The top three reasons for replacement of a specific below ground access cover are all accident related.

Reason-#3: An actual traffic accident took place over the top of the access doors.
Reason-#2: An actual personal injury accident to a field crew member, triggering a worker’s compensation claim.
Reason-#1: For replacing below ground access covers is accident prevention of:

• Back issues caused by lifting.

• Serious head and loss of limb injuries caused by extreme corrosion to the moving parts of access door just 6 to 8 years of age.

• Serious damage to the equipment inside of the vault caused by the loose cover plates dropped inside when accessing or closing up the vault from a routine maintenance call.

• Placer Waterworks, Inc. introduction of REVERSE Angle Foundation Frame (RAF) has allowed cost savings to municipalities large enough to replace 2 -3 locations instead of only one. When you compare the alternative method of cutting out and removal of existing foundation frames when they can be left in place, not disturbing what is already there. It easy to see why and how the saving occurs.  

• Let’s not forget American Disabilities Act (ADA).  The fundamental requirements regarding “abrupt changes vertically” UP to ¼”(6mm) may take place without edge treatment. Vertical changes between ¼” (6mm) and ½” (13mm) shall be beveled with a slope of no greater than 1:2 ratios (45°).

• Not all retro-fit locations need these considerations, but we follow these fundamental requirements and keep them in the forefront.

• To show you how it is we are able to not disturb existing installations by using RAF.  Please review the 5 different profiles of vault concrete structures below (one of them could very well match one of your circumstances).

• The most common application for Reverse Angle Frame (RAF) is sidewalks and planter areas, not direct vehicular traffic circumstances. For direct traffic we have solutions, however, it is “typically” not the RAF.

• After reviewing the above illustrations and recalling ADA requirements should bring you closer to understanding how to improve your retrofit location to an upgrade at minimal costs using RAF.

• So you have a retro-fit challenge, and you don’t think the RAF will work, it may not.  The best action is to take is a field trip!

• Print the initiator forms get a second person to help you take measurements with about 8 to 10 digital photos.  Include a few photos with the door closed, most with the door open to identify wall mountings, appliances and conduits “Guide Lines To Follow On The Initiator Sheet.”  The photos are the most important piece of information for the verbal conversation that follows within 48 hours or less.  After acquiring the information, email the photos and initiator forms to: kkern@placerwaterworks.com

• Retro-Fitting absolutely requires planning and preparation. The initiator forms by Placer Waterworks, Inc. document and identify what each individual location specifics are that we have to work with to make the conversion upgrade as simple as possible.

• In the end, the true benefits of how cost effective the retro-fit really is will be recognized through quicker and safer working conditions that build better moral with your field crews.

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