21.1 FOREWORD

Lifting beams, spreaders and frames are usually designed either for a specific purpose or as general purpose beams for a specified range of lifts. There are several standards available that cover such equipment in their scopes. Prior to these standards there were no standards for lifting beams, spreaders and frames and, as a result, most manufacturers produced a range of lifting beam, spreaders and frames to their own specifications. Lifting beams, spreaders and frames can have a long life. It is not therefore possible in a general purpose code to cover every variation and for certain designs special precautions or instructions may apply. The manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions should always be sought and followed.