4220 Flow Meter
Appendix D General Safety Procedures
D-3
the manhole opening. To avoid a serious injury, a person should
not be lifted out of a manhole by his arm unless it is a dire emer-
gency.
“When more than one person must enter a manhole, the first
person should reach the bottom and step off the ladder before the
next one starts down. When two men climb at the same time, the
upper one can cause the lower one to fall by slipping or stepping
on his fingers.
“5. Traffic Protection. In addition to traffic cones, markers,
warning signs, and barricades, a vehicle or a heavy piece of
equipment should be placed between the working area and
oncoming traffic. Flashing warning signals should be used to
alert drivers and pedestrians. Orange safety vests should be
worn by personnel stationed at the surface when the manhole is
located in a vehicular traffic area.
“6. Falling Object. All loose items should be kept away from the
manhole opening. This applies to hand tools as well as stones,
gravel and other objects.
“7. Removing the Covers. Manhole covers should be removed
with a properly designed hook. Use of a pick ax, screwdriver, or
small pry bar may result in injury. A suitable tool can be made
from 3/4-inch round or hex stock. Two inches of one end should be
bent at a right angle and the other end should be formed into a
D-handle wide enough to accommodate both hands. Even with
this tool, care must be exercised to prevent the cover from being
dropped on the toes. The 2-inch projection should be inserted into
one of the holes in the cover, the handle grasped with both hands,
and the cover lifted by straightening the legs which have been
slightly bent at the knees.
“8. Other Precautions. Other precautions which should be
taken when entering a manhole are:
• Wear a hard hat.
• Wear coveralls or removable outer garment that can be
readily removed when the work is completed.
• Wear boots or nonsparking safety shoes.
• Wear rubberized or waterproof gloves.
• Wear a safety harness with a stout rope attached.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid touching yourself above the collar until you have
cleaned your hands.
“9. Emergencies. Every member of the crew should be
instructed on procedures to be followed in cases of an emergency.
It is the duty of each crew chief to have a list of emergency phone
numbers, including the nearest hospital and ambulance service,
police precinct, fire station, and rescue or general emergency
number.