LIFTING EQUIPMENT ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE SAFE USE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT SECTION § - BEAM CLAMPS. This section should be read in conjunction with section 1 - general requirements. CONTENTS 8.0 Foreword 81 Scope 8.2. Definitions 8.3. Types of beam clamp 8.4 Principles for the selection of beam clamps 8.5 Information which should be exchanged between the user and the designer or supplier 8.6 Legal requirements 8.7 Installation and commissioning 8.8 Marking, storage and handling 8.9__ In-service inspection and maintenance 8.10. Safe use of beam clamps 8.11 Training 8.0 FOREWORD Beam clamps provide a ready means of attaching lifting appliances to suitable structural steelwork. BS EN 13155: 2003 - Cranes - Safety — Non fixed load lifting attachments, is a Harmonised European standard and includes clamps of all kinds, Previous to that there was no British Standard dealing specifically with beam clamps and they were normally proprietary items which vary widely in design. It is not therefore possible in a general purpose code to cover every variation and for certain designs special precautions or instructions may apply. The manufacturer's or supplier’s instructions should always be sought and followed. 8.1 SCOPE 8.11 This section deals with the use of beam clamps intended as a means of suspending lifting appliances from suitable steel sections. B12 Devices used for attaching to beams to facilitate the lifting and handling of the beam are specifically excluded as are devices which are intended to support a load only and not be used in conjunction with a lifting appliance eg pipe support clips, cable support clips. 8.2 DEFINITIONS In addition to the definitions given in section 1 subsection 1.2 of this code, the following should be noted: 8.2.1 Beam Clamp For the purposes of this code, a beam clamp is a device designed to attach to a suitable steel beam section to provide a means of suspension fora lifting appliance. 8.2.2 Beam ‘A beam is any structural steel section provided it is suitable for the purpose of lifting (See section 1, appendix 1.4) Edition 6 — May 2006 &18.3 TYPES OF BEAM CLAMP 83.1 Adjustable type Beam Clamps ‘An adjustable type beam clamp, as the name implies, is adjustable to fit beams of various size. Some, such as the type illustrated in figure 8.1 are self adjusting whilst others, such as the type shown in figure 8.2, require the operative to make the adjustment. In addition there are some designs which, while not adjustable, will nevertheless accommodate beams of various size and may therefore be conveniently placed in this class, eg figure 8.3. Depending on the design, adjustable clamps are only capable to adjustment within specific limits and are therefore manufactured in a series of size ranges. Figure 8.1 Figure 8.2 Figure 8.3 8.3.2 Non-adjustable Type Beam Clamps ‘A non-adjustable type beam clamp is suitable for one size of beam only. Within this class will be found many of the ‘one off” clamps purpose made for a particular beam. A typical example is shown in figure 8.4. 82 Edition 6 - May 2006Figure 8.4 8.4 PRINCIPLES FOR THE SELECTION OF BEAM CLAMPS 8.4.1 Safe Working Load The safe working load of the clamp selected should allow for the weight of the lifting appliance and any other tackle which will be suspended from it. Under normal conditions of use, ie where there are no hazardous conditions (see section 1, paragraph 1.2.15) the safe working load will be the same as the working load limit. When used in conjunction with sheave blocks, due allowance should be made for the downward pull on the effort rope in establishing the safe working load. (See section 1 - appendix 1.4) 8.4.2 Contact with the Beam The clamp should contact the beam in such a manner that the beam flange is not subject to local overload. This applies particularly to beams of light section where the flange is wide and thin. 8.4.3 Temporary Applications For temporary rigging applications, either an adjustable or non-adjustable clamp may be used providing it is suitable for the particular beam and loading. It is frequently found however that the adjustable type is more convenient as it can be readily attached or detached without tools. 8.4.4 Clamps Left In-situ Certain designs of clamp rely upon the load to provide the clamping force and, if left upon the beam without other equipment attached, may be easily displaced and thus fall. In addition, some designs rely upon the top hook or shackle of the lifting appliance to lock them in place, Clamps which rely ‘upon other equipment in this way should not be selected for applications when it is intended to leave the clamp in place without the other equipment. 