BSI B S * 4 9 7 : P A R T * & 76 I1624669 0254562 9

BS 497 : Part 1 : 1976

Specification for

Manhole covers, road gully gratings

and frames for drainage purposes

Part I. Cast iron and cast steel

Specification concernant les cadres et tampons de voirie

pour trous d'homme utilises pour le drainage
Partie 1. Fonte de fer et fonte d'acier

Schachtabdeckungen, Straßenabläufe-Roste und Rahmen

(für Entwässerungszwecke)
Teil 1. Gußeisen und Stahlguß

British Standards Institution

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 B S I BS*497: PART*KL 7b 3b24bb9 0254563 O
BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

Contents
Page Page
Foreword Inside front cover Tables
Cooperating organizations Back cover 1, Grades D and A manhole covers and frames. 3
2. Grade B class 1 manhole covers and frames 3 I

Specification 3. Grade B class 2 single-seal manhole covers and

1. Scope 1 frames 3
2. References 1 4. Grade C single-seal inspection covers änd frames 3
3, Materials 1 5. Grade C double-seal inspection covers and frames 4
4. Manufacture and workmanship 1 6. Grade A class 1 gully gratings and frames 4
5. Protective coating 1 7. Grade A class 2 gully gratings and frames 6
6. Design requirements 1 8. Grade B gully gratings and frames 6
7. Quality control 1 9. Kerb-type gully covers and frames 6
8. Additional tests specified by the purchaser 2
9. Inspection 2
Figures
1O. Certificate of compliance 2
11. Marking 2 1. Sealed manhole covers 3
12. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames 2 2. Minimum clear-opening dimensions of frame for
13. Road gully gratings and frames 4 BS reference MA-T manhole cover 5
14. Kerb-type gully covers and frames 6 3. Part plans of gully gratings and frames 5
4. Detail of keyways and keys 7
Appendices
A. Loading t e s t 8
B. Summary of optional variations 8

Foreword
Delete the existing text of the foreword entirely and substitute the following-
'This British Standard has been prepared under the
authority of the Road EngineeringStandards Policy
Committee.
As part of the new approach to harmonization and
standards in Europe, work on manhole covers i s being
undertaken by CEN/TC 165, Drainage, who are revising
EN 124 : 1986, 'Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular
and pedestrian areas; design requirements, type testing,
marking'. I t i s therefore envisaged that the next edition of
this standard will be a dual British/European Standard.
Since the 1976 edition of this standard, traffic growth has
significantly exceeded forecasts and it i s likely that rapid
growth will continue into the nextcentury. In addition the
maximum permitted weight of heavy goods vehicles has
increased and will increase s t i l l further during the 1990s.
Concern has been expressed by various highway authorities
about the durability of certain grade A products under high
speed, heavily trafficked conditions such as on motorways
and other primary routes. An increasing amount of
maintenance i s required on covers and frames to ensure
their continued satisfactory performance. These maintenance
works can be hazardous to motorists and operatives as well
as causing congestion and serious delays. It was tnerefore
agreed to supplement the existing range of grades in BS 497
to cater for these circumstances.
In view of the move towards product standard harmonization
in Europe i t was decided t o introduce a new grade
equivalent to Class D 400 of the draft revision of EN 124.
The new BS grade (called D for consistency with oraft
E N 124) has 2 400 kN design load and stipulates
minimum frame dimensions to improve stiffness.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.'
' Sr? releience in CP 301 : 1971 (note a t end of table 61.

