Upgrading Outdated Gatic Covers for Safer Access

When it comes to underground water and wastewater assets, safe access is critical. Unfortunately, many sites across Australia are still fitted with old heavy gatic covers that create multiple risks for operators. These covers are:

• Overweight, increasing the risk of manual handling injuries.
• Lacking fall prevention, leaving operators exposed to open pits during maintenance.

The Safe Access Solution

To address these hazards, our team replaced the outdated covers with a modern, engineered access system designed around safety and compliance:

• Spring-assisted lightweight aluminium covers reduce lifting effort and remove the strain of manual handling.
• Integrated safety grates act as a fall prevention barrier, protecting operators from open wet wells while still allowing work to continue.
• A permanent handrail with a self-closing gate was installed around the wet well, ensuring operators are never exposed to a leading edge.

Why It Matters

By combining lightweight access technology with permanent fall prevention measures, the site is now fully compliant with safety requirements and far safer for routine maintenance. Operators no longer need to harness off just to open a lid, reducing setup time and eliminating unnecessary exposure to risks.

Future-Proofing Infrastructure

This project is a reminder that safe access upgrades are not just about replacing a cover — they’re about rethinking the entire access system. By implementing engineered solutions like safety grates and handrails, councils and utilities can dramatically improve workplace safety while extending the life of their infrastructure.

If your site still relies on outdated gatic covers, it may be time to consider a Mass Products engineered safe access upgrade.