Innovative Manhole Safety Solutions

Safe, secure entry/exit system for manholes and underground utility vaults

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Our Product

Our patented system was developed by and for people who work underground to provide a safe, ergonomic way to climb in and out of underground utility vaults and manholes. Suitable for any hinged metal access cover where there is a fixed ladder or steps below. The Safe Entry/Exit System allows the user to mount or dismount the ladder in a safe, comfortable manner, whether they’re working below ground or high above on a catwalk or gantry.

Easy

Ergonomic design provides safe, comfortable access and egress to and from manholes and underground utility vaults
Handles mounted on the underside of the access hatch to create a ladder-like extension for easy exit/entry
No more crouching on hands and knees in the mud or snow or grease while trying to place your feet on the ladder below
Insert lid cover protects workers while they’re inside the hole and solves pedestrian traffic hazard

Safe

Patented system allows user to maintain three-point contact for safe and convenient access to stair and ladder systems
Significantly reduces the number of manhole events due to slips and falls while entering or existing vaults and manholes
Provides wide-open vault access in an emergency for faster confined space rescue
Lowers risk and saves time and money lost due to workplace injuries

Convenient

Built-in locking device slides into place to secure the manhole / grate in a vertical open position
Allows the user to keep upright while using the handrails attached to the underside of the grate as an extension of the ladder below
Locking device has a weighted latch that holds it securely in neutral position for convenient storage until needed
Using the cover — instead of removing it and setting it aside — eliminates a cumbersome obstacle and potential safety hazard near the opening

Adaptable

Flexible design can be modified to suit a variety of applications
Available as a complete unit (with access lid/grill, locking device and handrails) or retrofitted to any existing hinged access cover where there is a fixed ladder or steps mounted below
Portable device for use with round manhole covers provides same level of comfort, safety and easy access
Proven in the field — Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro has installed 30 units and is retrofitting an underground network that serves over 96,000 homes and businesses

Our Design

The Safe Entry/Exit System solves one of most common problems associated with working underground — how to safely and easily climb into and out of utility vaults and manholes. Based on decades of practical experience in the heavy construction and utilities sectors, the system’s ergonomic design helps prevent injuries and provides a safer workplace environment for workers and the general public.

Team

President

With more than 38 years of practical experience in the industry, Mick has owned and operated his own construction company for 7 years prior to immigrating to Canada...

Testimonials

This underground vault system is a vastly superior system to any method we had employed before or were able to find or design.

We have had these devices in use and can attest to their ease of use and ability to stand up to the elements and road debris. We are a much safer work force in confined spaces due to using this design.

Jason Harrison

JHSC co chair, PWU Principal Steward | Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.

Our staff love the vault entry system. It is always on site, and makes entry into the vault more ergonomic and safer. And it is not in the way should a rescue be needed.

George Minow

Manager of Health, Safety and Wellness | Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.

As of December 2019, we have installed approximately 30 of these devices in our underground network vaults and have incorporated it into our specifications for any new network vaults that we build. We are also in the process of retrofitting all our existing underground network vaults with the device.

Overall, we feel that the Safe Entry/Exit System helps to prevent injuries in the workplace, and we are happy to recommend it to other utilities that may have a similar need.

Wilfred W. Meston, P. Eng. (download here)

Vice President of Operations | Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.

EDA_Fall 2020 ISSUE Aug 25 | Pages 19-20 (download here)

The Voice of Ontario's Electricity Distributors (EDA)