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BSI B S * 4 9 ? : P A R T * I , 76 W 1624669 0254564 2
British Standard Specification for
Manhole covers, road gully gratings
and frames for drainage purposes
Part 1 Cast iron and cast steel
1, Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for:
(a) cast iron manhole covers, inspection covers and
frames;
(b) cast iron and cast steel road gully gratings in cast
iron frames;
(cl cast iron kerb-typegully covers and frames.
The standard falls into four main parts as follows.
Clauses 2 to 11 specify general requirements applicable
to the articles covered in clauses 12, 13 and 14.
Clause 12 deals with manhole covers, inspection covers
and frames.
Clause 13 deals with road gully gratings and frames.
Clause 14 deals with kerb-type gully covers and frames.
2. References
The titles of the standards publications referred to in this
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
3. Materiais
3.1 Cast iron units. The metal used for the manufacture of
castings included in this standard shall be suitable for the
method of manufacture and shall be either
flake graphite iron (hereafter called grey iron) of a
quality not less than that specified as grade 10 in BS
1452: 1961, or
spheroidal or nodular graphite iron (hereafter called
ductile iron) complying with the requirements specified
in BS 2789: 1973 for grade 500/7,600/3 or 70012, as
selected by the manufacturer to suit the design and
dimensions of the unit.
3.2 Cast steel gully gratings. The metal used for the
manufacture of cast steel gratings shall comply with the
requirements for BS 592 grade A given in 6s 3100: 1967
3.3 Bolts. Bolts supplied for loosely coupling separate
sections of covers and gratings shall be steel, hexagon
headed, complying with the requirements of BS 4190: 1967
and not less than size M16, complete with hexagon nut;
these shall be provided with means to prevent undue
tightening of the unit sections. Alternative coupling devices,
if used, shall be of steel, have a minimum cross-sectional
area of 140 mm2, and be removable and incapable of undue
tightening or loosening.
4. Manufacture and workmanship
All cast units shall be cleanly cast and shall be free from air
holes, sand holes, cold shuts and chill. They shall be neatly
dressed and carefully fettled. All castings shall be free from
voids, whether due t o shrinkage, gas inclusions or other
causes.
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BS 497: Part 1 : 1976
5. Protective coating
Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, all units shall
be supplied coated by dipping, or other equivalent means,
using a hot-appliedcoal-tar-basedmaterial complying with
the requirements specified in BS 41 64. Alternatively, a t the
option of the manufacturer, a cold-appliedblack bitumen
material complying with the requirements specified i n
BS 3416 may be used. No coating shall be applied to any
casting unless the surfaces of the casting are clean, dry and
free from rust.
6. Design requirements
Products manufactured to the requirements of this standard
shall be capable of supporting, without fracture, the
following design loads:
Grade of cover Design -.
A
or grating
D kN .
400
350
p
g
B 150
C 10
Bearing blocks shall be of the same size as those used for the
relevant quality control tests (see 12.3, 13.3 and 14.3) and
the cover or grating shall be capable of supporting the
specified design load with the bearing block placed a t any
position wholly within the perimeter of the cover or grating
section(s).
The manufacturer shall verify the design of each type of
unit by submitting a sufficient number of prototypes to the
loading tests specified in this clause and in clause 7.
7. Quality control
7.1 Quality control tests. The manufacturer shall t e s t
sample units, by the method given in appendix A, for
compliance with the requirements given in 7.2. Apart from
the initial design proving tests that shall be carried out by
the manufacturer, routine sampling tests will be a t the
discretion of the manufacturer, to suit his rate and method
of production, in order to ensure continuing compliance
with the requirements of this standard. Records of such
quality control tests shall be available to the purchaser or
his representative.
7.2 Acceptance requirements. Products shall be deemed to
comply with the loading test requirements of this standard
if, when tested in accordance with the procedures described
in appendix A, the following requirements are satisfied.
(a) Grey iron units sustain the loads specified in 12.3,
13.3 and 14.3 without fracture. '
(b) Ductile iron and cast steel units sustain the loads
specified in 12.3, 13.3 and 14.3 without fracture and
any resultant permanent set, measured a t the midpoint
- _-
 1624669 0254565 4
BS 497: Part 1: 1976
between any two selected supporting seatings after
removal of the test load, is not greater than one five-
hundredth (0.2 %) of the distance between these
. selected seatings.
7.3Testing of recessed covers. Recessed covers shall be
tested before they are filled with concrete.
8. Additional tests specified by the purchaser
Grade D Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
wheel loads up to 11 .a
tonnes, for use in carriacteways
carrying fast-moving beavy vehicles, such as rnotorways,
trunk roads and other primary routes, These covers and
frames shall incorporate a permanent non-rock design
feature such as triangular point suspension or machined
faces.'
I
12.2 Shape and size. Only minimum clear-openingsizes and
certain frame dimensions are stipulated (see 12.51. shape
(e.9. square, rectangular, circular) and size being the product
of the individual manufacturer's design. If a purchaser
desires to specify a particular shape this shall be stated on
*. 1
I
the enauirv and/or order.

if he so desires.
The allocation O f costs of additional tests should be agreed
between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
'For grade Oframes, slots within the 75 mm minimum
bedding width are permissible in any side Of the frame but
there shall be an increase in width to give a corresponding
AI
Should the purchaser desire t i witness the tests specified
in 7.2 he shall inform the manufacturer accordingly and the
latter shall give reasonable notice of the date or dates on
G,adeof coyer resiload

iron iron
Sire of black
L4 1
which the tests will be carried out. The purchaser shall, if he
mm
so desires, be enabled t o carry out inspection of covers,
Grade
gratings and frames prior to the application of any Coating. manholecovers 250 dia.

10. Certificate of compliance Grade A

manholecovers 350 235 300 dia.
The purchaser shall, on request, be supplied with a
certificate in respect of each delivery certifying that the
articles comply with the requirements of this specification.
: : : :d and
manhole covers 300 dia.

