Engineered Solutions

Installation Area
Pumping station with C250 traffic loading

Clear Opening Sizes
5m x 2m
4m x 2m
2m x 2m

Compliance to Standards
EN 124-3 - for openings up to 1 meter
BS 9124 - for openings greater than 1 meter

Overview

Large span chamber openings on water networks can mean difficult to lift & manoeuvre manhole covers which can render assets inaccessible and unsafe for operations and maintenance teams. During a site survey on a pump station with 3 separate chambers, EJ found that the in situ covers prevented ease of access to underground equipment. The process of opening and closing these covers was costly, labour intensive and time consuming as a hired lift and additional manpower was required on site. When fully opened, the area was unsafe with no edge protection around the chamber opening and no fall protection to prevent a serious accident.

Original chamber covers with no fall or edge protection

A risk adverse approach

Through engagement with the client representatives, bespoke fabricated steel access covers were designed in 2, 4 and 6 parts depending on clear opening sizes. Each were fitted with mechanical strut lift assistance that ensured safe and easy access to the network.

Compliance to industry standards for long term performance
All covers were designed to a C250 loading in full compliance with BS 9124, which requires fall protection safety grids to be in compliance with a Drop Test to further enhance safety. EJ designed the handrail posts for edge protection on all four sides. To cater for larger openings, removable steel beams provide an unobstructed clear opening allowing for safe access in and out of the chamber. Covers open independently providing a working platform for O & M team inspections.

Speedy Installation less than 1 hour per cover
An effective and efficient installation was facilitated by specific design features on EJ covers such as self leveling bolts, handles for lifting slings and a shuttering skirt to prevent concrete from falling into the chamber. Installation time was less than 1 hour per cover.

Collaboration with EJ at the design stage enabled a risk adverse outcome for the client and project teams. User safety was critical to the design with ergonomics and fall protection the priority. Installing 3rd party certified steel solutions ensured compliance to the relevant standards and client specifications, guaranteeing long term performance.

Handrail sockets for edge protection poles

For more information on our engineered access solutions, please contact our Business Development team.