[WRE ADVISOR | PROJECT] How NOT to Approach O
This multi-lift assembly shows correct use of
Modulift spreader beams. photo credit: Mountain Crane
ne of the world’s premier suppliers of spreader beams, lifting beams, and other below-the- hook lifting equipment, UK-based Modulift is known for projects that garner international
acclaim, and products that allow their customers to meet and exceed all expectations. It was a no-brainer to have these fine folks provide their insights for this piece on heavy lifting dos and, mainly don’ts, when it comes to spreader beams. It’s not every day you get the undivided attention of an industry leader—and we’re honored to provide their wisdom as food for thought as you strive to achieve success in your day-to-day operations.
a Heavy Lift A conversation on safety, awareness, and spreader beams with Modulift.
If you have a heavy lift project, there are quite a few
things you need to consider. Initially, you need to know the lifting rig will be appropriately designed, safe to use, and that the equipment is fully certified in accordance with relevant legislation. You also need to know that the rig will be assembled and used properly by onsite personnel. Tat said, let’s start with some basics, so that we can understand why we need to use spreader beams/bars within a lifting rig, and what associated safety elements and procedures are required when using them.
SO WHAT IS A SPREADER BEAM? In its simplest form, a spreader beam is a method of connecting a crane hook to a load at two vertical connection points. Te spreader beam does this by holding apart or spreading the top slings. Te vertical force from the weight of the load travels
straight up, via the drop link, into the angled top sling, and then to the crane hook. Te angle of these top slings, however, creates a horizontal force that has not yet been accounted for; this is because the weight of the load wants to pull the top slings straight. It is the job of the spreader beam to deal with this
horizontal force—called compression. Spreader beams are used to protect loads that would otherwise collapse under the compression caused by angled slings. Tey can also be used where angled slings would cause collision with a delicate part of the load. Modulift modular spreader beams can easily be used within lifting rigs requiring multiple pick points by using a single or multiple spreader beam arrangement, and are designed to be resizable in order to make the beams far more economical and useful than fixed-length spreader beams. Strut sections can be added or removed to achieve different spans (lengths) for different sized loads, and this also means that transportation of shorter spreader beam components is much easier.
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