8.4.5 Line of Loading Many designs of clamp are intended for ‘in line’ use only - ie the line of force must be at right angles to the flange of the beam to which it is attached (See figure 8.5) It is therefore important to ensure that for ‘angled’ applications (See figure 8.6) a clamp of suitable design is selected. Edition 6 - May 2006 8:3<= The line of force is at right angles to the plane of the beam flange. Many clamps are designed for ‘in-line’ use only. Figure 8.5 In-line application 7H ‘The line of force is not at right angles to the plane of the beam flange. Use only clamps which are designed to permit such a loading fin doubt, refer to the manufacturer. Ensure also that the beam is adequate for the angled loading. Figure 8.6 ‘Angled applications 8.4.6 Documentation When selecting a beam clamp, ensure that it is covered by the necessary documentation required by legislation (EC Declaration of Conformity or report of thorough examination as appropriate see subsection 8.6) If this is not on record refer the clamp to a Competent Person for thorough examination, 84 Edition 6 - May 20068.5 INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE USER AND THE DESIGNER OR SUPPLIER The following is the minimum amount of information which should be exchanged between the user and the designer or supplier. (1) Details of the beam to which the clamp is to be attached. These details must be sufficient to fully identify the particular rolled section or, in the case of a fabricated section, the various elements from which it is manufactured, This information is required to ensure that the clamp fits correctly onto the beam. Figure 8.7 indicates the information required. Parallel or 2° 52' Flange — SP ors? “YT Taper Flange B we Figure 8.7 (2) The maximum weight of the load to be lifted including the weight of the hoist and any other tackle used, together with any other forces which may be superimposed on the load. (3) The intended application, including information on the angle and plane in which the load is to be applied, and whether the installation is to be temporary or permanent. (4) Environmental considerations, such as extremes of temperature or corrosive atmospheres. (5) The type of attachment point required (eg shackle, ring, etc) or dimensions of the equipment which is to be attached to the beam clamp. 8.6 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Particular attention is drawn to section 1 subsection 1.3 of this code. 8.6.1 The definition of lifting equipment used in LOLER includes “its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it’. However, it is the opinion of LEEA that although beam clamps fit this definition their nature and use, particularly those designed for temporary applications, is akin to lifting accessories. It is therefore recommended that they be included in the examination regime as lifting accessories. Unless a written scheme of examination, drawn up by a Competent Person, is in place and operating they should be thoroughly examined by a Competent Person at intervals not exceeding 6 months. Reports of thorough examination should be retained and cross referenced to the equipment’s historical records for inspection by the Competent Person or HSE. For some applications it may also be necessary to have the installation thoroughly examined by a Competent Person before the beam clamp is put into service. (See subsection 8.7 and section 1 subsection 1.3 paragraph 1.3.5.7) Edition 6 ~ May 2006 858.6.2 Following repair, beam clamps must be re-verified by a Competent Person, The report of the verification should be retained and cross referenced to the clamps historical records for inspection by the Competent Person or HSE. Note: Although not required by legislation, new beam clamps will usually be issued with a manufacturer's record of proof load testing in addition to, although possibly combined with, the EC Declaration of Conformity. This document forms an important part of the record of the clamp. It should be retained and cross referenced to the clamp’s historical records for inspection by the Competent Person or HSE. 8.7 INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING 8.7.1 Erection of the clamps (1) _ Itis essential to ensure that the structure from which the clamp(s) is suspended is undamaged and adequate for the load it is intended to carry. The load includes the weight of the clamp(s) together with any attachments. (2) Ensure that the clamp is of a suitable type for the particular application. ) Ensure that the clamp is of the right size for the beam upon which itis to be used. ) Ensure that the clamp is seated correctly in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and that all fastenings are secure. It should be noted that different designs of clamp are located in different ways and it is imperative that the clamp is correctly adjusted so that it locates in the correct way. In particular, care should be taken to ensure that the suspension point is correctly located relative to the beam. (See figure 8.8) (5) Ensure that any ancillary attachments (shackles, ete) are of suitable dimensions and safe working load. Centreline of suspension point should align with centreline of beam. Figure 8.8 8.7.2 Pre-use Inspection/Thorough Examination ‘The degree of pre-use inspection or thorough examination required will to some degree depend on the type of clamp used and the installation conditions. Some types of clamp are designed and intended for temporary installation by the user to a suitable beam, eg in maintenance applications. It is therefore the user’s responsibility to ensure the adequacy and suitability of the beam. It will usually be sufficient for a Responsible Person to inspect the installation prior to use to ensure it is correctly fitted. Other types of clamp are designed and intended for more permanent installations, often requiring an amount of dismantling and reassembly, which may call for a higher degree of examination to be made by a Competent Person (See subsection 8.6) 86 Edition 6 ~ May 2006Where the Competent Person deems a proof test is necessary as a part of his thorough examination, the test load applied will be governed by the limitations of the overall installation, the test load for which may differ from that of the clamp. The proof load for beam clamps will usually be twice the WLL, unless the manufacturer's instructions state otherwise. 