4 Tips To Safely Handling a Plate Clamp

plate clampPlate clamps whether a vertical plate lifting clamp or a horizontal clamp need to be operated carefully.

They need to hold heavy loads, which means it’s crucial to understand how to work with these tools safely. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most effective are

They need to hold heavy loads, which means it’s crucial to understand how to work with these tools safely. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most effective are:

Follow Plate Clamp Thickness Identification
Plate clamps are designed to lift the thickness of plates that are identified by the manufacturer. This will be shown in the form of an identification plate on the clamp itself. These clamps must never be used to lift plates less than or greater than the thickness that has been identified. To do otherwise might risk an injury to you or damage to the product. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid safety hazards.

Only Ever Lift One Plate
A plate clamp should only ever be used to lift a single plate at a time. The only exception to this rule is if you are lifting a stack of plates, horizontally, with two or four clamps, distributing the weight. Lifting more than one vertically with a single clamp could lead to an injury, or to a damaged product as the plates will slip out and fall.

Be Careful In Elevated And Outdoor Areas
The wind can act against you in these areas if you’re lifting steel plates with a plate clamp. The plate will act as a sail and pick up the wind load, causing it to swing out of control. This could result in the loss of a load and a potential hazard to those underneath it. If you are going to be lifting in these environments, widen the range of the “fall zone,” and keep everyone out from it.

Center The Plate
Place the plate clamp directly above the plate’s center of gravity, to keep it in balance. A plate that hangs out too much can put stress on one side of the clamp and cause slippage. This will lead to a loss of load, and the plate falling.

These are just a few of many important tips to follow if you’re going to be loading or unloading steel plates with a plate clamp. Make sure you follow safety instructions carefully and use your best judgment when handling this equipment.


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