11. Marking Grade C

All covers, gratings and frames shall have clearly cast thereon
the number of this British Standard and the appropriate
grade, e4. 'BS 497, Grade A', and such other markings as
may be agreed between the manufacturer and the purchaser. cover relative to the frame is an essential feature of a non.
rock design, a register shaif be provided.
12. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames
12.1 Grades. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames
complying with the requirements of this British Standard
shall be graded as follows:
Grade A Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
wheel loads up to 11.50 tonnes, for use in
carriageways. These covers and frames shall
incorporate a permanent non-rock design feature
such as triangular point suspension or machined
faces.
Grade B Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
class I wheel loads up to 5.00 tonnes, for use in
carriageways Carrying relatively slow-moving normal
~m-mercialvehicles (e.g. cul-de-sacsand minor
residential roads; see table 1 in Road note 29*).
These covers and frames shall incorporate a
Permanent non-rock design feature such as
triangular point suspension or machined faces.
Grade B Sealed manhole covers and frames (see 12.4.8)
Class2 capable of bearing wheel loads up to 5.00 tonnes,
inspectioncovers 300 dia.
Design features
12.4
Where the directional installz:ion of the
12.4.1 Registers.
12.4.2 DisplacernPnrby rraff;c. The design of co:'ers shall
be such that they cannot be displaced by normal traffic.
Grade A and grade 8 frames of less than 100 mm depth
shall be provided with means of additional ancho:%? (e&!.
0penir:gs and/or holes for anchor bolts in the flance).
12.4.3 Drainage and skid raisrance. Covers Of tG!id-to?
type $ha[[be self-draining and have a raised pat:eín. Such 25
chequcrs, so as to provide a skid-resistingSurface.
i
:12.4.4 loosening. A recess for a prising bar shall Se
incorporafed in manhole covers unless other means of
:loosening the cover from the frame arc provide&.
12.4.5 Grade Crecerred covers. Covers shall be wxwx¡ 10
a clear depth of not less than 28 mm. The recess shall
except for keyway housings and locking Pads.
10 within 2 5 mm of the outside of the frame a t surface
1 2 - 4 5 KeyVØays. At k o s t two keyways as detailed in figure
4 shall provided in each complete cover. o w in each
segment for a double triangular cover. Closed ket'\ws shzl'
always be provided on grade B class f end O n Gr¿dec
'covers; open or closed keyways may be provided on 6

for use in areas to which vehicles would have only , on grade B class 1 and on kerb.rype gully cows.
:gradesD and A
occasional access (e.$ pedestrian precincts). 12.4.7 Clearance. The maximum clearance be:::?en C O i ' 9
Grade c Sealed inspection covers and frames (see 12.4.8) section and frame, or between scction 2nd section. sha!l be
for Use in Situations inaccessible to motor vehicles. 3mm (as for gra:¡ngS: See fi!?ate 3).

Department of the Environment - Road Research Laboratory. Road note 29, third edition. 'A guide to the structural design of
pavements for new roads'.

2
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 BSI BS*497: P A R T S 1 7 6 Lb24bbî 0254566 b
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BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

Sect ion of cover

r
\ .

I
R I
Sealing material

Section of frame '

Single seal .Double seal
NOTE. The figure is diagrammatic only.
Figure 1. Sealed manhole covers

12.4.8 Sealing. When a manhole or inspection cover unit i s Table 2. ,Grade'B class 1 manhole covers
described as sealed, unless an alternative method i s agreed and frames
by the purchaser, the frame shall provide a continuous I I--- ' l I-
I" Minimum
means of retaining a sealing material. This standard seal may BS . *
Minimum clsar Minimum bedding
be of either single or double pattern (see figure 1) and the rsfrrrner waning depth of
width of
(see 12.21 framr
minimum depth of penetration of the cover ,sealing flange(s) framr
into the frame shall be 10mm. . . mm mm mm -
MB1-50 600dia. 75 75
12.4.9 Locking. Where specified by the purchaser, menas MB1-55 550 dia. 75 75
shall be provided for locking sealed covers i n their frames, MB1-60 600 dia, 75 75
without nullifying the seal. Where locking devices would be
rendered ineffective by corrosion, they shall be suitably Table 3. Grade B class 2 single-seal manhole covers
protected and frames
12.4.10 Ventilatedcovers. The total area of ventilation
shall be not less than 5 % of the minimum clear-opening Minimum
Minimum clear Minimum bdding
0s
area. The width of slots shall not exceed 40 mm and their rafsranca opening Of width of
length shall not exceed 125 mm. (see 12.2) frama frame

12.5 Specified dimensions and details. The dimensions of mm mm mm

manhole covers and frames of specified grades and BS MB2-50 500 dia. 75 75
reference numbers shall be as given in tables 1 to 5. MB2-55 550 dia. 75 75
MB2-60 600 dia. 75 75

