Manhole guard

Manhole guard instruction

  • Read the operating instructions of the fire extinguishers if necessary.
  • You must have a walkie talkie or mobile phone with you.
  • If you are uncertain about whether you can keep sight of personnel inside the confined area, discuss in advance how to keep in touch with them.
  • Find out who is the supervisor for this job. Discuss how he or she can be reached.
  • Check auxiliary equipment, and assist people in entering and leaving the confined area.
  • Ensure you are always in contact with personnel inside the area.

You must never leave your post by the manhole while there are people inside the confined area.

  • Be careful not to damage or squeeze any compressed air hoses being used for respiratory protection either inside or outside the area. For example, keep vehicles and loads off them.
  • Keep access to the confined area free from obstacles.
  • If technical safety facilities fail, evacuate personnel from the confined area immediately.
  • You may be asked to monitor the atmosphere either inside or outside the confined area. This could be measurements of temperature, ventilation, CO percentage, oxygen percentage etc. If applicable, these hazards will be stated on the work permit, together with limit values. If these limits are exceeded, evacuate personnel from the area immediately.
    • CO ≥ 25 ppm, if no respiratory protection is worn.
    • Oxygen concentration less than 19% and higher than 22%
  • Be aware of the prevailing wind direction, and consider where you can go perpendicular to the wind if there is a gas emergency.
  • If anybody becomes unconscious in the area, try to pull him or her out with the lifeline, and put him or her in the recovery position.
  • If you cannot pull the victim out, never enter the area yourself, even if you are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • As soon as personnel and the manhole guard leave the workplace in the confined area, the manhole guard must put up a suitable barrier to prevent access to the confined area.
  • The emergency services must then be called immediately.
  • Warn a member of the company’s emergency response team. They can be reached via your reporting station.

If there is a fire or accident, call  88, or if dialling from a mobile or outside line call +31 181 886075

  • State what has happened and where
  • Ensure there is someone in the designated place to receive the emergency services.

An unconscious person is at risk of choking if they are lying on their back. It is therefore advisable to place an unconscious person in the recovery position as quickly as possible, preferably on the left side. If this is not possible, turn the head to one side in any case. Pieces of clothing that limit circulation, such as collars and trouser belts, must be loosened. Loose objects in the mouth, such as dentures or chewing gum, must be removed. To do this, open the mouth of the victim by pressing the cheek between the victim’s teeth with the thumb and forefinger of one of your hands, then remove the object with the other hand.