Industrial Safety

Manhole Equipment

Everything needed to open, seal, guard, and access a manhole safely — shields that keep groundwater out, guards that keep pedestrians back, and cover lifters that keep backs intact. All aluminum fabrication, all OSHA-compliant.

OSHA 1910.146 — Physical Barrier Required at Every Open Entry

When a permit-required confined space is opened, OSHA requires a physical barrier to prevent accidental falls through the opening. Manhole shields, guards, and the LifeGuard system all satisfy this requirement — the right choice depends on whether you also need fall arrest anchorage and retrieval capability at the same location.
OSHA 1910.146 — Physical Barrier Required at Every Open Entry

Aluminum Manhole Shields & Pel Protector

Temporary pneumatic seals that keep groundwater from flowing into open manholes. Inflate the tube with 5–10 lbs of air or nitrogen to form a watertight seal — no clamps or sealing compounds required. All-aluminum construction with safety-yellow powder coat finish. Three standard models cover most utility and communications applications; custom sizes available for non-standard openings.

Pel Protector — Model 2760

Molded fiberglass protection screen that sits on top of any shield to protect workers below from falling objects and debris. Person-rated load capacity. 9.5 lbs. Fits the 27″ or 30″ side of Series 2730 shields.

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Manhole Guards

Rigid, high-visibility traffic barriers that clamp directly to Pelsue manhole shields. Collapse for transport and storage. OSHA 1910.146 compliant. When paired with a work tent, guards also block wind from entering the manhole opening. Choose steel (locking arms) or aluminum (shield clamps, 33″ × 33″ footprint).

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Manhole Cover Lifters

Ergonomic cover lifting tools with a built-in ice scraper and heat-treated locking hook for manhole covers with a hole. Both models are functionally identical — the difference is storage format. The 2775 is one-piece with an integrated rod; the 2775C uses a chain and hook that coils compactly for hanging in a tool locker.

Every Open Manhole Needs the Full Stack

Safe manhole work requires the right combination of equipment — from the cover off to the worker safely down and back up. Work through the four steps to make sure nothing is missing from your setup before crews arrive on site.

1

Lift the Cover

Model 2775 or 2775C. Heat-treated hook, ice scraper, ergonomic handle.

2

Seal the Opening

Series 2730 (27″/30″) or Model 3336 (33″/36″) shield. Pneumatic seal with 5–10 PSI air or nitrogen.

3

Guard the Perimeter

4000A (steel, locking arms) or 4000AL (aluminum, shield clamps). Or upgrade to LifeGuard for fall arrest anchorage.

4

Ventilate & Protect

Add Pel Protector (2760) to shield workers from falling debris. Add ventilation blower for atmospheric safety.

Ready to Spec Your System?

Our team will help you choose the right manhole equipment for your application and confirmed for compliance.