MB2-60145. 600 x 450 75 75

MB2-60160' 600 x 600 75 75

ES Minimum clear Minimum Minimum M82R- 60145t , 600 x 450 75 75

I reference opening depth bedding M82R-60l60t 600x 600 75 75
(see 12.2) of frame width of
frame' Solid top.
t Recessed top.
mm mm rnm
MD-GO GOO dia. 150 75 Table 4. Grade C single-seal inspection covers
and frames
I 1 I
Minimum
Minimum clear Minimum bddiw

A-. . (b). Grade D manhole covers and frames

-
0s
rsfsrancr waning
(see 12.2)
depth Of
frame
width of
frame

Minimum mm mm
Minimum clear Minimum
ES bedding MCl-45/45. 450 x 450 40
reference opening depth of
width of
(see 12.2) frame MCl-60145' 600 x 450 40
frame
MC1-60/60' I 600 x 600 40
rnrn
MA-50 500 dia. MC1R-45/45t 450 x 45u 60 40
MA-55 550 dia. MC1R-60145t 600 x 450 60 40
MA-60 600 dia. 75 75 MClR-60160t 600 x 600 60 40
See silhoutte 'MC 1-45 450 dia. 40 140'
in figure 2
MA-T for single 75 75 ' Solid top.
triangular t Recessed top. See 12.4.5.
cover

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 B S I BS*G97: PART*l 76 * L b 2 4 b b ï 0254567 B

BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

area, there shall be a minimum of 45cm2 between the kerb

BC Minimum clear
Minimum bedding
face of the frame and a parallel line 50 mm distant (line
reference opening
depth of width of X-X in figure 3) and there shall also be a minimum of
(see 12.2) frame 65cm' between the kerb face of the frame and a parallel
frame
line 90mm distant (line Y-Y in figure 3).
mm mm mm
MC2-45/45* 4 5 0 ~
450 40 65 13.4.2 Slot width and direction. The maximum width of a
MC2-60/45* 600x 450 slot in a grating shall be limited to 40 mm, this figure to
' 40 65
include the 3 mm clearance (see 13.4.3) when this forms an
MC2-60/60* 600 x 600 40 65
integral part of such a slot. The predominant direction of
dots must be a t an angle to the kerb face of between 40
MC2R-45145t 450 X 450 60 65
and 90".
MC2R-60145t 600 x 450 60 65
MC2R-60/60t 600 X 600 60 65 13.4.3 Clearance. The maximum clearance between
A.w c2-45 * 450 dia. 40 165'1
grating section and frame, or section and section, shall be
3 mm (see figure 3). The area of such clearance shall not

.,
325 mm and 450 mm, with minimum wateway area are
13.5 Specified dimensions and details. The dimensions of
specified (see 13.5), shape and size being the product of
road gully gratings and frames of specified grades and BS
the individual manufacturer's design (see figure 3 for
reference numbers shall be as given in tables 6 to 8.
definition of nominal width). I f the purchaser desires to

13.3 Test loads for quality control purposes (see also Minimum
clause 7 and appendix A). The loads and sizes of the BS Minimum Minimum Minimum
bedding
reference nominal width area of depth of width of
bearing blocks for the purpose of the test specified in
(see figure 3) watenniay frame frame'
clause 7 shall be as follows:
mm cm2 mm mm
Test load
Size of block GA1-325 325 650 75 75
,
,
Grade of (see notes GA1-450 450 900 75 75
grating Grey Ductile Cast and 2)
iron iron steel
On three sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face
kN kN kN mm
A 350 235 235 300x 235
B 150 100 100 300x 235

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BSI BS*497: PART*L 76 W L b 2 4 6 6 7 0 2 5 4 5 6 8 T
BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

t
380

F
-

495
\ I

All dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE. Minor intrusions in corners A, B and C, to accommodate
seatings and the like, are permitted provided that
(a) their total area inside the minimum dimension lines does not
exceed 15 ,ma, and
(b) no individual intrusion shall have a projection of more than
20 mm inside the minimum clear opening.
Figure 2. Minimum clear-openingdimensions of frame for BS
reference MA-T manhole cover

I I ,Kerb f a c e of frame

sornrnr
X
Y

'From k e r b face of
frame t o extremity
of waterway

3 mm max. -3 m m max.
clearance - clearance
(seel3.4.31 ---A - (seel3.4.31

..- . -. . ..- ..= - .- .- -.-=. -......- ..- - ...,.

Figure 3. Part plans of gully gratings and frames

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 ES1 BSX497: PART*kL 76 i1624669 0254569 1 W

BS 497: Part 1: 1976

Table 7. Grade A class 2 gully gratings and frames 14.4 Design features
I I I l 14.4.1 Weir length and waterway. The weir length shall be
Minimum a t least 425 mm and a rectangular clearway a t least 250 cm2
Minimum Minimum Minimum bedding
Bs in area shall be provided above the weir level (see 14.21,
nominal width area of depth of width of
reference
(see figure 3) waterway frame frame* both excluding any debris trap as specified in 14.4.4.
I I I I
14.4.2 Road retaining bar. Unless otherwise specified by
mm cm2 mm mm the purchaser, a road retaining bar, .minimum cross section
GA2-325 325 650 75 75 35 mm x 25 mm, shall be provided as a standard feature.
GA2-450 450 900 75 75 It shall be supplied loose so as to provide adjustment to suit
I I I
the required road level. Alternatively, a deflector plate may
On three sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face. be provided by arrangement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
14.4.3 Cover. The cover shall be provided with either a
Table 8. Grade B gully gratings and frames
keyway(s) for the standard small key or a locking
I I
mechanism. Where the cover may be readily raised without
Minimum
Bs Minimum Minimum Minimum bedding the use of the key or other tool, a locking mechanism shall
nominal width area of depth of width of be provided. Where a hinge is provided, this shall be a t the
reference
(see figure 3) waterway frame frame*
rear edge of the cover, as viewed from the road. The top
shall be self-drainingand have an adequate raised pattern,
mm cm2 mm mm
such as cheques, to provide a slipresisting surface.
GB-325 325 650 75 75
GE-450 450 900 75 75 14.4.4 Debris trap. A robust grid with horizontal bar(s) or
a minimum of two vertical fins shall be provided to act as a
* On th!ee sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face. debris trap across the open mouth of the unit.
14.4.5 Cleansing access, The opened unit shall provide a
minimum rectangular clear opening 400 mm x 250 mm.
14 Kerb-type gully covers and frames
14.5 Specified dimensions. The dimensions of kerb-type
14.1 Duty. These covers and frames are for use in the kerbs gully covers and frames of specified BS reference numbers
of carriageways. shall be as given in table 9.
14.2 Types. Units shall provide kerb inlet with access cover
opening away from the carriageway. Weir depth (distance Table 9. Kerb-type gully covers and frames
from top of cover to top of fixed weir, i f any) shall be either
115 mm or 165 mm a t customer's selection. Minimum
BS Weir Minimum Minimum rectangular
14.3 Test load for quality control (see also clause 7 and reference depth net weir rectangular clear opening
appendix A). A load of 150 kN for grey iron units, or length clearway
(see 14.4.5)
100 kN for ductile iron units, on a rectangular bearing block
300 mm X 235 mm (with the 300 mm dimension parallel to mm
the kerb face) shall be used for the purpose of the test 400 x 250
specified in clause 7. 250 400 x 250

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'.c- -

BS 497: Part 1: 1976

Keyways

.. . . O pen Closed ,/'

