What primary purpose does a man hole cover serve?

A manhole cover primarily serves the purpose of preventing accidents and injuries. Manhole covers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and vehicles by covering open access points to underground utilities, such as sewer systems and electrical lines. If these openings were left uncovered, there would be a significant risk of individuals or vehicles falling into them, which could result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

While sealing out debris, allowing ventilation, and preventing unauthorized access are important considerations associated with manholes, their foremost responsibility is to protect the public from potential hazards. The design of manhole covers also contributes to their effectiveness in these roles by ensuring they can withstand traffic loads, preventing them from being easily displaced and maintaining their functionality over time.