Beam clamps are portable lifting pads designed for use on T-beams or I-beams. The clamps are available in two types: one for steel beams and one for aluminum beams. Beam clamps have a capacity of 5,000 pounds and are available in 4-, 6-, and 8-inch sizes.

The standard beam clamp is modified for use on aluminum beams by welding a piece of round stock to each half of the beam clamp. The added round stock runs parallel to the beam and spreads the load weight over a larger area of the beam. Aluminum beam clamps are also used for beams which are not of the usual uniform size found on ships.

Beam clamps must be bolted together with two bolts, lock washers, and nuts. Always use the proper size shackle. On aluminum, use only those beam clamps that have been modified by the addition of a piece of round stock to each half of the beam clamp.

Eyebolts

Use the loop or eye forged on one of the eyebolts as a lifting pad on a load.

Only eyebolts obtained from the rigger's shop are authorized for use.

Eyebolts must be threaded into the bolt hole to a depth equal to one and 1½ times the diameter of the bolt.

EXAMPLE: A 1-inch eyebolt must thread into a bolt hole with the depth of 1½ inches.

When using eyebolts, be sure to use a lashing around the load and through the eyebolt to prevent the load from falling.

Thread shoulder eyebolts into the load until the shoulder is flush and tight on the load. Hold angular loads on shouldered eyebolts to a minimum. Angular loads drastically reduce the safe working load of the eyebolt.

NEVER have an angular load on an unshouldered eyebolt.

NEVER use a damaged, bent, or cracked eyebolt. Always check the bolt hole for thread damage, rust, cross threading, or any other signs of deformation before using the eyebolt.

Chafing gear

Chafing gear is used to protect wire or nylon from the sharp edges on equipment and to prevent cutting or sharp kinking. Some examples of chafing gear are wood, canvas, cloth, and rubber.

Chafing gear should be used when lashing and to protect piping with lagging. By taking a little time to secure wood slats or heavy canvas around the lagging in the area where a chainfall or other gear may come in contact, damage can be prevented.

Hooks

There is such a variety of hooks available for hoisting and rigging operations that it is impossible to deal with all of them in detail. There are, however, several safety considerations that apply to all hooks. There are two general types of hooks available, the slip hook and the grab hook.

Slip hooks are made so that the inside curve of the hook is an arc of a circle; they may be used with wire rope, chains, or rope. Chain links can slip through a slip hook so the loop formed in the chain will tighten under a load.

Grab hooks have an inside curve which is nearly U-shaped so the hook will slip over a link of chain edgeways but will not permit the next link to slip through. Grab hooks have a more limited range use than slip hooks. They are used on chains when the loop formed with the hook is not intended to close up around the load.

Computing safe working load (SWL) of hooks

To determine the SWL of hooks, measure the diameter (D) at the back of the hook. Then apply the formula below.

SWL (in tons) = 2/3 x D²
EXAMPLE: SWL is equal to 2/3 times (5/8 times 5/8), which is equal to 0.26.

In general, a hook should always be moused as a safety measure to prevent slings or ropes from jumping off. The mousing also helps prevent straightening of the hook, but mousing should not be considered as an element in the strength of a hook. It serves principally as a safety measure.