Knotlow climbing shaft gate

[pwhole]

I know, it was a bit luxurious, but in that case it was the only option as it's so heavy. Fixing a short length of fixed ladder would have been another option to at least gain a firm stance to push from, but some of our smaller members would still have struggled - it's somewhat of a behemoth, but given where it is it really needs to be. But I agree, if the business end were always a bolt head rather than a nut, the problem would go away, but I suspect there would be a lot of locks to modify.

 

[AR]

The problem with the lids which have locks which require a key from outside but can be unlocked from the inside is that they tend to be quite heavy and in Derbyshire it's the mine-shafts near footpaths which are the problem and you don't want to be lifting a heavy lid from below when you're on a rope.

The plan I have in mind shouldn't significantly increase the weight of the lids, should be fairly easily fabricated, and fitted with a minimum of hassle.

 

[Jenny P]

Don't forget that DCA uses shaft top lids which are actually weld mesh so they are not only lighter but also allow air circulation - something which has turned out to be quite important in some cases.  DCA has invested in quite a lot of sheets of this mesh as there have regularly been reports of high CO2 levels in some of the mines in the Peak and good ventilation is a must, so there are ready-cut sizes to fit various shafts to install as and when needed.

A solution which is a reasonable modification to the fixings on existing lids would be good - if that's possible.