8.8 MARKING, STORAGE AND HANDLING 8.8.1 Marking Each beam clamp should be permanently and legibly marked with the following information: (1) Identification mark. (2) Safe working load (3) Width of beam for which the clamp is designed or, in the case of an adjustable clamp, the range of widths and the section of beam if applicable. (4) Toe thickness of beam if applicable. ‘The marking should be either by means of a suitable metal tab permanently attached or by stamping, provided that no mechanical property of the clamp is significantly impaired. 8.8.2 Storage and Handling Alll beam clamps other than those fixed permanently in position should, after use, be retumed to safe storage. The general requirements arc essentially as recommended in section 1 of this code, ie the storage area should be dry, free from injurious pollution and extremes of temperature, together with the following: (1) Equipment returned to storage should be checked by a Responsible Person to ensure that itis in good order and that all parts of a clamp are present. It is particularly important in the case of clamps which require dismantling for erection or adjustment to ensure that all the individual parts are the correct ones and that substitutions have not been made. 2) When being handled, clamps should not be dropped or thrown down. Any fasteners used to assemble the clamp should be reassembled immediately after the removal of a clamp from the beam. 8.9 IN-SERVICE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE 8.9.1 In-service Inspection In addition to the thorough examination required by statutory provisions, all beam clamps should be visually inspected by a Responsible Person prior to use or on a regular basis, taking account of the conditions of service. If any of the following faults are present, the clamp should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person: (1) In the case of ¢ clamp in-situ, distortion of beam to which clamp is attached. @) _ Distortion of any part of the clamp. (3) Cracks especially at bends or changes of section, nicks, gouges and corrosion. (4) Wear at application and suspension points, pins, pivots and other moving parts. (S)__ Insecure locking arrangements including substitute nuts and bolts where used. (©) Mlegidle safe working load or other markings. In addition, for clamps in-situ, if either of the following faults are found the appropriate actions should be taken: (1) Clamp of incorrect profile and/or width for the beam. Replace clamp with one of the correct width and profile. (2) Incorrect fitting of any hook, shackle, etc used for attaching other lifting equipment to the clamp. (Other equipment attached to the clamp should be securely retained within the fixing and free to align itself under load). Exchange clamp and/or other lifting equipment for equipment which is compatible, or insert additional linkage of suitable capacity and which will correct the defect. Edition 6 — May 2006 878.9.2 Maintenance In addition to the inspection work listed above, clamps should at appropriate intervals be thoroughly cleaned and any moving parts lubricated unless manufacturers instructions indicate otherwise. 8.10 SAFE USE OF BEAM CLAMPS In addition to any specific instructions relating to the safe use of the clamp issued by the manufacturer, the following points should be observed: (2) __Itis essential to note that most beam clamps are only suitable for in line use. Therefore unless the manufacturer's instructions indicate that loading at other angles is permitted, care should be taken to ensure that only in line loading occurs. (2) Where two or more clamps are used for one lift, it may be necessary to use them in conjunction with suitable ancillary equipment, eg a spreader beam in order to comply with (1) above. (3) When two or more clamps are used for one lift, care should be taken to ensure that no one clamp will be subjected to a load greater than its own safe working load. For guidance on multipoint lifting see section 1, paragraph 1.8.2.6. 8.11 TRAINING In addition to the training requirements specified in section 1, subsection 1.9 of this code, operative training should take the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use into account, paying particular attention to the following: (1) Due to the application for which the beam clamps are used, the operative may frequently be the person who selects and installs the clamp. It is therefore recommended in such cases that all applicable information be available to the operative including this Code of Practice and the ‘manufacturer's instructions. Operatives whose job it is to erect clamps should be trained in the correct method of assembly and fitting the clamp. (2) Operatives whose job it is to erect such clamps should be made aware of which part of the structures available are suitable for attachment to and what they are capable of supporting, 88 Edition 6 - May 2006