Safer access covers

The manhole covers can also help eliminate a number of health and safety issues. Fibrelite covers are claimed to have the best strength to weight ratio available, with independent testing to BS EN 124 criteria demonstrating that they surpass the relevant class conditions for deflection under load.

Their composite construction also promotes safer manual handling, as David Holmes, Fibrelite’s technical director, explains: “As well as being lightweight – typically a third of the weight of metal or concrete – our covers are designed for safe lifting, having up to two lifting points for ergonomic lifting handles which means that just one or two operatives can move them quickly and easily without risk of back injury or crushed fingers or toes, even at the heavier load ratings.”

As composite covers have an inherent resistance to corrosion, users can avoid the risk of lacerations or slips, trips and potentially serious falls that can result when metal or concrete covers rust or crumble. Non-slip treads can be moulded into Fibrelite covers during manufacture, with finished covers exceeding the minimum slip resistance requirement of BS EN124/PAS26, HA104/09: Part 5 and the UK HSE minimum slip resistance guidelines when tested in accordance with BS EN13036-4:2011. 

There is no risk of theft with a Fibrelite composite cover as composites have no resale value in the scrap market – so you won’t be left with a dangerous, uncovered hole in the ground. Potential electrostatic discharging can also be eliminated by using a “fully conductive” composite cover which uses a metalised fibre within the moulding process to achieve electrical continuity across the entire surface of the cover.

Finally, Fibrelite steam covers can help users to avoid hot metal or steam burns by maintaining their cool-to-touch properties and ability to support vehicular loads even when pushed to a test temperature of 400°F.