Mechanical Aids
FAQs
Mechanical aids are specialised tools designed to lift, move, rotate, and safely handle heavy infrastructure used in external cabling works. Engineers use these tools to safely handle:
- Joint boxes and chamber covers (lifting keys & hydraulic lifters)
- Telegraph poles or dropwire poles (pole lifters & handling tools)
- Underground access lids and frames
- Heavy equipment such as joint closures or frames
These aids help prevent manual handling injuries, improve installation efficiency, and ensure compliance with site safety regulations.
Netceed offers a full range of professional-grade equipment designed for telecoms and utility field operations:
- Hydraulic lifters and accessories for lifting heavy manhole covers, frames, and joint boxes
- Joint box keys and lifting keys for manual access to chambers, lids, and street furniture
- Pole lifters and handling tools for raising, lowering, and positioning telecom poles
- Pole turners for rotating poles safely for alignment
- Tensioning straps for securing poles, equipment, or heavy loads during lifting/transport
These tools are suitable for Openreach-style infrastructure, FTTx deployments, and civil construction environments.
Selection depends on what needs to be lifted or handled:
For manholes & joint boxes:
- Use hydraulic lifters for heavy duty lifting or stuck covers.
- Use lifting keys for standard chamber lids.
For telecom poles:
- Use pole lifters for raising or lowering poles safely.
- Use pole turners to rotate poles during installation or alignment tasks.
- Use tensioning straps when stabilising poles during handling or transport.
For heavy field equipment:
- Match the lifting device to the weight rating and material (cast iron, composite, steel).
Always check load limits, compatibility, and site safety requirements before selecting.
To ensure safe operation:
- Inspect tools for wear, cracks, or damage before use.
- Confirm lifting capacity of hydraulic lifters and ensure stable footing.
- When using lifting keys, ensure they fully engage with the chamber cover before applying force.
For pole work:
- Clear the area and secure the ground.
- Use tensioning straps to prevent roll or slip.
- Keep personnel at a safe distance during lifting or turning.
- Follow all manual handling guidelines and wear appropriate PPE (boots, gloves, eye protection).
- Only trained personnel should operate pole lifters or hydraulic devices.
These practices minimise risk and maintain compliance with H&S and telecom industry standards.