A manhole safety net is shown at a local manufacturer in the southeastern port city of Busan on Aug. 12, 2022. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced plans to install safety nets and other screening devices in manholes as part of efforts to prevent people from falling or getting sucked through the openings during flooding.
The initiative comes after a number of people fell into open manholes during last week’s heavy rains. The manhole covers could not withstand the water pressure from the torrential downpour, and were knocked open or shot into the air.
Despite being locked closed, the manhole covers failed to withstand the intense water pressure from rains measured at more than 100 mm per hour.
Starting from the latter half of this year, the city government plans to install protective devices in manholes found in places vulnerable to flooding such as low-lying areas, and then expand the project to other areas on a gradual basis.
“Although analysis of the efficacy of the protective devices has yet to be completed, we decided to install them on a trial basis based on the urgent need to ensure the safety of citizens,” the city government said.
“The devices were selected after comparing and analyzing the products available in the market. We will find ways to improve the efficacy of the devices selected.”
“When the fall prevention device is located in the upper part of the manhole, there is no obstacle to the water flow. We will check the devices on a regular basis to ensure that there are no blockages,” a city official added, in response to the concern that the installation of fall prevention devices could block the water flow.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
