Beam Clamps

About Beam Clamps

Beam clamps are essential lifting and rigging accessories designed to attach securely to steel beams, RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) structures, and I-beams commonly found in construction, industrial, and warehousing environments. These robust devices provide a safe and efficient anchor point for hoisting equipment, chain blocks, and lifting tackle, eliminating the need for permanent fixings or welding. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade beam clamps from trusted manufacturers like Sealey, engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of British construction sites and industrial facilities.

Our range includes traditional beam clamps that simply attach to beam flanges for fixed lifting points, as well as beam trolleys that incorporate wheels or rollers to allow smooth horizontal movement along the beam length. Geared beam trolleys provide mechanical advantage through a chain drive mechanism, making it easier to move heavy loads with minimal effort. All beam clamps are manufactured to rigorous safety standards and supplied with clearly marked Safe Working Load (SWL) ratings to ensure compliance with HSE lifting regulations and LOLER requirements.

Applications

Beam clamps are utilised across a wide range of trades and industries where overhead lifting and rigging is required:

• Riggers and Lifting Specialists: Professional operatives installing temporary rigging systems for construction and industrial projects
• Maintenance Engineers: Positioning heavy machinery, motors, and equipment during servicing and repairs
• Steel Erectors: Creating temporary lifting points on structural steelwork during construction phases
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers: Establishing flexible lifting points in distribution centres and storage facilities
• Plant Fitters: Installing or relocating heavy industrial equipment and machinery
• Construction Site Managers: General lifting operations where overhead gantry cranes aren't available
• Facilities Maintenance Teams: Occasional overhead lifting in commercial buildings, factories, and industrial units

Choosing The Right Beam Clamps

Selecting the appropriate beam clamp requires careful consideration of several critical factors:

Load Capacity: Always choose a beam clamp with a Safe Working Load (SWL) that exceeds your maximum anticipated load, including a safety margin. Remember that the combined weight of the load plus any lifting tackle must not exceed the SWL rating.

Beam Dimensions: Measure the flange width of your RSJ or I-beam accurately. Beam clamps are designed to fit specific flange width ranges, and using an incompatible clamp creates a serious safety hazard. Check manufacturer specifications carefully before purchase.

Mobility Requirements: Decide whether you need a fixed beam clamp for stationary lifting or a beam trolley if horizontal movement is required. For heavier loads or frequent repositioning, geared beam trolleys significantly reduce manual effort through mechanical advantage.

Compliance and Certification: Verify that beam clamps meet relevant British and European standards, and that they're supplied with certification documents required for LOLER compliance and workplace inspections.

Safety Information

Working with beam clamps and overhead lifting equipment carries inherent risks that must be properly managed. Always ensure beam clamps are installed by competent persons who understand structural loading and rigging principles. The supporting beam itself must be structurally adequate to handle the applied loads—consult a structural engineer if there's any doubt about beam capacity.

Before each use, conduct a thorough visual inspection of the beam clamp for cracks, deformation, excessive wear, or corrosion. Never exceed the manufacturer's stated Safe Working Load. Beam clamps and associated lifting equipment must be inspected and tested in accordance with LOLER regulations, typically requiring thorough examination at least every 6 or 12 months by a competent person. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends maintaining accurate records of all inspections and removing damaged equipment from service immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a beam clamp and a beam trolley?

A standard beam clamp attaches to a beam flange to provide a fixed lifting point that doesn't move. A beam trolley incorporates wheels or rollers, allowing it to travel horizontally along the beam length, giving flexibility to position loads anywhere along the beam. Geared beam trolleys add a chain-drive mechanism for easier movement of heavy loads.

Do beam clamps need to be LOLER tested?

Yes, beam clamps used for lifting operations in the workplace fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and must undergo thorough examination by a competent person. The frequency depends on usage, but typically this is every 6-12 months. You must maintain records of all examinations and ensure equipment is clearly marked with its Safe Working Load.

How do I know what capacity beam clamp I need?

Choose a beam clamp with a Safe Working Load that exceeds the total weight you'll be lifting, including the weight of all lifting tackle such as chains, slings, and hooks. Never work at the absolute maximum capacity—leave a comfortable safety margin. If regularly lifting loads approaching the SWL, consider the next capacity up for additional safety.