Operational Instructions – Telescopic Spreader Beams
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The Tandemloc Below the Hook Lifters, including the Telescopic Spreader Beam products, is governed by ASME B30.20 and the scope of this standard contains provisions that apply to the construction, installation, inspections, testing, maintenance, and operation of Below the Hook Lifters. Use of Below the Hook Lifters is inherently dangerous and requires operators to have training as described in Section 20-1.4 of ASME B30.20. All users of Below the Hook Lifters should have training and have reviewed ASME B30.20.
Structural lifter types are partially shown in of ASME B30.20 figure 20-1.1-1. Adjustability of various lifters is accomplished in a variety of methods. The Tandemloc Telescopic Spreader Beam utilizes square tubing that are of different, but close in size, allowing the smaller of the tubes to slide into the larger, effectively nesting within. Secure positions are maintained, once adjusted, by incremental holes along the length of the tubes and a Positioning Pin inserted through both tubes. This pin is of sufficient strength to accept the axial loading resulting when the lift is accomplished.
Relative positioning of the inner tube and outer tube give the spreader beam the ability to accommodate the spread range defined by the design. To change the operational spread of the spreader beam the operator must;
- Set the spreader beam down and remove all load from the Top Rigging.
- Load is removed when the top rigging, (wire rope, chain or webbing), shows slack.
- We recommend setting the lifter on stands or on the ground for smaller, lower WLL lifters.
- Remove the positioning pin.
- If the pin does not have free movement within the positioning holes it may be necessary to move the inner tube slightly until free movement of the pin within the adjustment holes exists.
- Carefully slide the inner tube in or out to achieve the required spread length.
- Please note that most telescopic spreader beams do not have any mechanism preventing the inner tube from being removed from the outer tube although there is overlap between the inner and outer tube designed into the lifter to allow safe positioning at the “fully extended” spread length.
- Align the necessary positioning holes and reinsert the Positioning Pin.
- Safe operation requires that the Positioning Pin be inserted and secured before the spreader beam is lifted utilizing the Top Rigging.
- If alignment holes on the outer tube and inner tube are not sufficiently aligned to insert the Positioning Pin, then a smaller diameter roundbar can be used to move the inner tube alignment hole to a better aligned location by using a prying motion.
- The inner and outer tube can move suddenly and move further than expected while attempting to slide the inner tube. Care should always be used when adjusting the spread.
- Larger lifters, either longer maximum spreads or greater maximum WLL, may require the use of mechanical assistance to slide the inner tube due to weight and friction. This could be by using a forklift or crane attached sling in a choker configuration to lift the inner tube from the stand. Repositioning the tube should be done manually with manpower from the end of the inner tube pad eye or mechanically with a forklift. Take all care to keep hands and feet away from any potential pinch points.
- At no time should the operator’s hands or feet be placed in the alignment holes or near the location of the outer tube/inner tube Pad Eye pinch point.
- Once the Positioning Pin is properly inserted and securing hairpin in place please follow the standard practice of a test lift of several inches to verify no other issues exist with the lifter before engaging a load.
