Steel Street/ Trench Plates :
Street plates have limits like any other equipment or tool used in the work place. The recommended steel to use for street plates should be A36, mill certified, structural steel or better and accompanied by a tabulated data, signed and approved by a registered engineer. There are several theories and calculations on steel plates and tabulated data may vary from agencies or companies.

Lifting Chains :
Grade 80, Spectrum 8 is the recommended chain for overhead lifting applications. The chain size should be 3/8" for lifting 1" thick plates or 1/2" for 1-1/2" thick plates. Make sure the chain is not twisted, knotted or kinked before lifting the load. Slings should not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices. Visually examine chains for stretched, gouged, bent or damaged links and components, including, hooks with opened throats, cracks or distortion. If any equipment is damaged, remove from service immediately.

Handling Steel Plates :
Hands or fingers should not be placed on or around the steel plate, and should not be pushed or guided by employee’s hands while loading, unloading or placing the steel plates. The proper way of guiding the steel plate in place is with a device that has a magnet attached to a metal rod and used a like a tag line. The steel plates should be straight and true with very little deformity and should be shimmed so the plate will not rock or injure anyone. Placing a cold patch around the edges can eliminate tripping hazards, protect tires from bursting and also aid in keeping the plate in position.