New innovations in composite access covers from Fibrelite

Exhibiting on Stand S712 at Ecobuild 2014, Fibrelite will be showcasing the industry’s leading watertight composite access covers and modular trench panels.

All Fibrelite’s glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite covers are tested to BS EN 124 and the company has held accreditation to both the ISO quality standard and British Standards Kitemark since 1998.

Fibrelite's technical experts will be on hand to demonstrate innovations including the recently launched F900 load rated trench cover (an industry first). David Holmes, Fibrelite's Technical Director and Head of Product Development explains that: "Having re-configured the internal fibreglass architecture we can meet the permanent set and test load requirements of BS EN 124, Class F900 (when tested in accordance with the Air BP test footprint).”

Fibrelite now offers company logos and other brand markings on its composite covers. Any style logo or other marking can be permanently moulded into the upper surface of the cover in single or multiple colours. For additional brand or product identification, or to blend in with the colour or layout of a facility, Fibrelite can mould its composite covers in nearly any colour or combination of colours.

With RIDDOR (Reporting or Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) statistics attributing over half of injuries (resulting in absence from work) to manual handling it’s already known that reducing hazards in this area is a priority for water companies, as is innovation.  Lightweight composite covers that provide safe and easy access eliminating unsafe manual handling issues are replacing aging concrete and cast iron manhole and trench covers worldwide.

As the underground systems currently installed are retrofitted or upgraded and new facilities are designed, engineers are moving towards specifying corrosion resistant materials in the place of steel, cast iron and concrete.  

This is particularly true in underground infrastructure that is located in areas that are more prone to corrosion (coastal regions or colder areas where salt is commonly used as a de-icing agent) or in infrastructure applications that store or convey water, wastewater or corrosive liquids.

GRP products are now being widely used for applications where corrosion can destroy underground infrastructure. A prime reason for using GRP products is because of their inherent corrosion resistance.

Fibrelite's access covers are lightweight, durable and very strong. Every Fibrelite cover is manufactured using high-technology Resin Transfer Mounding (RTM) production methods to create a highly engineered, monolithic composite product.

Fibrelite offers the best strength to weight ratio in the industry, allowing for maximum load bearing strength and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to handle.  

Visit stand S712 and find out just how lightweight Fibrelite covers are.