Evaluating a Novel Tool Design for the Removal of Chamber Lids at an Electrical Utility Company

Abstract

The objective of this research was to design and examine a new tool for the removal of chamber lids (manhole covers) called the chamber lid removal tool (CLRT). The CLRT was compared to a pickaxe and J-hook for removing two types of lids using a handheld force meter and an inertial motion capture system. Wearable motion capture was used for monitoring motions in the field. At L4/L5, resultant moment was significantly lower when removing the lids with the CLRT. Significant (p < .05) decreases in resultant moment were observed for the left and right shoulder when using the CLRT.