When Citizens Energy Group began exploring the idea of creating a new tool to open manhole lids, we didn’t have to go far for some fresh ideas. Mechanical engineering students in the Partnership for Excellence in Research and Learning (PERL) program at IUPUI took on the challenge using resources from Citizens including tools, access to structures, standard operating procedure (SOP) for current work practices, and access to staff with knowledge of the industry.
Why would we need a new tool to open manhole lids? you might ask. Well, if you’ve never lifted one, manhole lids (and other sewer structures) often weigh in excess of 100 pounds and require significant physical effort to open. Most structures are opened using a tool called a manhole lid hook to pry and ultimately lift the lid off its frame.
The strain from opening and lifting structures is a frequent source of workplace injury for our employees. Common injuries include rotator cuff tears and back strains. In a typical year, nearly 10 percent of Citizens’ workforce will experience a structure-opening-related strain. Several of these cases require extended time off work and result in lost production as well as increased healthcare costs for both the employer and employee.
The number of injuries has increased as our workforce continues to advance in age. As a result, this project is aimed at exploring alternative ways to open a structure with less effort and potential for injury.
The PERL students at IUPUI were enlisted to produce the following deliverables: a prototype for a potential new manhole lid tool, SOP for using the tool, and a report detailing the tool.
The new tool designed by the IUPUI mechanical engineering students uses a cantilever arm to reduce the force needed to pry open the manhole lid. In addition, the tool scoops the lid to allow the user to wheel the manhole lid around as needed.
Roger Hanas, Manager Wastewater System Renewal, said, “The IUPUI students genuinely cared about working to reduce workplace injuries, and they proved that through their final design. I was impressed with the technical knowledge the students applied to develop an innovative and safety-focused tool.”
Wastewater Operations crews are in the process of testing the manhole lid tool to see how it performs and how future groups of students may be able to improve the design.
Mechanical engineering students at IUPUI created a new tool for opening manhole lids as a part of the Partnership for Excellence in Research and Learning (PERL) program. Because the lids can weigh more than 100 pounds, employees experience rotator cuff tears and back strains. The goal of the project is to reduce workplace injuries among Citizens' field personnel.
