Hang this poster above the clamp rack, so the rules are in front of whoever takes one down.
What is on the poster
Do
- Safety glasses or goggles on; a face shield when the job needs more.
- Choose the clamp by the job: opening capacity, throat depth, strength and jaw size.
- Check the swivel turns freely and the frame and spindle are straight.
- Seat the pressure plate and anvil square on the work before tightening.
- Tighten by hand only until it is secure. When gluing, a little squeeze-out is enough.
- Pads on C-clamp jaws so the work is not marked.
- Take clamps off the moment the job is done; they hold work, they are not fixtures.
- Clean the jaws, oil the threads lightly, and rack them with the jaws lightly closed.
Never
- Use a clamp with a bent frame or spindle.
- Tighten with a wrench, pipe, hammer or pliers unless the clamp is made for a wrench.
- Use an oversized clamp just for its reach; use a deep-throat clamp.
- Lift or hoist with a C-clamp.
- Build a scaffold or platform with clamps.
- Leave clamps in a drawer to bang against each other.
A damaged clamp comes out of use at once.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the Clamps and Clamp Safety module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it above the clamp rack, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the Clamps and Clamp Safety module.
Learn more
The Clamps and Clamp Safety module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- Hand and Power Tools, OSHA 3080 – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Clamps and Clamp Safety module – Science Safety (reviewed September 30, 2026)
Poster SSP-0032, Rev. 1, September 2026.
