purchase a web or chain sling. Cost: $10-$100. Probably not a significant investment. Scarcely worth your time to think about it, except for one thing: You now have the implied responsibility to provide training to the users, to inspect the sling and maintain records of the inspection and finally to provide adequate supervision in the proper use of the sling.

• Cost of Sling?
• Cost of Training?
• Cost of Inspection?
• Cost of Supervision?

Where is the true investment? In the sling, or in the responsibility?

At WiscoLift our commitment is to provide a System Solution in three easy and manageable steps.

Step 1. Get a qualified report on the condition of your lifting equipment. 

Provide a manageable inspection system. Companies have long struggled with the requirements of conducting and recording inspections. WiscoLift can provide you with a complete inspection program for all of your overhead lifting equipment. This report is based on a survey of your equipment conducted by our factory trained and certified inspectors. The inspection is conducted in accordance with OSHA/ASME guidelines.  
The report describes the condition of each piece of lifting equipment inspected. Any equipment recommended for repair or replacement will be identified for disposition.

The smallest of J-hooks to 75-ton chain slings. If you have just a few items or several thousand we can keep it all organized. Plate clamps, magnets, wire rope, chain slings, hardware, lift beams, and vacuum lifts. We also inspect all types and sizes of cranes and hoists. The inspectors record all items by serial number, type of equipment, model number, and a complete description with location in your facility. Pictures of the equipment can be part of the report with pictures of noted problems. Our database also has a feature that enables immediate reporting after the inspection. For a demonstration on how we can work this into your safe lifting program call us at 800-242-3477.  

Step 2. Provide training on the proper use of lifting equipment. 

The major benefit of this interactive training is improved awareness of risk management and lifting safety. The minor benefit is longer equipment service life, obtained through proper usage. This presentation is coupled with years of experience on the part of our trainers. The goal is shop floor knowledge of the proper use of equipment and the inspection techniques required.

ASME B30.9 states: “Sling users shall be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of the environment and rigging practices.” 

Step 3. Assist in risk management supervision and maintenance. 

Our technicians can assist in maintaining electrical and mechanical needs of your lifting equipment. All our technicians carry company cell phones and are always available. Several of our sales territory managers have extensive experience in overhead lifting and the products.

We are only one phone call away to help with your process and product decisions.  

Article written by Joe Padour, District Sales Manager at WiscoLift, Inc.
#LiftingEquipment #Rigging #MaterialHandling

5 Uses for Synthetic Web Slings

When people think of web slings, they often assume they are primarily used for rigging in the construction or manufacturing industries. Since web slings provide superior gripping ability by molding and conforming to any surface, web slings can be used for a large variety of applications that don’t require crane operation. Common uses are:

• Offshore Marine·       
• Industrial Rigging
• Pond Services
• Shipyards
• Arborists

Unlike other sling types, they generally do not mar or scratch machined surfaces and are equally suited for use on delicate surfaces.

WiscoLift has been manufacturing slings since its inception in 1974. Our in-house fabricators inspect each sling as it is made to ensure that the working load limit is not comprised due to improper stitching or fabric deficiencies. In addition to our online web slings, WiscoLift fabricates custom slings to accommodate every type of material handling application.

Material handling equipment dealers and industrial supply distributors who want to offer these products to their customers please contact us to discuss our private label reseller program for web slings as well as other type of lifting slings and custom lifting hooks

If you would like additional information on becoming a Contractor or pricing for custom web slings, please contact our Sales Specialist at 800-242-3477 or email csr@wiscolift.com­.

Help Eliminate COVID-19 Contamination with Hands-Free Door Openers

100% of the manufacturer's profits from sale of the new magnetic foot pull product will be donated to charity.

This hands-free device lets you gently pull or push open latchless doors using the sole of your shoe - so users don’t have to touch potentially contaminated surfaces and can help stop the further spread of germs and bacteria. Perfect for public restrooms and other swing-style doors. Prevents shoe damage and can be used with open toe shoes. Constructed from heavy-duty stainless-steel as a one piece, laser-cut and precision formed unit. Available with either magnetic mount for metal doors, which attaches in seconds and can be repositioned to the perfect spot, or direct through-hole mount for non-metal doors.

View Online: bit.ly/HandsFreeOpener

Features

• Sturdy, one-piece, Stainless Steel construction
• Use the bottom of the shoe, protecting toes
• Indoors or Outdoors
• Powerful magnet mount installs in seconds and can be repositioned
• Direct mount, two mounting holes, 2.75” center line, hardware not
• included
• USA M.A.D.E

For more information, contact our office at 800-242-3477 or email us at csr@wiscolift.com.

Top 3 Chain Sling Rigging Tips

When lifting a load with any type of rigging equipment the balance and weight of your load is a large determining factor on how to lift it safely. Chain slings are commonly used because of their strength and ability to adapt to the shape of the load. In addition, chain slings can be heated to temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit without permanently reducing its strength.

Tip 1: Use An Appropriate Chain Sling

Slings should be selected that are suitable for the type of load, hitch and environment. When using multiple leg slings, the rated load for the single leg sling shall not be exceeded in any leg of the multiple leg sling. When using multiple slings with non-symmetrical loads, a qualified person should make sure that no leg on the chain sling will be overloaded.

If you are working in an environment with exposure to chemicals such as gases or vapors, or working under extreme temperatures, check with the sling manufacturer to learn of any capacity reduction or possible degradation to the sling.

If you are lifting fragile loads, a spreader beam is recommended and corner protectors to prevent damage of the load.

When a load is lifted by a chain sling, the legs of the sling with exert lifting forces to raise it. These forces can crush or deform the load if it cannot withstand these forces.

Tip 2: Inspect Chain Sling Before Using

Only slings fabricated with Grade 80, Grade 100 and higher chain and components are strong enough and can be used for overhead lifting. Check the links to make sure it has the 80, 100 or 120 markings.

All slings should include a tag with the load capacity and hitch capacities on them.

Make sure to check the links of your chain sling before using it because any links that are worn, bent, gouged or stretched can affect the capacity of the sling. Also, the chain should not be twisted or knotted, instead it should be free of any sharp edges or nicks.

Before lifting the load, make sure that every leg of the sling is connected and that the hoist or crane is directly over the load. Never shorten a sling by knotting or twisting the chain. Instead use a chain with an adjuster because these have been designed specifically for shortening the chain.

Written records are not required for frequent inspections (inspection interval less than monthly), however, a complete inspection of the sling is required periodically (normal service interval, not to exceed 1 year). Keep a written record of your periodic inspections in case you ever need them for OSHA inspection purposes.

 "Only slings fabricated with Grade 80, Grade 100,
and higher chain and components are strong enough
to be used for overhead lifting." 

Tip #3: Store Your Sling As A Prized Possession

Your overhead rigging equipment only works as well as it is treated. Slings should be hung in a cabinet, off the floor, away from dirt and grime, and preferably in a place where air can circulate around the chains to keep them dry.

When using chain slings, avoid dragging them on the floor or over abrasive surfaces. Also be alert to possible snagging on materials or the load itself.

For additional rigging tips or questions, please call our office at 800-242-3477 or visit OSHA.gov for specific tips on proper chain sling usage.

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WiscoLift manufacturers 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-leg Grade 100 Chain Slings. View their wide selection of chain slings at WiscoLift.com/Chain-Slings.

Retaining Quality in an Impatient World

Before the computer, we were used to calling up a company to place an order or filling out their order form in the middle of their catalog. The general rule of thumb for deliveries was 4-6 weeks. We expected that and so we planned accordingly. If we needed something sooner, we’d trek off to the local store to purchase what we needed and usually had one or two choices, so we took what we could get.

How things have changed. Now we expect to be able to get products shipped to us overnight, delivered to our door, and some of us even want to order without having to speak to anyone. The easier the better. Has the quality of fabricated products suffered because of the expectancy of manufacturing products faster, cheaper, and with less attention to detail?

At WiscoLift, we refuse to compromise quality for expediency. While we have a variety of roundslings and web slings in stock to ship out immediately, our recovery straps and chain slings are fabricated when an order is received. Since we are considered a small company by government agency standards (less than 500 employees), we employ local residents and train them to produce high quality products that adhere to ANSI/ASME standards. We may not fit perfectly in the context of an impatient world, but we are proud of the quality workmanship that comes from our facility and think you may agree that “you get what you pay for.”

For more information on our fabricated web slings, recovery straps, and chain slings, visit us at WiscoLift.com or call our office at 800-242-3477.

#materialhandling #manufacturing #fabrication #slings 

Are You Interested In Collaborative Robots?

