Fibrelite, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of composite trench and access covers, is responding to the demands from industry to provide a lightweight and safety friendly alternative to the heavy, crumbling and failing traditional materials such as metal and concrete. For example, the company has recently launched a range of heavy duty D400 load rated composite 1.6m long trench covers, an industry first. These covers are maintenance free and suitable for covering large trenches and pits where access is required and allows for safe operating and manual handling.
Easy and safe installation of a composite trench cover (photos: Fibrelite)
The covers are manufactured in a close mould environment combining long strand multi-directional fibreglass with a specifically formulated resin matrix to produce a durable, lightweight and easy to manoeuvre cover. These covers are effective in covering manholes, gullies and trenches that contain cable, wire or fluid. Additionally, they are not affected by underground gasses or most chemicals, particularly those involved with sewerage.
The trench covers are proven to be ergonomically safe for men and women to remove and replace. The design incorporates two lifting points for their specially designed FL7 lifting aids. These lifting aids allow the operator to remove the cover without trapping fingers or bending over thus maximising the safety of the lifting technique. A wide range of sizes and load ratings are available including heavy duty (A15 – F900) and the anti-slip properties equivalent to a high grade road. As they are made of plastic composite, they will not corrode and have basically zero re-sale value to the scrap market, so will never be stolen.
First composite cover for petrol station in 1980
Manhole covers, as we know them, first appeared with the advent of gas companies and waterworks beginning in the late 1840s. The cover surfaces were originally designed with raised patterns to prevent horses’ hooves from slipping when wet. These decorative heavy cast-iron covers were used to protect and allow access to the vast underground network of sewer systems, water pipes, and utility and telephone lines. For years artists have decorated manhole covers across their towns and cities to reflect the culture, history, landmarks and local festivals.
Fibrelite first pioneered the composite covering system in 1980, initially developing the composite cover for petrol station forecourts to withstand the wheel loading of heavy goods vehicles. This system was quickly adopted worldwide.
Composite manhole cover design with a company logo
A decorative flourish
The company now also offers company logos and other brand markings on its full range of access covers. Any style logo or other marking can be permanently moulded into the upper surface of the cover, in single or multiple colours. This is ideal for branding and product identification, or to blend in with the colour or layout of where it is installed. The company can mould its composite covers in nearly any colour or combination of colours. Introducing the pigment directly into the composite resin during the closed moulding process ensures that the colour is not merely applied on the surface of the cover. Instead, the colouring is evenly and completely infused throughout the composite cover and will not fade or wear over time.
Customers are also using colour as a quick and reliable coding method to identify what is below ground. Colour coding covers provides maintenance and emergency personnel with more accurate information about any hazards or special conditions related to the underground infrastructure.
Fibrelite now offers the composite covers in different colours.
Suitable for various industrial applications
Although they can be more expensive than traditional materials, such as aluminium, steel and concrete, composites are becoming favourable where corrosion resistance, weight savings and fuel savings are crucial. Other important points are health and safety issues and costs associated with lifting heavy metal. According to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Riddor), Health and Safety Statistics for 2011/12: there were 30,663 handling injuries to employees, making up almost three in ten of all injury reports (28%).
According to the company, several industries are favouring composites and moving away from traditional materials. The enquiries are coming in thick and fast, from water and water treatment plants, gas, substations, power stations, docklands and ports, rail and telecoms.
www.fibrelite.com