I /
,/
/
/ - y
\
'
\

\
2

n \ \

Plan Plan

,Line o f

Section AA

Keys

T I I I Section BB b

I Kevwav I Key
Type A 8 C D E F
min.lmax. min.lmax. min. min. min. min.
Small 114-16 19-11 129 16 117 I 6 I
6 40
~~~~ ~

All dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE, Small key for class C and kerb-type gully covers; large key for class A and class B
covers.
Figure 4. Detail of keyways and keys

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BS 497: Part 1 : 1076

Appendix A
Loading test
A.l Apparatus. The following apparatus i s required. A.2.1 Grey iron covers or gratings. Support the cover or
A . l . l A standard frame to be used as a supporting frame. grating in the frame and, using the testing machine or
other load-measuringdevice (A.1.31, apply the appropriate
A.1.2 A bearing block of the shape and size specified i n
load without shock. Sustain the load for a minimum
12.3,13.3 and 14.3 as appropriate, of hardwood faced
period of 30s.
with hard rubber or other resilient material, and sufficiently
rigid to ensure that the load on the cover or grating i s A.2.2 Ductile iron covers and gratings and cast steel
evenly distributed over the full area of the block. gratings. Support the cover or grating in the frame and
take two readings with the measuring device (A.I.4) as
A.1.3 A device, preferably a hydraulic testing machine,
follows.
for applying the load. The device shall be capable of
(a) Before the load is applied, take an initial reading a t
applying a load a t least 25 % greater than the appropriate
a point midway between the two selected supporting
load specified in 12.3,13.3 and 14.3. If a testing machine
seatings to establish a datum point. Where it is not
is used it shall comply with the accuracy requirements for practicable to make this measurement exactly on the
grade A or grade 6 testing machines given in BS 161O:
line drawn between the two supporting seatings it shall
1964. If any other load-measuringdevice is used it shall be taken on a line parallel to, and as near as possible to,
be accurate to within 2 % of the indicated load.
this line.
A.1.4 A measuring device, accurate to 0.1 mm, suitable for (b) Apply the test load, without shock, five times,
indicating deflection measurements on ductile iron units sustaining alternating maximum and zero loads for
and cast steel gully gratings. minimum periods of 20s;then take a second reading a t
A.2 Procedure. Carry out the loading t e s t by applying the the datum point.
appropriate load specified in 12.3,13.3 and 14.3 through Record the difference between the two readings as the
the bearing block of specified size placed centrally on the permanent set.
unit or section(s) being tested. For grey iron covers or
gratings proceed as described in A.2.1, for ductile iron
covers and gratings and cast steel gratings as described in
in A.2.2.

‘Abpendix B
Summary of optional variations (see note)

Standard Optional variations Applikble to:

---i-----
+
Manhole Gully K e r b-type
covers gratings gully covers

Coated in accordance with clause 5 Not coated, or other finishes Yes

Normal sampling and testing Additional sampling and testing (see Yes
(see clause 7) clause 8)
6S marking as given in clause 1I
Manufacturer’s choice of shape
(see 12.2 and 13.2)
Additional marking (see clause 1 1 )
Particular shape (see 12.2and 13.2)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes 1 Yes
Yes

Open or closed keyways in grades D Open or closed keyways in grades D Yes

and A, grade 6 class 1 and kerb-type and A, grade B class 1 and kerb-type
gully covers a t the manufacturer‘s gully covers a t the purchaser’s option
option (see 12.4.6) (see 12.4.6)

Standard sealing (see 12.4.8) Agreed alternative sealing method

(see 12.4.8)
Yes No I No

Non-locking sealed covers Locking device on sealed covers Yes

(see 12.4.9)

Solid cover top Ventilated cover top (see 12.4.10) Yes NO No

Minimum clear openings as specified Specific larger openings Yes

in 12.5,13.5 and 14.5
Flat upper surface of gratings i Shaped upper surface to gratings

NOTE. Unless options are specificaily requcs;ed, 2 standard unit shall be supplied. An example of â sp?cific requirement might be:
12 no. manhole covers and frcrnes to 8s 437 : P s x 1 , reference MAGO bur having E clear opening of 700 mrn diame:er and round frame
‘
shape.
. -.
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Standards publications referred to

BS 1452 Grey iron castings
BS 1610 Methods for the load verification of testing machines
BS 2789 Iron castings with spheroidal or nodular graphite
BS 3100 Steel castings for general engineering pruposes
BS 3416 Black bitumen coating solutions for cold application
BS 3763 The International System of units (SI)
BS 4164 Coal tar based hot applied coating materials for protecting iron and steel, including suitable primers where required
BS 4190 I S 0 metric black hexagon bolts, screws and nuts
PD 5686 The use of SI units

EN 124' Gully tops and manhde tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas;
design requirements, type testing, marking'
!

A Referred to in t h e foreword only.

.,.
. _..:. - -...
. .
,

.. .... . .._:..
.-- .. .

BSI Certification Trade M a r k

The Kitemark

The Kitemark is the registered certification trade mark of the
British Standards Institution. A licence to use the Kitemark on or
in relation to a product will be granted to any manufacturer or
producer who demonstrates that he can and will be able
consistently t o make that product to a specified British Standard.
His capability of doing so is initially assessed by inspection of his
production process, quality control organization and test facilities,
and by independent testing of a sample of the product against all
the criteria of the relevant standard. The licensee is required to
accept, and t o operate in accordance with, a BSI scheme of
supervision and control which identifies the tests to be carried out
