Beam Clamp Applications: Safety Tips and Best Practices

Beam clamps are essential components in overhead lifting and rigging operations. Whether you're suspending loads on a construction site, in a manufacturing facility, or during a maintenance shutdown, choosing the right beam clamp — and using it correctly — is critical to keeping your crew safe and your operation compliant.

In this guide, our rigging experts walk you through the three main types of beam clamps, how to inspect them before every use, and the best practices that should be followed on every job site.

What Is a Beam Clamp?

A beam clamp is a rigging device that attaches to the flange of a structural steel beam, providing a secure anchor point for lifting, hoisting, or suspending loads. They eliminate the need to drill or weld attachment points into structural steel, making them a versatile and reusable solution for temporary and permanent lifting setups.

Beam clamps are widely used across industries including construction, utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, and shipbuilding — anywhere overhead lifting is required.

Beam Clamps: 3 Different Types

There are three primary types of beam clamps, each suited to different applications:

1. Scissor type
2. Adjustable type with fixed jaw
3. Adjustable type with swivel jaw

1. Scissor Type Beam Clamp

While not the most common, the scissor beam clamp is one of the foundational clamp designs and is well-suited for lifting applications. It uses a scissor action to transfer the weight of the load into clamping force — the heavier the load, the tighter the grip. Its roughened clamping jaws dig into the beam flange to maintain a secure hold.

Pre-use inspection checklist for scissor type clamps:

• Inspect the pivot bolt for wear and deformation
• Check the SWL (Safe Working Load) marking
• Verify identification markings are legible
• Confirm the clamp is rated for the beam size being used

2. Adjustable Type Beam Clamp (Fixed Jaw)

The fixed jaw adjustable beam clamp is one of the most commonly used types on job sites. It can be adjusted to fit a range of beam flange widths and provides a reliable, consistent clamping force.

Pre-use inspection checklist for fixed jaw clamps:

• Check the tommy bar for damage or distortion
• Inspect the screw thread and screw spigot for wear and deformation
• Verify SWL and identification markings
• Assess overall condition for cracks, corrosion, or deformation

3. Adjustable Type Beam Clamp (Swivel Jaw)

The swivel jaw adjustable beam clamp offers added flexibility for applications where load alignment may vary slightly. The swivel jaw allows for minor angular adjustments while maintaining a secure grip on the beam flange.

Pre-use inspection checklist for swivel jaw clamps:

• Confirm swivel jaws move freely without binding
• Check the SWL and identification markings
• Inspect the tommy bar, screw thread, and screw spigot for wear and deformation

Hercules Bronze and Blue Beam Clamp (Above)

Beam Clamp Pre-Use Inspection: Full Checklist

Before every lift, a thorough pre-use inspection is non-negotiable. Here is the complete inspection checklist that should be followed regardless of beam clamp type:

1. Check the SWL, identification number, and colour code — ensure markings are legible and current
2. Confirm the SWL of the clamp is within the weight of the load to be lifted
3. Verify the clamp is the correct size for the beam flange
4. Thoroughly examine the clamp for wear, damage, and deterioration — pay particular attention to hinge points and shackle attachment points
5. Ensure the screw thread is in good condition — it should not be bent and must rotate freely
6. Check the tommy handle for damage and distortion
7. Inspect jaws for damage and distortion — confirm swivel-type jaws rotate freely
8. Ensure screwed spigots are not damaged, distorted, or excessively worn

If any component fails inspection, remove the clamp from service immediately and tag it out. Never use a beam clamp that has not passed a full pre-use inspection.

Beam Clamp Applications: Safe Usage Tips

Passing inspection is just the first step. Following safe usage practices on every lift is equally important. Here are the key guidelines to follow:

1. Never exceed the SWL of the beam clamp
2. Never exceed the SWL of the beam the clamp is secured to
3. Ensure the beam clamp is correctly and securely clamped to the beam — the centre line of the clamp suspension point must align with the centre line of the beam
4. Contact your beam clamp supplier before replacing any bolts — using the wrong screw can cause damage to the clamp and compromise the lift
5. Only use certified beam clamps that meet applicable standards
6. Ensure a competent person is applying the beam clamp — the definition of a "competent worker" varies by province under OH&S regulations. Refer to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) for province-specific definitions
7. When using two clamps in tandem, consider whether ancillary equipment such as a spreader bar is required
8. Use standard beam clamps for vertical lifts only — see the section on side loading below

Beam Clamp Applications: Understanding Side Loading

Standard beam clamps are designed for in-line, vertical use only. If the ID plate specifies 0° use, do not attempt side loading — always operate within the permitted angle.

However, universal beam clamps designed for side loading are now available in the lifting industry. Products like the Crosby IPU10 and IPU10S are engineered to lift in any direction, making them suitable for applications where the load angle may vary. These universal clamps can be used as an anchor point to lift and pull, load at any angle up to 90° without lateral or longitudinal de-rating, and for low-headroom applications.

Always confirm the clamp's rated use before attempting any off-axis or side-loaded lift. When in doubt, consult a rigging specialist.

Equipment Inspections, Certification & Asset Management

Keeping your beam clamps and rigging hardware in certified, compliant condition is an ongoing responsibility — not a one-time task. Regular third-party inspections help identify wear and damage that may not be visible during routine pre-use checks, and they ensure your equipment meets provincial and national safety standards.

Hercules offers professional rigging equipment inspection, repair, and certification services across Canada. Our inspection teams are trained to assess all types of lifting and rigging hardware to applicable standards, and we provide full documentation for your records.

We also offer CertTracker™ — a free asset management tool available to all Hercules inspection customers. CertTracker™ tracks your equipment inspection dates and timelines, sends reminders when certifications are due, and helps you stay compliant with ease. It reduces the total cost of equipment ownership by keeping you ahead of compliance requirements before they become costly problems.

Beam Clamps from Hercules

Hercules is a trusted supplier of lifting and rigging equipment across Canada. We carry a comprehensive range of beam clamps — from standard scissor and adjustable types to universal side-loading clamps — all sourced from leading manufacturers and certified to applicable standards.

Whether you need to purchase, rent, or have your existing equipment inspected and certified, our team is here to help. Contact us at info@herculeslifting.com or browse our full rigging hardware catalogue online.