Ground-operated manhole cover ready for use

Safety in the supply chain has the highest priority for Van den Bosch. Towards the end of 2020, we introduced the first ground-operated manhole covers to prevent unnecessary work at height and increase product safety. The system has been tested intensively in the past period and is ready for use.

“As logistics service provider we are continuously searching for new ways to work smarter and safer”, says Barry Gruijters, Operations Director division Dry Bulk at Van den Bosch. “In cooperation with our development partner Etec, we searched for a safer alternative to the manhole cover on top of the silo trailers and containers. The result is this ground-operated manhole cover, with which we equipped our first silo trailers in 2020. This manhole cover is unique in the bulk sector and is developed exclusively for Van den Bosch.”

Prevention of working at height
The manhole cover is completely ground-level controlled and pneumatically operated (by air pressure), cutting out unnecessary working at heights. Furthermore, these covers are quicker and easier to open and close than the regular version. “With this new generation of manhole covers, we are taking the next step in the field of safe working and increasing product safety”, explains Gruijters. 

Ready to use
The manhole covers have been intensively tested and further developed over the past period. Gruijters: “The system works well, and the safety benefits are clearly visible in practice. The work can not only be performed more safely, but also faster. Leaks are prevented because the cover can only be closed in one way. Moreover, the cover cannot be opened without access to the controls. We combine innovation with safety, thereby setting a new standard in the supply chain.”

This is how the ground-operated manhole cover works: