Posted By Eric PD standards for lifting manhoel rings? Do a risk assessment, devise a safe system, ensure that you use suitable equipment, i liftin chains are tested to carry the load and are lifted with suitable machinery or hoist - Dont be tempted to utilise the teeth of a JCB bucket to hook the chains onto. your slings/ eyebolts/ chains / d- links used should all be load tested and inspected. Look at LOLER and maybe some manual handling assessment.

Posted By Ron Hunter (I'm not sure if we're answering your vague-ish question!) Rather than cumbersome/mechanical means of lifting heavy iron work, consider replacing heavy lids which require frequent access with modern "Fibre-lite" alternatives;easily shifted by one person. You'll see them on modern petrol statin forecourts. They can withstand weight of 40+ tonnes. Reasonably practicable!!