The safety and security of our water and power supplies are very important components of national security - should we let any Tom, Dick or Harry gain access to these systems?

It is relatively easy to open most manhole covers. Only in rare instances are they secured, often by welding the lid shut temporarily during a high risk time. The risk is, of course, that vandals or even terrorists might gain access to some of the most important areas of city infrastructure and could inflict damage to any of these essential systems.

John Schira, a Senior Associate of Metroguard Systems Inc. notes, "Not only is there a risk to the infrastructure systems, but as has been seen in many cities, there is also a serious risk to young people, who through curiosity, enter manholes and can swept up and possibly drown as a result." Mr. Schira continues," Some municipalities are now considering that "due diligence" on their part means installing some sort of locking device, at least in remote or high-risk manhole locations".

Metroguard Systems, Inc. has introduced a new security locking device that will help prevent unauthorized people from breaking into any of these underground facilities.

According to the spokesperson for Metroguard, this lock can be retro-fitted in existing covers, and includes a special "key" that will allow access only by authorized personnel. This locking system also features an optional RFID chip that contains information about the manhole cover and transmits it to a hand-held reader. This lets the system operator store service records, manhole contents and any other relevant data.

Metroguard Systems Inc. is a distributor of manhole cover locking systems for underground facility access control.

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Contact

John Schira
Senior Associate
Metroguard Systems Inc.
Tel +1 (519) 829-5752
Fax +1 (519) 620-2011
Email: MetroGuard@bellnet.ca