Posted By Steve Fitzpatrick In simple terms, are beam clamps banned for use on lifting horizontal steel beams? We are using these at present. The slinger marks the center of gravity on the beam, attaches the clamp, screws it tight and lifts the beams without any problems to date. We are now being told because of an accident 5-6 years ago these are no longer used? However, I have been advised they are used on several large principal contractors sites including Terminal 5? I am being told only the Dawson type clamps which fit through pre-drilled holes should be used? I agree these are probably best and should where possible be specified at design stage and pre-drilled during fabrication. So can / are screw type beam clamps widely used at present or not?

Posted By Alan Woodage Steve, I can see the issue here, if using the screw clamp type beam clamp then there is a greater potential for the load to slip if it is not square on the beam and tightened correctly. The other self clamping type are more of a hazard if the beam is bumped and the then slips. why would you use single point lifting? Also it comes back to risk is the load being moved at floor level or hoisted several meters above other operatives. A pair of double choked chains or slings for me, every time.

Posted By hill Steve, I have an old copy of The Erector's Manual from a past life. This was regarded as the bible as far as steel erection arguments. There is no mention of using inverted beam clamps for lifting, due to the points raised by Alan. I was taught that the safest way to lift steel was by a double wrapped chain crossing over itself at the top (which is crucial to avoid any slack) and using a "C or Liverpool hook" back to the leg. In recent years I've seen the increased use of nylon slings (which do grip better" but are extremely prone to being cut and which i view as bad practice. Dawson clamps are excellent for erecting columns or stanchions and are seen as best practice. Most reputable fabrication and erection firms nowadays use lifting shackles connected by a swivel coupling to a 10.9 bolt. Two holes are drilled at the fabrication stage dead centre of the beam and the lifting shackle bolts are inserted and a nut screwed on. The beam is then lifted with chain brothers, again seen as best practice. The reason your guys are using a beam clamp is that it is quicker and avoids the need for getting on your knees to feed the chain under the piece. It also has the effect of keeping the piece level in 2 horizontal planes thus making it easier to fix the connection. I have worked for most of the big erection outfits and using beam clamps would be seen a bad practice, But there would always be the odd occasion when it could be seen allowable same goes for webbing.

Posted By John Murgatroyd Beam clamps: Used on small, light weight beams in a workshop. Not used on site as many site agents won't allow them. Chains: Used to lift the majority of beams. Inspected every six months, so unlikely to be in use if damaged. Worked in steel fabrication for 25 years, never seen a chain failure yet. Drilling holes in the centre: Hardly ever used. Need an engineer to ok it anyway, as many beams would be severely de-rated by having unused holes in the centre. Polyester strops: Personally, I don't like them but others do. inspected every six months as per chains. This is an insurance requirement, and the inspectors of the lifting gear are sent BY the insurers.

Posted By Eddie Campbell Steve Depends very much on the type of clamp employed. Not all beam clamps are designed to be used for the operation you describe. I have used the type of clamp described in this link http://www.superclamp.co...l_super_clamps/index.cfm for many years with no problems at all. Prior to using this type we used another type of clamp. After an incident where one of these clamp slipped we found that the particular clamp we were using was only recommended for attaching the chain block to the over head beam and not for attaching the beam to the chain block hook. http://www.superclamp.co.../girder_clamps/index.cfm If that makes any sense! Eddie

Posted By Steve Fitzpatrick Also thanks to the other replies which were very helpful