MCU14/0056 Response to SARA - Consulting Report

3.2.1 Hinged Pit Grates
Hinged pit grates are typically either light duty galvanised steel, heavy duty galvanised
steel or two-piece cast iron. Generally hinged pit grates can be opened by one person,
however heavy duty galvanised lids and cast iron lids may require two people. If you are
unclear about the type of grate, always use two people.

To open a hinged pit grate follow the following steps:

    1. Insert the lifting hooks beneath the grate. (Position indicated in Plate 7)
    2. Check hinge point is not damaged and debris is not caught in the hinge area.
    3. Note many cast iron hinges are not hinged securely (to enable the removal of the
       grate). This may result in the pit grate not being able to sit in an open position.
       Additionally the hinge pins may also be damaged or corroded, which may allow for
       the pit grate to fall into pit. Such pit grates can be removed using the method
       indicated below for non-hinged grates.
    4. Fully open pit grate, ensuring that the grate will stay in the open position without
       any external forces applied. Grates which do not remain open without being held
       should be removed or secured during cleaning or maintenance activities. Plate 8
       and Plate 9 indicate the grate being opened and grate resting freely in the open
       position, respectively.




      Plate 7 Lifting the grate                Plate 8 Opening Grate




      Plate 9 Fully open grate                 Plate 10 Lowing grate




To close a open hinged grate