Retrieval and fall arrest system for manhole applications

A two piece foldable man-hole guard and fall arrest system comprising:

• a base having three sides pivotally connected so that they can be folded into a parallel relation with one another for storage and shipment and that can be unfolded to form three sides of a rectangular guard surrounding a manhole and to define an open side for movement of personnel and materials;
• an upper structure having four elongated support members forming a pyramid shaped structure with an apex at the top, each support member comprising a base and a distal end with
• the base of each of the support members being adapted for mounting to the corners of the manhole guard so that the apex is located over the manhole and
• the distal ends of the support members being rotatable about the apex for folding so that the members are generally parallel for shipment and storage;
• and.
• means connected at the apex for raising and lowering workers and/or cargo into and out of the manhole or for arresting the fall or recovering a worker.