Utility crews have an important job: keeping power, communications and other critical infrastructure operating safely and reliably. Before they can inspect, maintain or service underground equipment, they first have to access it. That shouldn’t require coordinating a crane, rigging equipment and additional personnel just to open the vault. With the right ergonomic hatch or vault cover system, one crew member can quickly access equipment below the surface and get to the work that matters, safely and securely.

At T&D World Live, Ohio Gratings, Inc. will showcase solutions designed around the people who access and maintain underground utility infrastructure. At the center is Grater Balance, an ergonomic vault access system that uses an engineered system to significantly reduce the lifting force required to open heavy access doors. The system allows a single worker to manually open the hatch with one hand while maintaining a controlled lifting posture, reducing or eliminating the need for cranes or other mechanical lifting equipment for routine hatch access.

Grater Balance doors are also designed for controlled movement during opening and closing, helping address lifting, pinch and impingement concerns that can come with traditional heavy vault panels.

In addition, Ohio Gratings will feature vault covers, bar grating, solid plate options and Wheels n’ Heels® grating solutions designed to address the challenges surrounding underground infrastructure, including pedestrian safety, ventilation and unexpected loading conditions. Available configurations include AASHTO H-20-rated sidewalk vault covers as well as solutions for both new construction and retrofit applications.

Because the real work happens below the surface, access above it should help crews do their jobs, not get in their way.

Ohio Gratings | Booth 304
www.ohiogratings.com/