during manufacture and on the completed product, and specifies
the frequency of such testing. BSI carries out unannounced
inspection visits to the manufacturer's works and audit testing of
the product, and may withdraw the licence for any failure of the
manufacturer to comply with the relevant standard or with the
requirements of the scheme of supervision and control.
The presence of the Kitemark on or i n relation to a product is an
assurance that the goods have been produced under a system of
supervision, control and testing, operated during manufacture and
including periodical inspection of the manufacturer's works i n
accordance with the certification mark scheme of BSI.
Further particulars of the terms of licence may be obtained from
the Quality Assurance Department, British Standards Institution.
Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 4SQ.

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 BSI
BS*497: PART*L 76 1624667 0254573 3

BS 497 : Part 1 : 1976

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of
the Hardware and ironmongery Standards Committee, was published
under the authority of the Executive Board on 30 September 1976.
@British Standards Institution, 1976
First published, as BS 497, July 1933
First revision December 1945
Second revision July 1952
Third revision May 1967
Fourth revision, as BS 497: Part 1, September 1976.
ISBN: O 580 09580 O
Copyright
Users of British Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all
BSI publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced in
any form without the prior permission in writing of BSI. This does
not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details such as symbols and size, type or
grade designations. Enquiries should be addressed to the
Publications Manager, 101 Pentonville Road, London N1 9ND
(Telephone O1 837 8801 ;Telex 2321 8)
Contract requirements
Attention is drawn t o the fact that this BriGsh Standard does not
purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract.
Revision of British Standards
British Standards are revised, when necessary, by the issue either of
amendment slips or of revised editions. It is important that users
of British Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of
the latest amendments of editions.
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Coh\mittee references HIB/16 and HIB/16/1 Draft for comment
74/11 105 .DC

Cooperating organizations
The Hardware and Ironmongery Standards Committee, under represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of
whose supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of this British Standard:
representatives from the following Government departments and Agrément Board
scientific and industrial organizations: Association of London Borough Engineers and Surveyors
Aluminium Window Association British Gas Corporation
Association of Builders' Hardware Manufacturers British Ironfounders' Association
British Hardware Federation British Malleable Tube Fittings Association
British Lock Manufacturers' Association County Surveyors' Society
British Plastics Federation Department of the Environment - Transport and Road Research
British Steel Industry Laboratory
Copper Development Association Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
*Department of the Environment Environmental Health Officers' Association
Department of the Environment - Building Research Station Institute of Works and Highways Superintendents
*Greater London Council Institution of Civil Engineers
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Municipal Engineers Institution of Public Health Engineers
Metropolitan Police National and Midland Ironfounders' Association
Royal Institute of British Architects National Federation o f Builders' and Plumbers' Merchants
Royal Institutiori of Chartered Surveyors National Water Council
Steel Window Association Post Office
Zinc Development Association Water Companies Association
Individual manufacturers
The Government department and organizations marked with an
asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were directly

Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

British Standards Institution 2 Park Street London W1A 2BS . Telephone 01-629 9000 . Telex 266933
81 12-5-1 k-B

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b

-i
B S I BSU497: PART*1 76 m 1624669 0254574 5 m

A M D 5034

Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 31 December 1985
to BS 497 : Part 1 : 1976
Manhole covers, road gully gratings
and frames for drainage purposes
Part 1. Cast iron and cast steel

Revised text

AMD 5034 Table 4. Grade C single-seal inspection covers and frames

December 1985
Add the following new line to the foot of table 4.
'MCI-45* I 450dia. I 40 [ 40'

AMD 5034 Table 5. Grade C double-seal inspection covers and frames

December 1985
Add the following new line to the foot of table 5.
'MC2-45" I 450dia. 1 40 1 65'

851 2-O-2.5k-8 RD8135

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 .* BSI B S U 4 9 7 : P A R T * l 76 1624669 0 2 5 4 5 7 5 7

AMD 6643
Amendment No. 2
published and effective from 21 December 1990
to BS 497 : Part 1 : 1976
Specification for manhole covers, road gully
gratings and frames for drainage purposes
Part 1. Cast iron and cast steel

Revised text

AMD 6643 Contents

December 1990
Under 'Tables', delete the t i t l e of table 1 and substitute the following.
'1. Grades D and A manhole covers and frames.

AMD 6643 Foreword

December 1990
Delete the existing text of the foreword entirely and substitute the following.
'This British Standard has been prepared under the
authority of the Road Engineering Standards Policy
Committee.
As part of the new approach to harmonization and
standards in Europe, work on manhole covers i s being
undertaken by CEN/TC 165, Drainage, who are revising
EN 124 : 1986, 'Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular
