Description
The Manhole Entry Barrier is a robust, adjustable confined-space barrier used by the world’s largest oil and gas multinationals to secure manholes during maintenance, inspection, and installation work. It restricts unauthorised entry, provides OSHA-required warning signage, and keeps the workplace safe for both workers and passers-by.
The barrier is adjustable in length to fit a wide range of manhole sizes and is built from materials chosen for harsh industrial environments: aluminium frame with high-quality powder coating, 3M reflective tape, and adjustable feet with a swivel base. Available in five standard size ranges (25 cm up to 141 cm) and produced in the Netherlands.
Signs & Sizes
Manhole Entry Barrier is supplied with a safety sign. We have three different options. Sign 2 is available in NL (Dutch), FR (French), GB (English), ESP (Spanish) and IT (Italian)
Available sizes
Sign 15 cm round reflective
Sign 20 cm round reflective
- 64-83 cm
- 83-112 cm
- 112-141 cm
- 141-170 cm
- 170-200 cm
Lock Optional
Optional locks
Locks can be supplied on request for two purposes:
- Easy handling — keeps the barrier closed against unintended opening
- Lockout Tagout (LOTO) — full procedural lockout compatibility so the barrier becomes part of your permit-required entry system
How Not To Do It
CableSafe Confined Space Safety products significantly reduce accidents in confined spaces. According to OSHA, confined space work is one of the leading causes for occupational fatalities in the U.S. The entry barrier makes sure you will work in a safe environment.
We see that in some cases alternative solutions are chosen (see image below). Unofficial / improvised solutions are never as good and reliable as CableSafe Confined Space Safety products like the manhole barrier. We would always recommend the use of official Confined Space products
Social Return
Social Return is an important aspect for CableSafe. This is how the production of our Manhole Entry Barrier is done as much as possible in sheltered workshops. These places are mainly staffed by skilled professionals with a disability or distance from the labor market. We want to give people with a distance to the labor market a chance to reintegrate into our society, and to upgrade them in a creative way.
We created a safe workplace for people who cannot find a job in the labor market. We offer a variety of learning tracks which correspond with the demands in the labor market. We guide and accompany around 40 people with safe and appropriate work. Most of these workers are employed in this safe environment but there are also some workers who get sent out to other employers.
In doing so, we strive to achieve the maximum possible socio-economic return.
Differences in work, age, ethnicity, character, dreams and hobbies. This is crucial for the organization. These differences and talents are all what makes us connected. Together, we can ensure that everyone who needs us can participate in society.
FAQ
Safety is at the forefront of what we do. It is therefore important to understand why safety measures such as manhole barriers are necessary. Here are some questions and answers about our manhole barriers:
What is a manhole?
A manhole is an access point to underground or enclosed systems used for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. When opened during work, it becomes one of the most serious workplace hazards on site.
Why use a manhole barrier?
An open manhole in a high-traffic work area is a fall hazard and an unauthorised confined-space entry risk. A manhole barrier warns workers, restricts access, and physically prevents accidental entry — required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 for permit-required confined spaces.
Why choose the Manhole Entry Barrier over a cross barrier?
Our Manhole Entry Barrier is adjustable in length — a single product covers a wide range of manhole sizes, unlike fixed cross barriers.
Is it OSHA-compliant?
Yes. The barrier provides the warning signage and physical access restriction required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces) and 1926.953 (Construction).
Which size do I need?
Measure the longest dimension of your manhole opening. We supply five adjustable size ranges from 25 cm to 141 cm.
Can the sign be supplied in our local language?
Yes. Sign 2 is available in Dutch, French, English, Spanish, and Italian. Other languages on request.
