Composite demand increases as industry looks for safer access cover alternatives
by Katie Daniel | February 12, 2016 2:10 pm
Photo courtesy Fibrelite
When it comes to access covers, composite materials are in demand as the industry experiences hazards and injuries when using traditional steel and other metal products.
Reports of crushed and amputated fingers and toes, severe burns, and back injuries are just some of the hazards of working with access covers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, statistics in 2014 and 2015 showed there were 3675 incidents reporting injuries within manufacturing. Of these, 32 percent were back-related and led to a total of 125,880 missed days of work. Composites are being viewed as an ideal solution due to their lightweight, yet durable, properties.
A particular area seeing a major shift in demand for composites is the manhole and trench cover industries. Conventional covers weigh more than three times a composite cover and require large machinery to lift. The covers lack temperature control, which make the surfaces extremely hot during the summer causing burns without proper attire. Using composite materials eliminates the risk of burns as it has temperature control regardless of the temperature beneath it, as well as the risk of other injuries associated with the use of heavy lifting equipment because it allows for safer manual handling.
Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/composite-demand-increases-as-industry-looks-for-safer-access-cover-alternatives/