As you probably know, many companies are now integrating collaborative robots into their operations to increase efficiency. Especially for manual, redundant tasks. We are considering adding two types of Collaborative Robots into our line of material handling solutions. First is a Mobile Robot which looks like an AGV, however, it is sensor-driven and self navigating. It moves items from one location to another and automatically stops, turns and goes around objects in its direct path. No facility modifications are needed with the installation of this AIV (Automated Intelligent Vehicle). Second, the TM Series takes human-machine collaboration to the next level. This robot has a built-in vision system. The integrated camera localizes objects in a wide field of vision and the image-enhancement light enables object recognition under almost any conditions. It can pick up items and place them elsewhere. And, these two robots can be combined together to create a total integrated solution.

Mobile Robot Link: https://automation.omron.com/en/us/products/families/mobile-robots?filters=type==product&filters=category==mobile-robots&page=1&pageSize=10

Collaborative Robot Arm Link: https://automation.omron.com/en/us/products/families/collaborative-robots?filters=type==product&filters=category==collaborative-robots&page=1&pageSize=10

If you are interested in meeting to discuss ways a collaborative robot can increase productivity at your facility, please contact your Sales Representative or Rod Fisk at 800-242-3477. You may also email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com if you would like a representative to call you back.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Whether you are installing a new overhead crane or upgrading an existing one, WiscoLift’s Collision Avoidance Systems are cost effective, and are fitted to meet your individual material handling requirements.

Collision Avoidance Systems comprise distance sensors that transmit a light beam onto a reflective target. The target returns a signal to the sensor that computes the distance and following pre-set parameters prevents the equipment from colliding. They are often used where multiple cranes are on a single runway, or wherever a single crane is to be prevented from running into runway ends stops or other obstacle. They help to prevent accidents by preventing cranes and other material handling equipment from coming into contact. They can be used to automatically slow cranes and/or stop them are pre-programmed distances from an obstacle.

Overhead crane installations do not automatically include collision avoidance; this is an option that should be considered whenever there are multiple cranes on a runway or when any kind of crane travel impact is to be avoided.

For additional information or pricing on a Collision Avoidance System for your existing overhead cranes, please call our office at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Is Your Industrial Workplace a Safety Hazard?

What does OSHA constitute as a workplace safety violation? Any identifiable hazard that prohibits a safe work environment for an employee. Let’s look at a few violations that should be obvious, but are routinely missed.

Top Violations

• New employees are not properly trained on equipment and/or safety procedures.
• Barricades are not used to warn people of slippery surfaces.
• Guard rails are not used around elevated platforms or floor holes.
• Protective equipment such as glasses and gloves are not used appropriately or at all.
• Fall protection/prevention is inadequate for the employee’s job and/or not used at all when operating equipment such as an aerial lift truck.
• Overhead lifting and rigging equipment is not inspected prior to using it each day/shift.
• Machinery is not adequately locked and tagged out when maintenance is required.

Were you able to check off any of these violations?

OSHA recommends that all companies have a health and safety program to help eliminate accidents in the workplace. Accidents end up costing the company loss of day’s work and possible OSHA fines if violations are not resolved.

“Responsible employers know that the main goal of a safety and health program is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and their employers.” OSHA.gov

Make Safety a High Priority

Developing a new program may seem like an overwhelming task, however, OSHA provides an informative document called Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs. Once downloaded, it will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the key elements and steps in having an in-house safety program.

Remember, the first and most important step in developing a safety and health program is making sure that management will commit to it and set it as a high priority within the company. 

https://www.wiscolift.com/collections/training

Is Work a Pain in the Back? Try an Ergonomic Lift/Tilt Table

In manufacturing, warehouse and industrial settings, material handling requires employees to lift, move, and tilt materials repeatedly. To assist, there are several reasonably priced, portable, and ergonomic lifters to assist with repositioning. One of the most versatile is a hydraulic powered Lift/Tilt Table. With capacities between 1,000-6,000 lbs., lift tables can be used for pallets, offloading, product, assembly, repair, and to bridge different conveyor levels.

Tables are typically stationary but can be easily fitted with optional casters; two swivel and two fixed, a self-propelling handle, or a semi-portable dolly handle. There are a large variety of tops; extra wide, ball transfer, roller conveyor and tilt tables. These optional tops allow additional uses within company workstation cells.

Set-up for Safety

Before selecting a Lift Table, the employee(s) should be observed to see the various types of movements necessary and then plan accordingly. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) provides an equation to assess lifting conditions. This equation uses six factors that have been determined to influence lifting difficulty; 1) Asymmetry (twisting), 2) Coupling (grip on load), 3) Lifting Frequency, 4) Horizontal Location of Hands (start to finish), 5) Vertical Location (from floor), and 6) Travel Distance of Load. For more information, please see OSHA’s Technical Manual.

