Beam Clamps

Invest in a safe fixing solution and choose from our range of high quality beam clamps. A great alternative to a crane or sling, our beam clamps are manufactured by market-leading suppliers, like TTC Lifting Gear® and our our own brand Matlock®.

What are beam clamps?

Also called girder clamps, beam clamps are used in conjunction with lifting equipment to suspend or fix an item to a beam or girder. They feature a central spool pin to connect to lifting equipment.

Why beam clamps?

Beam clamps offer a convenient alternative to a crane or sling. They are repositionable to allow for repeated use and are frequently used when a dedicated lifting area is unavailable.

When are beam clamps used?

Ideal for temporary and permanent fixing, this type of clamp is ideal when hoisting and working on a component or for integrating an accessory into a working area to allow for easy movement and transference from one station to the next.

Beam clamp types

There are four types of beam clamps available on the market, each with it's own benefits and advantages.

• Adjustable/non-adjustable beam clamp   -   These can either have a fixed or swivel action jaw and are secured using a tommy bar

• Scissor action beam clamp   -   This type features scissor like jaws which open and close tightly over the beam and are fixed in place with a threaded handle. This type delivers a stationary fixing solution leaving any hoisted item suspended in place

• Screw action beam clamp   -   Secured using a screw set, this type of beam clamp will support horizontal and vertical loads. They can be manually tightened with additional torque applied using a hand tool for a secure closure

• Bolt action beam clamp   -   Similar to a C-clamp, this style secures to a beam or pipe using a bolt closure

Considerations when choosing a beam clamp

• Type - this should be decided according to the requirements of your business and in line with the type of lifting equipment you'll be using.

• Weight capacity - reputable suppliers will provide a technical data sheet as standard or on request, and this should highlight the maximum weight capacity of the beam clamp.

• Beam dimensions - the size of the beam you intend to clamp to must be checked to ensure compatibility.

• Beam suitability - the strength of the beam you mean to attach to should be checked for strength to ensure it has the weight bearing capacity for the items you want to hoist.

• Lifting equipment type - different types of lifting equipment will work in conjunction with different styles of clamp.

• Temporary or permanent - when thinking about the weight capacity of the beam and clamp, foresight should be given for long-term wear if suspension is to be permanent.

Beam clamp jargon buster

So you can understand our range applications, we've outlined an associated safety standard for load lifting attachments.

What does the standard EN 17096:2015 mean?

This standard covers load lifting attachments, including C-hooks, lifting forks and clamps, and specifies the safety requirements each item must meet to be sold in Europe.

Let's break it down...

• ISO - All load lifting attachments must pass the test and technical requirements outlined by the International Organization for Standardization

• 17096 - This is the assigned legislation number

• 2015 - This is the year that this safety standard was published. It has since been reviewed and confirmed in 2020 and remains current until the next review in five years

FAQs

Are beam clamps safe?

As long as the relevant safety procedures are followed before installation, then yes, beam clamps are perfectly safe. It's important to thoroughly check all equipment including the beam clamp, beam and hoist to be used before use to ensure that everything is in good repair. Where there may be risks to health, a risk assessment should be conducted, which should take into account the weight bearing capacity of both the beam and the beam clamp to ensure the weight can be held safely.

Can beam clamps be used for fall protection?

No. Steel beam anchors are designed to move along a beam and provide an anchor point to prevent a users' fall. These anchors are covered under different safety standards to a beam clamp, which is used for hoisting items only and are not designed to withstand the pressure of a sudden fall.

Regulation Information

LOLER applies to ALL lifting equipment used for work purposes, even if it was manufactured and put into use before LOLER came into force in 1998. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment, and requires workplaces to provide suitable and safe equipment for the task, along with proper training. Work equipment must be maintained and inspected and related risks prevented or controlled.

Pre-use checks must be carried out on lifting equipment. The purpose of these pre-use checks is to identify faulty equipment; this is not the same as routine thorough examination and inspections but in addition to them at each use. All lifting equipment requires to be thoroughly examined by a qualified competent person at various points, as required by PUWER, to maintain efficient working order.

Regulation Jargon Buster

LOLER - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
PUWER - Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
HASWA - Health and Safety at Work Act
WAH - Work / Working at Height

Please note that the products in this category are not suitable for lifting people; please consult the manufacturer's data sheet for more information.

For the further information and full details of your legal responsibilities:
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment (LOLER) Regulations 1998 - AcoP - L113