In the onsite wastewater industry, safety and accessibility are often at odds. Traditional secondary safety devices, while effective at preventing accidental falls, frequently pose a logistical hurdle for service providers who must remove and reinstall them during routine maintenance. Infiltrator Water Technologies has addressed this challenge with the launch of the Guardian, a safety gate designed to integrate seamlessly into tank riser systems while maintaining a permanent, high-security barrier against unauthorized entry.
Unlike secondary lids that are often set aside and forgotten during a pumpout, the Guardian is engineered to be a permanent fixture within the riser. It is compatible with a wide range of infrastructure including Infiltrator’s own EZsnap and EZset riser series, as well as standard 24-inch diameter pipe risers. By remaining installed during service, the Guardian ensures that the human error factor — forgetting to replace a safety device — is effectively eliminated from the safety equation.
The gate’s primary function is to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children or nonprofessionals, into septic and pump tanks. When closed, the gate is secured by a stainless steel screw and a high-tension, spring-loaded safety latch. This latch is calibrated to require approximately 50 pounds of force to disengage, providing a significant deterrent and a physical barrier that meets stringent safety expectations for municipal and residential applications.
One of the most significant advantages for maintenance providers and waste haulers is the Guardian’s “lift-to-access” functionality. When the safety latch is released, the gate swings open to provide a completely unobstructed opening. This design grants technicians ample space to navigate vacuum hoses, inspect filters or deploy cameras without the awkwardness of working around a fixed secondary grid or a heavy removable plate.
Constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, the Guardian is built to withstand the harsh, humid environment of a wastewater tank without compromising structural integrity. Its glass-reinforced polypropylene construction ensures longevity, mirroring the durability of the tanks and risers it protects.
“The Guardian reflects Infiltrator’s commitment to protect those who own, install and maintain septic systems across North America” says Jim Bransfield, vice president of marketing and product management for Infiltrator. “By designing a product that is compatible with both of Infiltrator’s riser platforms and added at a minimal cost, we are calling on the industry to prioritize safety even when not required to by rule or regulation.”
800-221-4436; www.infiltratorwater.com
