Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Act, Regulation and Code 2021

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.20-2018, Below the Hook Lifting Devices, Chapter 20-1 Structural and Mechanical Lifting Devices.

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Horizontal Clamp.

Manufacturer's referenced standards

Users must be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Horizontal Clamps

Can you proved users are competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Horizontal Clamps ?

If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Horizontal Clamps they must have direct supervision from a competent worker

If not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Horizontal Clamps do users have direct supervision ?

Do you have documented policies and procedures in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Horizontal Clamps?

An employer must identify responsibilities for the user of a Horizontal Clamp.

The use of Horizontal Clamps can create hazardous situations

Have Supervisors taken all precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under the Supervisors supervision.

Have Suppliers ensured the equipment supplied is in a safe operating condition, and that it complies with this Act, regulation and the OHS Code  

What are the manufacturer's design factors for the Horizontal Clamp you are using ?

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with the manufacturer's name and contact information

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with a serial number

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its weight if over 100lbs (45kg)

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its cold current amps (when applicable)

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its rated voltage (when applicable)

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its rated load

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its ASME BTH-1 Design Category

A Horizontal Clamp must be marked with its ASME BTH-1 Service Class

A Horizontal Clamp must have attached product safety labels according to ANZI Z535.4 - 2011

What are the training requirements for Horizontal Clamp users ?

How does your company monitor the training requirements for Horizontal Clamps?

How have users been trained in the requirements for Horizontal Clamps?

Training records should be kept to show users were trained in the requirements for Horizontal Clamps.

Manufacturer's specifications for the Horizontal Clamps must be available to users

Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Horizontal Clamps kept ?

How do you ensure users are familiar with the manufacturer's specifications?

Have employers identified hazards associated with the use of Horizontal Clamps?

Have users identified the hazards associated with the use of Horizontal Clamps?

All new and reinstalled Horizontal Clamps shall be inspected by a designated person prior to initial use

All altered or repaired Horizontal Clamps shall be inspected by a designated person

How often are every lift inspections completed ?

What must be checked on an every lift inspection ?

How often are frequent inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a frequent inspection ?

How often are periodic inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a periodic inspection ?

All Horizontal Clamps must have a documented periodic inspection completed by a qualified person

All Horizontal Clamps that have been idle for a period of one month or more must be given a frequent inspection

How does your company identify a Horizontal Clamp has had a periodic inspection ?

Damaged or inoperable controls

Damaged or inoperable indicators and meters if installed

Structural members that are deformed, cracked or have excessive wear

Loose or missing guards, fasterners, bolts, covers, stops or nameplates

Misadjustment of functional operating mechanisms and automatic hold-and-release mechanisms that interfere with the Horizontal Clamps operation

Cracked or worn gears, pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, bearings, chains and belts.

Excessive wear of friction pads, linkages, and other mechanical parts

Excessive wear at hoist hooking ponts and load support clevises or pins.

Horizontal Clamps shall only be operated by qualified personnel, which includes, designated persons, trainees under the supervision of designated persons, maintenance and test personnel, and inspectors.

Rated loads cannot be exceeded

Loads must be correctly distributed

Horizontal Clamps shall not be used to handle any loads for which they are not designed

Horizontal Clamps shall be applied to the load in accordance with their instruction manuals

Before operating lifting ropes or chains must not be kinks or twisted around each other

Load temperature should not exceed the allowable maximum

What is the minimum and maximum temperature the Horizontal Clamp can be exposed to ?

Horizontal Clamp swinging should be kept to a minimum

Shock loading must be avoided

Mechanical damage must be avoided

Do not stand or pass under a suspended load

Do not ride on a Horizontal Clamp

Do not use the Horizontal Clamp to side pull or slide a load

Suspended loads must not be left unattended

Before adjustments are started all sources of power must be disconnected, locked out, and tagged "Out of Servce"

Before repairs the Horizontal Clamp must be tagged "Out of Servce"

Only Qualified persons shall perform adjustments and tests

Only Qualified persons, or those under the direction of a qualifed person shall perform adjustments and repairs

Replacement parts must be at least equal to the original manufacturer's specifications

Any hazardous condition disclosed during inspection must be corrected before normal operation of the Horizontal Clamp is resumed

After adjustments and repairs the Horizontal Clamp must not be returned to service until it has been inspected

Dated records of repairs and replacements should be made

Misconception 1. If you have attended a training course you are a competent rigger.

Training is only one part of being competent to carry out your job, you must also be adequately qualified and have sufficient experience.

Misconception 2. Horizontal Clamps can be used for lifting flexible loads.

As the length or width of the load increases the load begins to deflect and bend and can slip out of the lifters jaws. Refer to manufacturer instructions for restrictions the horizontal clamp may have.

Misconception 3. The rating on Horizontal Clamps are for each individual device.

Horizontal Clamps are commonly rated in pairs as this is the correct way to use them. Always consult the manufacturers specifications to insure proper ratings.

Misconception 4. Horizontal Clamps can be attached at all horizontal angles.

The sling angle that the horizontal clamps can be used at may vary depending on the style and manufacturer, always consult the manufacturer charts to insure proper application and angles.