Operation & Maintenance

BEFORE ENTERING ANY MANHOLE, REMEMBER THAT THE INTERIOR MAY BE RATED AS A CONFINED SPACE AND COULD BE HAZARDOUS. CONSULT ALL APPLICABLE CODES BEFORE PROCEEDING.

Manhole Structure Inspection

• Cover
  • The manhole cover should be secure upon arriving at the site.
  • The manhole cover should be in good operating order, allowing ease of entry / exit from the manhole.
  • A confined space entry sign should be present either on the underside of the manhole cover or at the first ladder rung.
• Ladder (if present):
  • Each ladder rung should be inspected for connection to the ladder uprights, signs of damage, missing / worn / loose rung non-slip surface.
  • The ladder mounting brackets that mount the ladder to the manhole wall should be inspected to ensure that they are securely fastened.
  • Ladder rungs may need periodic cleaning to keep them free of bioslime or other debris that would otherwise make the rung slippery. A mild detergent may be used.
• Accessories (if present):
  • Inspect any lights, fans, or electrical equipment for condition.
  • Make sure ventilation piping is unobstructed.
  • Manhole benching should be periodically cleaned to keep it free of bioslime or other debris accumulation. A mild detergent may be used.

For manholes incorporating flow measuring devices, refer to those items' operation and maintenance for additional details.

Open channel grinders represent a considerable hazard to operators entering a Grinder Manhole. Refer to the grinder manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual.