How to Be Safe with Spreader Beams

In major ports, just as at huge constructions sites, cranes have to lift massive amounts of weight on a daily basis.  This might include everything reinforced concrete for a parking garage or a shipping container full of new stereos from Japan.  When the loads are moved around, the procedure has to be precise for everyone’s safety and for the effectiveness of the job itself.  That’s why there are devices like spreader beams, also known as yokes.

These yokes are bars of metal that have a series of cables or ropes extended from a horizontal shaft below the boom of a crane.  The various ropes and cables balance the load of a heavy object, so it won’t swing, and so the contents shipping container won’t shift or get damaged as they are moved.   Other key tools like good hooks and slings are necessary.  Container spreader beams fit shipping containers that are 20 feet long or 40 feet long, the two standard lengths.  There are various models, ranging from a working load limit, or WLL, of 5 tons, up to one that is suitable for lifting 42 tons.  That’s a lot of stereos.

Because spreader beams deal with great deal of weight, safety is one of the prime concerns of the crane operator.  For example, they need to make sure a shipping container is intact and its load is balanced, then ensure the doors are closed.  They will also take care to use their slings and hooks appropriately.  Being methodical with this equipment is the only way to operate.

Safety is the key when operating lifting slings

The most important factor a person should consider while purchasing, operating or maintain a lifting sling is safety. One must regularly examine and inspect chains and lifting slings in order to watch for signs of wear and tear that could be fatal.

While choosing a lifting strap or slings, a person must make sure to check all the safety guidelines associated with the sling. This will increase the protection level that is being provided to the workers associated with the process. On the other hand, while operating lifting slings construction workers should focus on all their equipments.  Attention paid to safety while operation can bring down the number of accidents to a great level.

A lifting sling is used for a particular purpose and load. Always choose a sling that suits all the requirements. On the other hand, the load prescribed by the supplier should not be exceeded in any condition. Exceeding the weight limit of a sling can severely compromise the safety of the job site.

The workers operating the lifting sling should be trained in the task. A lay man handling a lifting sling with a huge load can be a danger to the lives of the people present at the work site.

Purchasing a snatch block

Snatch blocks can at times be very handy. If you are going out in order to cover a long distance then it is very essential to carry a snatch block with you. Who knows what the roads are going to offer.

A Snatch block is a tool, which ought to be kept in your vehicles all the time. They become very useful at times when the vehicle gets stuck or needs winching due to some other reason. They simply make winching an easier thing. In case you are missing out one in your vehicle, wise thing will be to get one straight away.

Now, as we know purchasing anything in the contemporary world in no less than a battle in itself. There are so many things to be kept in consideration, such as quality, genuineness, type of material used, price etc.

Before you go out to buy a snatch block, understand the fact that there are thousands of sellers waiting and most of them will offer products of low quality. However, if you stick to the very basics of purchasing rules then buying a good snatch block won’t be any tougher.

Here are some things that may guide you to the right products.

1. Referrals from people, including family, friends and even acquaintances, who already own a snatch block.
2. Internet reviews about different suppliers posted by existing or former customers. 
3. Checking the Price comparison sites.

Bow Shackles: what are they for?

At times when you need to tow a piece of heavy machinery, a bow shackle is not just ideal but a great tool to use. Bow shackles have the ability of withstand immense amount of weight and pressure. These shackles are just perfect for pulling vehicles as well as other equipments from one place to another.

Bow shackles are mostly used in case of emergencies like vehicle recovery from ditched, car towing, docking large and gigantic ships, in car rallies to tow off All-Terrain Vehicles out of crevices and muddy holes. These are a must have tool for every vehicle owner.

Bow shackles are also used in industrial works like lifting huge loads. They act as an attachment between the load and the ropes and slings.

The other important use of bow shackles is in dock yards. They are very common in the places where the ships and boats are docked. Due to their robust nature and engineered design, bow shackles are considered as the best type of shackles for boat and ship docking.

Bow shackles are made from stainless steel or galvanized steel. They are rest rand corrosion resistant, especially in salt water. This makes them very liked among sailors.