and pedestrian areas; design requirements, type testing,
marking'. It i s therefore envisaged that the next edition of
this standard will be a dual British/EuropeanStandard.
Since the 1976 edition of this standard, traffic growth has
significantly exceeded forecasts and it is likely that rapid
growth will continue into the next century. In addition the
maximum permitted weight of heavy goods vehicles has
increased and will increase still further during the 1990s.
Concern has been expressed by various highway authorities
about the durability of certain grade A products under high
speed, heavily trafficked conditions such as on rnotorways
and other primary routes. An increasing amount of
maintenance is required on covers and frames to ensure
their continued satisfactory performance, These maintenance
works can be hazardous to motorists and operatives as well
as causing congestion and serious delays. I t was tnerefore
agreed to supplement the existing range of grades in BS 497
to cater for these circumstances.
In view of the move towards product standard harmonization
in Europe it was decided to introduce a new grade
equivalent to Class D 400 of the draft revision of EN 124.
The new BS grade (called D for consistency with draft
EN 124) has a 400 kN design load and stipulates
minimum frame dimensions to improve stiffness.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.'

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 I -_ B S I BS8497: PART*KL 76 3624b69 025q576 9

AMD 6643 Clause 6 Design r e q u i r e m e n t s

December 1990
Delete the first nine lines entirely and substitute the following
Products manufactured to the requirements of this standard
shall be capable of supporting, without fracture, the
following design loads:
Grade of cover Design load
or grating
kN
D 400
A 350
6 150
C 10

AMD 6643 Clause 12. I Grades

December 1990
Insert the following after the grade C category ending a t ' . . . to motor vehicles'.
'Grade D Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
wheel loads up to 11.50 tonnes, for use in carriageways
carrying fast-moving heavy vehicles, such as motoways,
trunk roads and other primary routes. These covers and
frames shall incorporate a permanent non-rock design
feature such as triangular point suspension or machined
faces.'

AMD 6643 Clause 12.2 Shape and size

December 1990
A t the end of 12.2, insert the following new paragraph.
'For grade D frames, slots within the 75 mm minimum
bedding width are permissible in any side of the frame but
there shall be an increase in width to give a corresponding
increase in solid flange area for that side of the frame.'

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 B S I BS*497: P A R T 8 1 76 1624669 0 2 5 4 5 7 7 O

AMD 6643 Clause 12.3 Test loads for quality control purposes
December 1990
Delete entirely the 'table' contained in this clause, and substitute the .Alowing.

Grade of cover Test load Size of block

Grey Ductile
iron iron

kN kN mm
Grade O
manhole covers 400 267 250 dia.

Grade A
manhole covers 350 235 300 dia.

Grade B
classes 1 and 2
manhole covers 150 1O 0 300 dia.

Grade C
inspection covers 10 7 300 dia.

AMD 6643 Clause 12.4.6 Keyways

December 1990
In the final line, delete 'grade A' and substitute 'grades 0 and A'.

A M D 6643 Table 1 Grade A manhole covers and frames

December 1990
Insert the following new table (al.
Table 1 Grades D and A manhole covers and frames

(a). Grade D manhole covers and frames

6s Minimum clear Minimum Minimum

reference opening depth bedding
(see 12.2) of frame width of
frame*

mm mm mm
M D -60 600 dia. 150 75
~~

*See 12.2, paragraph 3.

R e t i t l e the existing table as '(b). Grade D manhole covers and frames:

3
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 .-" 1ES1 B S * 4 ï 7 : PART*J 76 M L b 2 4 b b ï 0254578 2 M
x..

AMD 6643 Appendix B Summary of optional variations

December 1990
Delete the appendix table entirely and substitute the following.

'Appendix B
Summary of optional variations (see note)

Optional variations I
Standard Applicable to:

Manhole
covers
1 Gully
gratings
I Kerb-type
gully covers

Coated in accordance with clause 5 Not coated, or other finishes I Yes I Yes I Yes
Normal sampling and testing
(see clause 7)
Additional sampling and testing (see
clause 8 ) I Yes I Yes I Yes
BS marking as given in clause 11 Additional marking (see clause 11) I Yes I Yes I Yes
Manufacturer's choice of shape
(see 12.2 and 13.2)
Particular shape (see 12.2 and 13.2) I Yes I Yes Yes

Open or closed keyways in grades D Open or closed keyways in grades D Yes No Yes
and A, grade B class 1 and kerb-type and A, grade B class 1 and kerb-type
gully covers a t the manufacturer's gully covers a t the purchaser's option
option (see 12.4.6) (see 12.4.6)
Standard sealing (see 12.4.8) Agreed alternative sealing method Yes No No
(see 12.4.8)
Non-locking sealed covers Locking device on sealed covers
(see 12.4.9) I Yes I No
No

I I
~- ~~ -

Solid cover top - - - T V e n t i l a t e d cover top (see 12.4.10) Yes No No

Minimum clear openings as specified Specific larger openings Yes Yes Yes
in 12.5, 13.5 and 14.5
Flat upper surface of gratings Shaped upper surface to gratings No Yes No
(see 13.4.4) (see 13.4.4)

NOTE, Unless options are specifically requested, a standard unit shall be supplied. An example of a specific requirement m i g h t be:
12 no. manhole c o k r s and frames to BS 497 : Part 1, reference M A 4 0 b u t having a clear opening o f 700 mrn diameter and r o u n d frame
shape. '

A M O 6643 Inside back cover

December 1990
In the l i s t of publications referred to, after the reference to PD 5686,
insert the following.
'EN i24' G u l l y tops and manhole tops f o r vehicular a n d pedestrian areas;
design requirements, t y p e testing, marking'

Insert the following footnote to the l i s t :

'(Referred t o in the foreword only.'

9012-2-0.8k-8 RI36135

4
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