Conquer Confined Spaces: Manhole Safety Tips (2024)

Confined spaces like manholes can be hazardous work environments. They can harbor hidden dangers like toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, falling hazards, and electrical risks.

Having safe and efficient manhole operations is important to maintain underground utility systems. These systems include sewer lines, water lines, and electrical conduits.

Proper manhole operations are crucial for the functionality of these systems. Maintaining manholes ensures that these utilities can operate effectively and safely.

This guide has important tips for staying safe in manhole operations. Useful for new workers and experienced professionals.

What Are Manholes and Why Are They Dangerous?

Manholes are access points to underground utility systems like sewer lines, water lines, and electrical conduits. They allow workers to enter these confined spaces for inspection, maintenance, and repair work.

The dangers of manhole work arise from several factors

Manholes may not have enough fresh air and could contain dangerous gases like methane, hydrogen sulfide, or carbon monoxide.

Falling Hazards: Slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, and the risk of falling into the manhole itself pose significant threats.

Toxins in sewage and utility systems can make you sick or hurt you. Be careful around them to stay safe.

Electrical Hazards: Underground electrical lines can be present near manholes, creating a risk of electrocution for workers.

Engulfment Hazards: Certain loose materials like sand or debris inside a manhole can engulf a worker if disturbed.

By following proper safety protocols, workers can significantly reduce these risks and ensure safe and successful manhole operations.

9 Safety Tips for Manhole Work

Here are nine essential safety tips to prioritize when working in manholes:

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Always use a ventilation system to bring in fresh air and remove dangerous gases from the manhole.

Regularly monitor air quality throughout the operation using appropriate gas detectors. Premier Safety offers a wide range of reliable gas detectors.

Establish Secure Entry/Exit Protocols

Only enter a manhole with a valid permit and after completing a thorough hazard assessment.

Designate a competent attendant to monitor the work from outside the manhole, maintaining constant communication with the worker inside.

Utilize proper entry and retrieval equipment like tripods, davits, or lifelines to ensure safe access and egress. Consider using manhole lifters for added security during entry and exit.

Regular Equipment Maintenance

Inspect and maintain all equipment used for manhole work, including ventilation systems, gas detectors, harnesses, and lifelines, regularly.

Make sure to certify and check that all equipment is functioning correctly before each use.

Emergency Communication Procedures

Develop a clear communication plan for emergencies like worker illness or injury inside the manhole.

This plan should include designated personnel responsible for calling for help and initiating rescue procedures.

Proper Use of PPE

Wear all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for manhole work, including:

o Hard hat

o Safety glasses or goggles

o Gloves (chemical-resistant if necessary)

o Steel-toed boots with good traction

o High-visibility clothing

o Respirator (if required based on air quality testing)

Team Safety Accountability

Foster a culture of safety awareness and teamwork among crew members.

Everyone involved in the operation should be vigilant and report any unsafe conditions or practices immediately.

Conduct pre-job briefings to ensure everyone understands the tasks and potential hazards involved.

Ongoing Hazard Training

Provide workers with regular training on manhole safety procedures, including hazard identification, proper use of PPE and equipment, and emergency response protocols.

Make sure you are aware of any updates to regulations or best practices for manhole safety, like the ones from OSHA.

Implement Lockout/Tagout

Follow lockout/tagout procedures if there is dangerous equipment or machinery near the manhole. This will prevent accidental energization or startup.

Make sure to take necessary precautions to keep workers safe. Prioritizing safety when working near hazardous equipment is important. This will help prevent any accidental energization or startup.

Have an Emergency Rescue Plan

Develop a comprehensive plan for rescuing a worker in case of an emergency inside the manhole.

This plan should include trained personnel and proper rescue equipment readily available on-site. Premier Safety offers manhole shelters and umbrellas to keep workers safe during rescue operations.

FAQs:

What Are the Safety Measures for Manhole Work?

The safety measures for manhole work involve a multi-pronged approach, including:

Permitting and planning: Obtaining a permit and creating a detailed work plan outlining all safety protocols.

Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation to maintain breathable air and remove harmful gases.

PPE: Utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment for the specific hazards present.

Communication: Maintaining clear communication between workers and attendants.

Hazard assessment: Conducting a thorough hazard assessment before entry to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Fall protection: Implementing fall protection measures like guardrails, harnesses, and lifelines. Premier Safety sells manhole guard rails to stop people from falling. 

Lighting: Providing adequate lighting inside the manhole to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

Barricading and signage: Using barricades and warning signs to alert others of ongoing work and prevent accidental falls into the manhole.

Post-work procedures: Properly cleaning up the work area, ensuring the manhole is securely closed, and documenting the entire process for future reference.

What Are the OSHA Rules for Manholes?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations for confined space entry, which includes manholes. These regulations outline specific requirements for employers to ensure worker safety, such as:

Permitting procedures for confined space entry

Duties of attendants

Ventilation requirements

PPE requirements

Communication procedures

Emergency rescue plans

You can find more information about OSHA's confined space standards here. 

What Are the Hazards of Opening a Manhole?

Opening a manhole can expose workers to a variety of hazards, including:

Toxic gases: As mentioned earlier, stagnant air in a manhole can lack oxygen and contain harmful gases like methane or hydrogen sulfide.

Falling hazards: Slippery surfaces around the manhole opening and the risk of falling into the confined space itself pose significant dangers.

Sudden inrushes: Underground water or other liquids can rapidly enter the manhole, creating a drowning hazard.

What kind of warning signs should we place on the manhole?

The type of warning signs placed on a manhole will depend on the specific hazards present. However, some common warning signs used around manholes include:

"Confined Space - Entry Permit Required"

"Danger - Do Not Enter"

"Danger - Slippery When Wet"

"Danger - Underground Utilities"

By following safety tips and OSHA rules, workers can lower risks during manhole work. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when working in confined spaces.

Prioritize Safety: Your Key to Successful Manhole Operations

Manhole work is a vital function for maintaining our underground infrastructure. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety throughout the entire process. By following the tips in this guide, workers can reduce risks during manhole operations.

For all your manhole safety needs, Premier Safety is your one-stop shop. We have a wide range of safety gear for small spaces, like fans, gas detectors, protective gear, manhole covers, and more. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and ensure a safe working environment for your crew.