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, Straenablufe-Roste und Rahmen
(fr Entwsserungszwecke)
Teil 1. Gueisen und Stahlgu

British Standards Institution

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B S I BS*497:

PART*KL

3b24bb9 0254563 O

7b

BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

Contents
Page

Foreword
Cooperating organizations

Inside front cover

Back cover

Specification

1. Scope
2. References
3, Materials
4. Manufacture and workmanship
5. Protective coating
6. Design requirements
7. Quality control
8. Additional tests specified by the purchaser
9. Inspection
1O. Certificate of compliance
11. Marking
12. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames
13. Road gully gratings and frames
14. Kerb-type gully covers and frames

1
1
1
1
1

1
1
2
2
2
2
2
4

Page

Tables

1, Grades D and A manhole covers and frames.

2. Grade B class 1 manhole covers and frames
3. Grade B class 2 single-seal manhole covers and
frames
4. Grade C single-seal inspection covers nd frames
5. Grade C double-seal inspection covers and frames
6. Grade A class 1 gully gratings and frames
7. Grade A class 2 gully gratings and frames
8. Grade B gully gratings and frames
9. Kerb-type gully covers and frames

B. Summary of optional variations

3
3

4
4
6
6
6

1. Sealed manhole covers

2. Minimum clear-opening dimensions of frame for

BS reference MA-T manhole cover
3. Part plans of gully gratings and frames
4. Detail of keyways and keys

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.'
'

Figures

Appendices

A. Loading t e s t

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

-L.

BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

British Standard Specification for

Manhole covers, road gully gratings

and frames for drainage purposes
Part 1 Cast iron and cast steel

1, Scope

5. Protective coating

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.

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.

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.

6. Design requirements
Products manufactured to the requirements of this standard
shall be capable of supporting, without fracture, the
following design loads:
Design
-.
Grade of cover
or grating
D
400
kN .

p
g

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.

350
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

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1624669 0254565 4

Grade D Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing

tonnes, for use in carriacteways
wheel loads up to 11
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.'

.a

BS 497: Part 1: 1976

between any two selected supporting seatings after

removal of the test load, is not greater than one fivehundredth (0.2 %) of the distance between these
. selected seatings.

8. Additional tests specified by the purchaser

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
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

7.3Testing of recessed covers. Recessed covers shall be

tested before they are filled with concrete.

Should the purchaser desire t i witness the tests specified

G,adeof coyer
in 7.2 he shall inform the manufacturer accordingly and the
latter shall give reasonable notice of the date or dates on
which the tests will be carried out. The purchaser shall, if he
so desires, be enabled t o carry out inspection of covers,
Grade
gratings and frames prior to the application of any Coating. manholecovers

10. Certificate of compliance

Grade A
manholecovers

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

Sire of black

resiload

L4
iron

*.

AI

iron

mm

250 dia.

350

and

235

300 dia.

manhole covers

300 dia.

11. Marking

Grade C
inspectioncovers

300 dia.

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

12.4

Design features
Where the directional installz:ion of the
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.
12.4.1 Registers.

12. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames

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).
Grade A Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
12.4.3 Drainage and skid raisrance. Covers Of tG!id-to?
wheel loads up to 11.50 tonnes, for use in
type $ha[[be self-draining and have a raised pat:en. Such 25
carriageways. These covers and frames shall
chequcrs, so as to provide a skid-resistingSurface.
incorporate a permanent non-rock design feature
i
:12.4.4 loosening. A recess for a prising bar shall Se
such as triangular point suspension or machined
incorporafed in manhole covers unless other means of
faces.
:loosening the cover from the frame arc provide&.
Grade B Manhole covers and frames, capable of bearing
12.4.5 Grade Crecerred covers. Covers shall be wxwx 10
class I wheel loads up to 5.00 tonnes, for use in
a clear depth of not less than 28 mm. The recess shall
carriageways Carrying relatively slow-moving normal
except for keyway housings and locking Pads.
~m-mercialvehicles (e.g. cul-de-sacsand minor
10 within 2 5 mm of the outside of the frame a t surface
residential roads; see table 1 in Road note 29*).
These covers and frames shall incorporate a
1 2 - 4 5 KeyVays. At k o s t two keyways as detailed in figure
Permanent non-rock design feature such as
provided in each complete cover. o w in each
4 shall
triangular point suspension or machined faces.
segment for a double triangular cover. Closed ket'\ws shzl'

12.1 Grades. Manhole covers, inspection covers and frames

complying with the requirements of this British Standard
shall be graded as follows:

Grade B Sealed manhole covers and frames (see 12.4.8)

Class2 capable of bearing wheel loads up to 5.00 tonnes,
for use in areas to which vehicles would have only
occasional access (e.$ pedestrian precincts).

always be provided on grade B class f end O n Grdec

6
'covers; open or closed keyways may be provided on
, on grade B class 1 and on kerb.rype gully cows.
:gradesD and A
12.4.7 Clearance. The maximum clearance be:::?en C O i ' 9
section and frame, or between scction 2nd section. sha!l be
3mm (as for gra:ngS: See fi!?ate 3).

Grade c Sealed inspection covers and frames (see 12.4.8)

for Use in Situations inaccessible to motor vehicles.

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

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design of

-.-.

BSI BS*497: P A R T S 1 7 6

Lb24bb 0254566 b

BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

Sect ion of cover

Single seal

Section of frame

Sealing material
'

.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
and frames
described as sealed, unless an alternative method i s agreed
I
I--'
l
Iby the purchaser, the frame shall provide a continuous
I"
Minimum
means of retaining a sealing material. This standard seal may BS
Minimum clsar
Minimum
bedding
. *
depth of
waning
be of either single or double pattern (see figure 1) and the
rsfrrrner
width of
(see 12.21
framr
framr
minimum depth of penetration of the cover ,sealing flange(s)
.
.
into the frame shall be 10mm.
mm
mm
mm
600dia.
75
75
MB1-50
12.4.9 Locking. Where specified by the purchaser, menas
550 dia.
75
75
MB1-55
600 dia,
75
75
shall be provided for locking sealed covers i n their frames,
MB1-60
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
area. The width of slots shall not exceed 40 mm and their
length shall not exceed 125 mm.
12.5 Specified dimensions and details. The dimensions of
manhole covers and frames of specified grades and BS
reference numbers shall be as given in tables 1 to 5.

ES
I

reference

Minimum clear
opening
(see 12.2)

Minimum
depth
of frame

Minimum clear

0s

Minimum

bedding
width of
frame'

Minimum

Minimum
bdding

rafsranca

opening
(see 12.2)

frama

width of
frame

MB2-50
MB2-55
MB2-60

mm
500 dia.
550 dia.
600 dia.

mm
75
75
75

mm
75
75
75

MB2-60145.
MB2-60160'

600 x 450
600 x 600

75
75

75
75

M82R- 60145t , 600 x 450

M82R-60l60t
600x 600

75
75

75
75

Of

Solid top.

t Recessed top.

MD-GO

mm

mm

rnm

GOO dia.

150

75

Table 4. Grade C single-seal inspection covers

and frames
I

A
-. .

ES
reference

Minimum clear
opening
(see 12.2)

Minimum
depth of

bddiw

depth Of
frame

width of
frame

mm
450 x 450
600 x 450
600 x 600

mm
40
40
40

MC1R-45/45t
MC1R-60145t
MClR-60160t

450 x 45u
600 x 450
600 x 600

60
60
60

40

'MC 1-45

450 dia.

40

140'

rsfsrancr

frame

Minimum
bedding
width of
frame

Minimum

Minimum

0s

(b). Grade D manhole covers and frames

-

Minimum clear
waning
(see 12.2)

MCl-45/45.
MCl-60145'
MC1-60/60'

rnrn

MA-50
MA-55
MA-60

MA-T

500 dia.
550 dia.
600 dia.
See silhoutte
in figure 2
for single
triangular
cover

75

75

75

' Solid top.

t Recessed top. See 12.4.5.

75

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40

B S I BS*G97:

PART*l

76

L b 2 4 b b 0254567 B

BS 497: Part 1 : 1976

Minimum clear
opening
(see 12.2)

Minimum
depth of
frame

MC2-45/45*
MC2-60/45*
MC2-60/60*

mm
4 5 0 ~
450
600x 450
600 x 600

40
40
40

mm
65
65
65

MC2R-45145t
MC2R-60145t
MC2R-60/60t

450 X 450
600 x 450
600 X 600

60
60
60

65
65
65

c2-45 *

450 dia.

