Why are manhole covers essential?
Every industrial and commercial infrastructure has the need for a well-managed drainage system. It ensures safe and efficient functioning of industries as well as regular life in general. Also, in order to keep the drainage system in proper condition, regular checks and maintenance are essential. As a result, manhole covers play a crucial role in keeping the drainage system up and running, ultimately affecting several other sectors in the process.
Functions of Manhole Covers
A commonly-spotted object on roadways, commercial, industrial and municipal areas, manholes are of prime importance. More so, manhole covers reduce the risks that these holes can pose. Manhole lids not only provide access into the system but also act as a safeguard against accidents and hazards. Thanks to the covers, people do not fall into the sewers or storm drains that run underneath the surface. In addition, the lids lock away fluids from coming into contact with the public as well as offer a scope for ventilation and prevent toxic gas build-up.
Lifting of Manhole Covers: Risky Job
To ensure proper maintenance and easy access into the manhole systems, lifting the manhole cover is necessary. However, in case of traditional manholes一 it is easier said than done. Covers for manholes come in several material types, load ratings, and locking systems. For busier and industrial areas, covers of manholes are of heavier load classes. Manhole lids range from A15 which can take up to 1.5 tonnes, to F900 which can withstand extreme heavy loads (as much as 90 tonnes).
Even for the lightest of commercial or industrial manhole lids, it takes a lot of force and power to be lifted. As much as it may feel like a manual job, it can prove to be risky and time-consuming. Plus, the covers are fitted in a way that the vehicular activity remains harmonious. Lifting a heavy cover from the ground is a back-breaking task, which can lead to several injuries for the technicians.
What is the solution?
Due to the number of disadvantages of lifting manhole covers by hand, several alternatives have been introduced. From manhole keys to magnetic cover-lifters, there are several options that can be employed to open a lid, stuck to the ring or the frame or simply because of pressure. However, while external aid is of much help to reduce the effort, they are nowhere close to the efficiency easy-lift manhole covers offer. Let us take a look at some of the major advantages of such covers.
- Easily accessible
Typically, manhole lids are single part entities, which can be lifted all-together. This makes the lid heavier, as well as demands more power to be jolted off of its fixed state. On the other hand, multi-part manhole covers are divided into several sections. Every portion has its own liftable mechanism incorporated. That not only makes it easier to operate but also minimises the load to be lifted. As a result, the accessibility factor for multi-part manhole or access covers gives them an edge over traditional ones.
- Lightweight yet robust
Multi-part covers for manholes are typically lightweight, unlike their traditional counterparts. Made using high-quality ductile-iron, using state-of-the-art technology, these covers can withstand heavy weight as well as high-velocity vehicular or load movement. The low weight helps keep the effort to the minimum.
- Safe for handling
Lifting manhole covers is no longer assumed to be a single man’s task due to their heavy weight and uncomfortable lifting processes. Several workers have injured themselves trying to lift the covers and gain access manually. In fact, using the lifting equipment too contributed to several injuries and risks. Easy lift manhole covers benefit the workers in the form of safeguarding them from any physical injuries. In fact, the covers can be lifted and separated from the frame, making it even easier for the maintenance workers to access the systems that lie underneath.
- Time saving
Being lightweight, easy to access and safe for handling, workers need much less time putting their effort into opening the entryway to the manholes. Multi-leaf access covers provide the opportunity to simply unlock the covers and enter the system. This ensures no time is wasted on multiple efforts to open up the lid.
- Cost effective
Many-a-times, there have been instances where the cover has been damaged or broken, while being lifted. Although that can be because of several factors, the inadequacy of a well-designed cover cannot be understated. Easy lift multi part manhole covers require the least effort to be pulled up, without causing any damage to the lid itself. This way, not only the hole is not left open but regular checks also become cost-effective.
Therefore, easily liftable covers for manholes can boost the efficiency in maintenance work by offering seamless access, by putting minimal effort. Crescent Foundry offers ductile iron multileaf manhole covers which are lightweight, sturdy and visually pleasing. With recessed tops to provide friction to moving vehicles, these covers are an ideal fit for medium to heavy duty applications.
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