Manhole facts for kids
A manhole (also called a utility hole, cable chamber, maintenance hole , inspection chamber, access chamber or confined space) is a hole for a person to go into to fix underground services. Some examples of these are sewers, telephone, electricity, storm drains and gas.
The opening is protected by a manhole cover. A manhole cover can also be called a "biscuit". It is designed to stop people falling down the hole and to stop people going underground if they are not allowed to. Manholes usually have metal or polypropylene steps on the wall to make it easier to get into the manhole.
Manholes are usually found in urban areas, in streets and sometimes under sidewalks. They are usually circular to stop the manhole cover from falling into the hole.
Contents
Hazards
In urban areas, electricity being in places it is not supposed to be (stray voltage) has become a big concern. In 2004, Jodie S. Lane was electrocuted after stepping on a metal manhole cover. She was walking her dog in New York City when it happened.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Manhole being used to access sewer
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Installation of a fiber-optic manhole in Brooklyn, New York
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A round manhole in New Orleans, and its cover
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Manhole cover of precast concrete in Germany
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Storm drain manhole without cover in France
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"Man Hole Door" at Girard College, Philadelphia, constructed in the 1840s
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Manhole cover in Kibbutz Sasa, Israel
See also
In Spanish: Pozo de visita para niños
