The tripod frame is brought to a vertical position, from this position the legs are moved out in an equal manner over the load of a manhole or piece of plant. As the legs open folding arms will unfold until the legs are out to the full amount, when the arms will lock them at this working position. Steel cables that are connected to the feet of the tripod will also open from their clipped position until the working full opening is reached when they will be taut or near taut. At the full opening of the legs dead locks at the tripod head will also prevent the legs from opening further. When the tripod is in position fully out and locked with the arms, a waterproof sheet may be thrown over the tripod, this is in the shape of the pyramid with a hole to allow the tripod top to come through and clips at the base to secure to the leg feet. There is an opening flap to allow access, along one of the legs this can be closed when working in the man hole. A pulley block is attached to the lifting eye, and the strops connect to the man hole cover. The cover is lifted from the ground and swung over to one side, or placed on pipes and slid well away out of the vicinity if the tent cover is not being used. The pulley is detached to give unobstructed use of the space in the tent for weather protection while working in the manhole. When the work is completed the pulley is re-connected to the eyebolt, the manhole cover swung back into position and lowered. The pulley is removed and the tent cover removed. The folding arms which are locked can be pushed up thus breaking the lock and allowing the legs to be brought to a vertical, then laid down. The cables are gathered and pushed into the special clip for store. There are several models of this tripod, some have four legs others have folding arms at the feet, others available have swing down arms, others have different methods of cable attachment.