Manhole covers, when not selected, installed and maintained in the correct manner, can lead to a myriad of problems. For instance, the covers can get cracked, broken or damaged otherwise – necessitating frequent repairs or replacements. While handling a solid top manhole cover, workers need to be very careful too, to prevent personal or product safety from being compromised. Sub-standard/Incorrectly set up manhole covers can also pose serious security threats for vehicle drivers (particularly if the load rating of the covers is not correct). Let us here highlight some extremely important safety tips to follow, while working with manhole covers:

Understanding The Risks Properly

Before starting to work on a manhole project in general, or manhole covers in particular, it is very important to take stock of all possible things that can go wrong. For instance, there can be accidental injuries, the covers might get damaged (due to improper handling), and the installation might also not be done properly. In addition, while working inside a manhole, there are also chances of workers being exposed to toxic gases and other such waste materials. Depletion of oxygen levels (leading to asphyxiation), heat-related stress, and sudden falls or slips are not particularly uncommon either. If these risks are glossed over, serious problems can crop up. As such, it is always advisable to gauge the probable issues that might emerge – and prepare accordingly.

Pay Attention To Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Manhole covers vary widely in terms of their design, weight and structure. While working with them, workers should always wear industrial gloves. This would make sure that they do not suffer serious cuts or gashes from the rusty surfaces, uneven structure, and pointed edges (if any). Given that most manholes are contaminated with bacterial growth, viruses, protozoa and other such elements, wearing a full PPE kit is highly recommended. While working with manholes, a person is naturally likely to come in contact with sewage material. The key lies in taking adequate steps to stave off contamination risks, with the help of standard, quality assured protective equipment. The onus also lies with trainers / manhole project operators to spread awareness among their team regarding why wearing full PPE kits is mandatory while handling manhole projects.

Note: PPE kits, as well as overall manhole cover safety guidelines, should be reviewed periodically. The latest safety standards must be deployed.

Use Proper Tools While Working On Manhole Covers. Keep The Area Secured.

Work on a manhole job, with covers, starts. A couple of days later, it’s found that certain essential equipment for the task is missing. In addition to the work getting delayed, this can also pose threats to personal and product well-being. That’s precisely why the best manhole cover manufacturer in India recommends ensuring that all the requisite tools, machines & equipment are available easily – before someone starts a manhole cover installation / removal / maintenance job.

For general pedestrians, vehicle drivers, and even stray animals, it is impossible to know from beforehand that work on a manhole / manhole cover is going on at a place. This, once again, opens up security risks. To counter this, the entire area needs to be secured with entry barriers, cones and nets – so that no one except the workers can approach that particular hazardous location.

Set Up Clear Warning Signs At The Site Of Work

At times, securing the area where the work is ongoing is not enough to eliminate chances of accidents. This, in turn, puts the spotlight on the need for setting up clear, easily visible warning signs. The main risks of encroaching into such sites of work should be mentioned in these signs. It is also advisable to put up barricades / fences, to rule out risks of unauthorized access. It is also vital to have some team members outside the manholes – who would be able to arrange for medical emergency services, as and when necessary. In a nutshell, people need to be ‘educated’ on why walking / driving in an area where manhole cover work is going on can be highly risky.

Performing Atmospheric Tests Is Vital

There can be multiple environmental factors that can impact the safety and well-being of workers handling a solid top manhole cover-related job. The integrity of these covers, along with that of the manhole / vault, need to be carefully checked with calibrated equipment – to identify probable problem points, and take measures to counter them. At this point, it is also important to highlight that atmospheric testing procedures should be carried out before the access cover(s) are removed (and such tests have to be carried out continuously). The test samples should be collected from the manhole cover surface, as well as the space near the manhole opening. Ideally, the results of these atmospheric tests should be properly documented for reference. Through predictive precautionary measures, safety risks can be significantly lowered.

Make Sure That The Manhole Cover Is Being Carried Properly

Manhole covers are heavy, and hence, they need to be handled with a lot of care. Having a lackadaisical approach regarding this can cause grievous injuries – while the access covers (even when they are made from high-quality material) can get irreparably damaged. To keep such scenarios away, it is vital to decide how the manhole cover(s) will be carried from one place to another in a secure manner, so that there are no problems during transit. Once the best practices have been set, each and every worker has to follow them rigorously. Periodically checking the condition of manhole covers – both before and after installation – is also essential. A damaged manhole cover, if left undetected, can lead to various problems, putting the overall safety of people at risk. It is important to be prepared, and avoid such pitfalls.

Be Trained. Check The Safety. Have Provisions To Resolve Problems.

Working with manhole covers (or manhole repairs, for that matter) is not a layman’s job. People assigned on the task should have the due credentials that prove their competence to handle such tasks. Otherwise, the lack of knowledge and/or experience can unknowingly put workers at a serious risk. A ‘competent person’ has the capacity to keep him/herself and those working with access covers safe at all times.

Before initiating the work, it is also necessary to gauge the safety factor of the project. For instance, things like availability of security provisions, and ensuring that everyone is aware of the safety guidelines (and are following them regularly) have to be paid attention to. The manhole covers also need to be inspected and evaluated before they are actually installed at any site. Otherwise, problems can crop up later.

In spite of all precautionary steps being taken, mishaps can still happen. Manhole cover workers need to ensure that all basic safety arrangements (e.g., first-aid supplies) are present at the location. In general too, the response time to personal accidents should be short – so that bigger losses are avoided.

Get Permissions From Authorized Personnel

Manhole covers cannot be handled in any way – irrespective of whether they are located in industrial or municipal areas – without all the requisite permits from the concerned authorities. Installers and maintenance experts need to have the authorization to set up and/or repair & remove manholes (whenever required). Access cover inspectors also have to possess relevant qualifications before they can be assigned on any project. The bottomline is simple enough: it takes a lot of expertise to successfully conduct manhole cover work. People who are certified can ensure that safety concerns are no longer a problem.

Keep Manhole Covers Clean; Identify When They Have To Be Loosened

The temperature and surrounding environment conditions play an important role in determining the condition / longevity of manhole covers. For example, a solid top manhole cover can get covered in dust & debris – which impacts its service life. In extreme cold conditions, ice can also accumulate on the covers. Since such accumulation can lead to safety hazards, it is important to clean these covers regularly. In most cases, blowers are used to clean manhole coverings.

For repairs or removals, access covers need to be systematically loosened. This cannot be done haphazardly. Professionals working with manhole covers need to be able to identify when such loosening is required – and then use the right mechanical equipment for the job. Of course, due care also needs to be taken to ensure that the covers do not remain loose permanently.

Take Care Of Hands, Feet and Back

The best manhole cover workers and waste treatment experts come with years of expertise. Even so, incidents of back injuries – particularly when relatively heavy covers are being lifted – happen. Being careless with the covers can also lead to accidental trips and slips. Trying to remove manhole covers with bare hands is also fraught with risks. At all times, it is imperative for workers to be mindful of their back, fingers and feet, and adhere to safety parameters.

While adhering to these broad safety guidelines is vital, the efforts can all go to waste if the manhole cover itself is of subpar quality. This, in turn, brings to light the need for sourcing these products from the best manhole cover manufacturer in India. Such companies typically have a wide range of custom-designed covers in their portfolio – ensuring that buyers have the option to select the manhole cover(s) that would precisely suit their requirements. When installed and maintained properly, manhole covers can last for a long time – and safety risks can be kept at an arm’s length, always.