Why Stabilizer Bars Should Be Used for Working in Manhole Shafts 07/2015
Working around or in manhole shafts has always been an important job but it is not without risk. When entering a manhole shaft, one could encounter, dirt, water, noise, humidity, gases, and more. All of these factors do not make for an easy job for utility workers but, nevertheless, it is important that workers can and do access manhole shafts to complete their work. Whether for routine maintenance or in the event of an emergency, at some point, manhole shafts will have to be accessed so increasing safety when accessing is very important. Maintaining a safe workplace for employees and adhering to safety standards allows for employers to remain OSHA compliant which is important for insurance purposes and for legal protection for the employer. The best way to improve safety, efficiency and peace of mind when employees must work in manhole shafts is to use a stabilizer bar.
While all risk simply cannot be completely eliminated from working in manhole shafts, safety can be maximized sot that every precaution has been taken. Manhole shafts, by nature, are dark, damp, may have sewer gases or decomposing organic materials inside, can be slippery and more. The best way to improve safety is to install a stabilizer bar. This may sound like a big task if a worker has to access multiple manhole shafts for service or an emergency but, in fact, it is not. A stabilizer bar is very quickly adjusted to fit the outside of a manhole shaft and installed even more quickly. The stabilizer bar is made of galvanized steel so they are incredibly strong and durable. All that is needed to quickly and efficiently adjust and install a stabilizer bar is standard crescent wrench, making it very simple. Additionally, the stabilizer bar can be ordered in several diameters to fit valve extension key shafts so it can work in any municipality. Once the stabilizer bar has been installed, workers are able to operate safely from street level large water valves. Any city can easily implement the use of stabilizer bars to improve worker safety and remain OSHA compliant. They may be a small addition to the job but they make a big impact on peace of mind for employers and workers alike. With the use of stabilizer bars, workers will be able to focus on completing their job without having to worry about putting their safety in jeopardy which will allow them to get their job done more quickly so that utilities remain functioning and city safety protected.