Lift/Tilt tables should be at a height so that the employee can stand fully upright or in a fully supported, seated position. The object should be to eliminate the employee having to bend, twist or pull products, all of which can lead to back pain and injury.

As with any type of industrial equipment, consider purchasing safety features to avoid any mishaps. Bellow skirting, safety tape switch, safety touch bars, and toe guards may be added to the table to ensure safety.

With the right set-up, Lift Tables and Tilters can provide a healthier work environment and increased productivity.

For more information on Lift Tables and Tilters, call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email smartlift@wiscolift.com. Remember, “Working Safe is Working Smart.”

Are You and Your Rigging Operators Lifting Responsibly?

According to ASME B30.20, both the owner of a lifting device (the company) and its operator are responsible for certain guidelines when lifting below-the-hook devices.

EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Establish /Verify Equipment Safety - In order to ensure that below-the-hook equipment meets ASME standards an Equipment Inspection/Testing/Maintenance Program should be put into place. All equipment should be regularly inspected, tested and maintained so that it is in proper working order and records maintained.

2.     Use Proper Lifting Devices - Make sure that proper lifting devices are being used for a particular lifting application and that they are being used correctly according to the operating manual.

3.     Provide All Applicable Documentation - The operator should have access to operating instructions on all below-the-hook devices that provide field assembly, disassembly, operation and maintenance, and warning decals and placards installed by the manufacturer. In addition, all inspection, testing and maintenance records should be available to view before the operator lift.

4.     Use Qualified, Experienced Operators - The operator shall be instructed in the use of the devise by a designated person and should have knowledge and experience in applications and adjustments to loads, equipment shift inspection, load capacity, standard hand signals, and other overhead lifting requirements by ASME. For complete list, see ASME B30.20-3.4.2 Qualifications.

5.     Assess Lifting Conditions - Since adverse conditions can affect the lifting load, take conditions into account such as extreme temperatures, lighting, wind, precipitation or fog. The manufacturer’s recommendations should be used if conditions are questionable.

OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Perform Visual Inspection and Test Controls - Make a visual inspection of hardware to make sure that all equipment is safe to use and test the lifting device controls that will be used to make sure they are working correctly. If any equipment is unsafe it should be reported and taken immediately out of service. ASME Section 20-3.3 states that the following should be inspected before and/or during every lift for indication of damage:

Lifting Magnets

-          Lifting magnet face and surface of the load for foreign materials and smoothness

-          Control handles of manually controlled permanent magnet

-          Condition and operation of indicators and meters

Vacuum Lifters & Mechanical Lifting Devices

-          Surface of the load for debris

-          Seal of the vacuum pad for debris

-          Condition and operation of the controls

-          Condition and operation of the indicators, meters and pumps

2.     Consider All Lifting Factors - Consider anything that may affect the load such as weather, temperature, or type of load. Ensure that all lifting operations are performed in a smooth, controlled manner and that all personnel are clear of the lifting area.

3.     Check Equipment Documentation - Check inspection/maintenance records to see if there have been any problems with the existing equipment and check other equipment documentation if necessary, for proper procedures, assembly, disassembly and rigging of the device.

4.     Lockout/Tag Procedures - Understand lockout/tagout procedures should equipment need to be taken out of service.

5.     Lifting Communication - Respond to designated people during the load lift. A STOP order should be followed regardless of who issues it.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Check Manufacturer’s Tolerances

You will find that different manufacturers offer the same lifting device but they can have different load ratings and tolerances. If you are not sure, check the manual before lifting.

Check Welded/Altered Equipment

All equipment that has been welded/altered should have identification stating the name and address of the repairer and include information on what was welded/altered. Equipment must be repaired and labeled by a qualified company or it should be taken out of service.

Always Use As Directed

Always use below-the-hook devices as they are intended. Danger always exists when loads are transported, especially when equipment is not properly maintained or safety precautions are not taken. Remember that proper lifting is the owner and the operator’s responsibility.

If you or your operators need overhead operator or inspection training we offer online training modules at: https://www.wiscolift.com/collections/training. For additional information, contact us at smartlift@wiscolift.com or call 800-242-3477.

Remember, “Working Safe is Working Smart!”

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.