Placing an access cover in an area that sees heavy foot traffic comes with unique challenges. For one thing, not everyone is on foot. Cyclists and people with disabilities will likely frequent the area too. Subsequently, safety should come first when deciding how and where to place your access cover.
But, that's not all you need to focus on. If you are about to place an access cover in a densely populated area, consider the following three areas beforehand.
Safety Comes First
Your first priority when choosing an access cover should be its load class. Load class C, which can take loads of up to 5,000 kg, is designed for areas that are open to pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles. When looking for a supplier, choose a reputable company that puts quality and safety above price. Cheaper materials tend to cave in, becoming a hazard to pedestrians.
Moreover, even a slight edge can cause someone to trip and fall. People using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and bicycles may also frequent the area. If an access cover is poorly fitted and has jutting edges, it could cause accidents for passers-by. Since the year 2000, 129 people have died due to having an accident while riding their mobility scooter.
However, if you are placing your access cover in an area with blocked pavers, the added support provided by the pavers will reduce the load on the access cover. This will reduce the wear and tear on your access cover, as well as the number of accidents.
Aesthetics Are Important
Avoid placing raised or grilled access covers in commercial or residential areas. Not only are these types of cover dangerous, but they are also hard on the eye. If your access cover is to be placed in an attractive location with landscaping and decorative paving, your access cover should be inconspicuous.
This rules out grilled or raised access covers with little aesthetic appeal. Recessed access covers can be custom made to blend into areas that use block paving, granite flagstone, tumbled blocks and even garden areas covered in grass. While not completely invisible, recessed access covers, when placed correctly, can be made to blend in with almost any surface.
However, recessed access covers do require upkeep to function properly year-round.
Upkeep Is Paramount
Remember that when using trays and covers that include galvanized steel, rust may become an issue in future. As a result, access covers with galvanized steel frames may become rusted, causing the cover itself to become jammed. For this reason, it is best to either use an access cover made entirely of plastic framing or one that is made of both plastic and steel.
If you do decide to use an access cover with galvanized steel framing, ensure that you check the condition of it at least once a year. Otherwise, you may be forced to damage the cover when trying to take it off.
Recessed access covers can also become jammed as a result of debris, such as dust, stones and mud finding its way into the recess between the frame and tray. This material causes access covers to jam. In an area filled with pedestrians, a jammed access cover is the last thing you need. Once a year, lift each recessed access cover and remove any dirt and debris you find along the framing.
If your upcoming project includes access cover placement, these three areas should be your main focus. Of course, functionality is also important, as well as quality. However, in areas of dense population, it is wise to focus on how your access covers will affect nearby people. A good access cover is attractive and discreet as well as safe.
For more information, reach out to a company such as Hydro Construction Products.