GB2392700A

GB2392700A - Temporary cover for openings in inspection chambers

Info

Publication number: GB2392700A
Application number: GB0220632A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Fullerton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-05
Filing date: 2002-09-05
Publication date: 2004-03-10
Also published as: GB0220632D0

Abstract

The temporary cover, primarily for use covering openings in partially constructed inspection chambers, comprises a cover 8 with a rim 9 which, in use, extends around the opening and a locking mechanism that is operated by a key 13 or similar and which includes e.g. bars 10 that selectively engages the underside of the chamber adjacent the opening. The cover may be provided with apertures for receiving standard manhole keys to facilitate lifting.

Description

TEMPORARY SAFETY COVER FOR INSPECTION CHAMBERS

This invention relates to a temporary cover for inspection chambers on new work sites, prior to the final construction of the chamber and fitment of a permanent cover. This would allow the protection of the chamber and personnel during building works Inspection chambers are a concrete underground structure that allow personnel to inspect the flow of drainage of underground sewage and rainwater pipework. The chamber allows rods to be inserted to unblock the pipework and are also used where a change of direction in the pipework or junctions are needed. They are useful in determining the exact location of a blockage in the pipework by inspecting various chambers in the suspected area.

The completed construction of a typical inspection chamber will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in figure I. Referring to the drawing, the pipework I is laid to an agreed level and the base of the chamber constructed on a concrete foundation 2. Pre-cast circular rings 3 are placed onto the concrete foundation 2 to a specified site construction level and capped with a pre-cast concrete slab with access hole 4. The incomplete structure is now surrounded by wet concrete 5 to secure all components. After groundwork in the chamber area is prepared, brickwork 6 is laid to a certain level such that when the manhole cover 7 is laid in position the final level is achieved.

During the construction of the chamber there is usually a considerable period of time before the brickwork 6 and manhole cover 7 are laid, leaving the pre-cast concrete slab with access hole 4 exposed As this presents a safety hazard to site personnel and machinery, it is current practice to cover the hole temporarily with any available material, i e. timber. This is generally unsatisfactory for several reasons: I. The materials used are of insufficient strength to take the weight of site traffic, allowing debris and road construction materials to enter the chamber and necessitating the need for extra labour and renewal of covering materials. There is also a safety implication to site personnel after damage and before renewal 2. The temporary cover is normally fixed in position with masonary nails to prevent accidental removal and entry into the chamber. As access is often required by personnel during construction, this method is a distinct financial and physical disadvantage. The brickwork and final manhole cover are generally not constructed at this stage due to on-going works around the chamber which may cause damage to them. 3. The stated current method being used allows easy unauthorized access to the chamber by children, for example, as perimeter fencing on sites could be penetrated.

According to the present invention there is provided a temporary safety cover for inspection chambers comprising a cover of suitable material and strength to withstand conditions associated with construction sites. It has a device allowing the cover to be secured to the pre-cast concrete slab, in position over the access hole by use of a special tool or key. The cover may also be re-used.

An example of the invention in use is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 2 shows the upper, cross section of the chamber with temporary safety cover secured in place over the access hole of the pre-cast concrete slab Figure 3 shows the plan view of the temporary safety cover secured in place over the access hole of the precast concrete slab.

Referring to the drawing the temporary safety cover comprises the cover 8, positioned by an underside rim 9, located above the pre-cast concrete slab 4 and the clamping mechanism (operated by the special tool or key 13) , attached to the underside of the cover 8 used for securing to the precast concrete slab 4 In order to fit the temporary safety cover, the locking mechanism must first be retracted by use of the special tool or key 13 The cover is placed over the access hole and positioned with the aid of the underside rim 9. The special tool or key 13 is used to operate the locking mechanism which may be, for example, a clamp bar 10 which is positioned on the underside of the pre-cast concrete slab 4 and clamped in positioned by turning a bolt 11, or an expanding mechanism (not shown) which clamps onto the sides of the aperture 12.

Removal of the temporary safety cover is accomplished by release of the locking mechanism with the use of the special tool or key 13 and lifting clear with two standard manhole keys 15, inserted into the keyholes 14, provided

Claims

I A re-useable temporary safety cover for inspection chambers, a cover and a mechanism for securing cover to a pre-cast concrete slab
2 A temporary safety cover for inspection chambers as claimed in Claim I whereby the

cover is manufactured of suitable material and strength to withstand conditions associated with construction sites.
3 A temporary safety cover for inspection chambers as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 whereby the cover is positioned over the access aperture by an underside rim of similar shape to the aperture.
4 A temporary safety cover for inspection chambers as claimed in any proceeding claim, whereby the securing or locking mechanism is operated by a removable special tool or key
5. A temporary safety cover for inspection chambers as claimed in any proceeding claims, whereby the cover is removed by standard manhole keys after releasing the locking mechanism.
6. A temporary safety cover for inspection chambers sustantially as described herein with reference to Figures 2 & 3 of the accompanying drawing