How to choose the right trench cover for your needs

Trench covers are essential for safety and accessibility, typically used on construction sites for residential, domestic, or driveway and footpath applications. They are available in different sizes, to help prevent accidents, protect workers, and make business operations run smoothly. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing the right trench covers for your needs.

Trench cover or road plates?

It’s important to understand the difference between trench covers and road plates in order to determine which one suits your needs:

• Trench cover – the purpose of a trench cover is to secure and cover trenches, typically used on construction sites for maintenance and repair work. They are designed for pedestrians and residential use and are relatively lighter in weight. Trench covers are placed over holes, ditches and excavations to help prevent and reduce the risks of accidents, trips and falls.
  
  
• Road plate – the purpose of a road plate is to cover up a temporary excavation or trench, used on construction sites or roadworks. They are designed to provide a temporary solution for accessibility for vehicles, traffic, machinery and pedestrians. Road plates are heavier in weight compared to trench covers and help to distribute weight to provide stability for equipment and traffic.

What trench cover do I need?

Here at Oxford Plastics, we understand that safety and accessibility are at the forefront of any business when considering trench covers for construction and roadworks. However, there are some other factors to consider that can make all the difference. These include:  

Weight limit

As well as considering the size of the trench or excavation you will be covering, weight should also be considered. Will you be using these trench covers for passing pedestrians or will they be used for heavy vehicles and machinery?

Installation

Your installation process is key when it comes to choosing which trench cover you should use. Do you have the time, machinery and resources needed to install heavy steel trench covers? Or is it more time and cost-effective to choose a simple single man or 2-man installation process?

Compliance

Using compliant equipment is not only essential for safety, but can also have legal implications. If you aren’t using compliant equipment not only are you putting your employees and workers in danger, but members of the public too.

What trench covers do Oxford Plastics offer?

At Oxford Plastics, we offer the following trench covers and road plates

Trench cover with Oxford Plastics

Here at Oxford Plastics, our site safety range of products are designed and manufactured to be long-lasting, high-quality, problem-solving equipment that minimise the risk of hazards. Don't compromise on safety - explore our range of trench cover solutions today, or get in touch to find out more.