40

165'1

BC
reference

A.w

mm
'

bedding

width of
frame

325 mm and 450 mm, with minimum wateway area are

specified (see 13.5), shape and size being the product of
the individual manufacturer's design (see figure 3 for
definition of nominal width). I f the purchaser desires to

13.3 Test loads for quality control purposes (see also

clause 7 and appendix A). The loads and sizes of the
bearing blocks for the purpose of the test specified in
clause 7 shall be as follows:
Test load
,

Grade of
grating

Size of block
(see notes
and 2)

Grey
iron

Ductile
iron

Cast

kN

kN
235
100

kN mm
235 300x 235
100 300x 235

350
150

steel

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

face of the frame and a parallel line 50 mm distant (line
X-X in figure 3) and there shall also be a minimum of
65cm' between the kerb face of the frame and a parallel
line 90mm distant (line Y-Y in figure 3).

13.4.2 Slot width and direction. The maximum width of a

slot in a grating shall be limited to 40 mm, this figure to
include the 3 mm clearance (see 13.4.3) when this forms an
integral part of such a slot. The predominant direction of
dots must be a t an angle to the kerb face of between 40
and 90".
13.4.3 Clearance. The maximum clearance between
grating section and frame, or section and section, shall be
3 mm (see figure 3). The area of such clearance shall not

.,
13.5 Specified dimensions and details. The dimensions of
road gully gratings and frames of specified grades and
reference numbers shall be as given in tables 6 to 8.

BS
reference

GA1-325
GA1-450

Minimum
nominal width
(see figure 3)

Minimum
area of
watenniay

mm

cm2
650

325
450

900

depth of
frame

Minimum
bedding
width of
frame'

mm
75
75

mm
75
75

Minimum

On three sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face

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BS

-.
-..

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
F
380

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

,Kerb f a c e of frame

sornrnr
X
Y
k e r b face of
frame t o extremity
of waterway

'From

3 mm max.
clearance
(seel3.4.31

-3 m m max.

---A

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

Figure 3. Part plans of gully gratings and frames

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clearance
- (seel3.4.31

ES1 BSX497:

PART*kL

i1624669 0254569 1 W

76

BS 497: Part 1: 1976

Table 7. Grade

reference
I

mm
325
450

GA2-325
GA2-450
I

mm

mm
75
75

900
I

Minimum
bedding
width of
frame*

Minimum
depth of
frame

cm2
650

14.4.1 Weir length and waterway. The weir length shall be

Minimum
area of
waterway

Minimum
nominal width
(see figure 3)

Bs

75
75

On three sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face.

Table 8. Grade B gully gratings and frames

I

Bs
reference

GB-325
GE-450

* On th!ee

Minimum
nominal width
(see figure 3)

Minimum
area of
waterway

mm

cm2
650

325
450

14.4 Design features

class 2 gully gratings and frames

900

Minimum
depth of
frame

mm
75
75

Minimum
bedding
width of
frame*

mm
75
75

a t least 425 mm and a rectangular clearway a t least 250 cm2

in area shall be provided above the weir level (see 14.21,
both excluding any debris trap as specified in 14.4.4.

14.4.2 Road retaining bar. Unless otherwise specified by

the purchaser, a road retaining bar, .minimum cross section
35 mm x 25 mm, shall be provided as a standard feature.
It shall be supplied loose so as to provide adjustment to suit
the required road level. Alternatively, a deflector plate may
be provided by arrangement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
14.4.3 Cover. The cover shall be provided with either a
keyway(s) for the standard small key or a locking
mechanism. Where the cover may be readily raised without
the use of the key or other tool, a locking mechanism shall
be provided. Where a hinge is provided, this shall be a t the
rear edge of the cover, as viewed from the road. The top
shall be self-drainingand have an adequate raised pattern,
such as cheques, to provide a slipresisting surface.
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
debris trap across the open mouth of the unit.

sides of grating only; no frame flange on kerb face.

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

gully covers and frames of specified BS reference numbers
shall be as given in table 9.

14.1 Duty. These covers and frames are for use in the kerbs
of carriageways.

14.2 Types. Units shall provide kerb inlet with access cover
Table 9. Kerb-type gully covers and frames
opening away from the carriageway. Weir depth (distance
from top of cover to top of fixed weir, i f any) shall be either
Minimum
115 mm or 165 mm a t customer's selection.
Minimum
Minimum
Weir
rectangular
BS
14.3 Test load for quality control (see also clause 7 and
net weir
rectangular clear opening
depth
reference
length
clearway
appendix A). A load of 150 kN for grey iron units, or
(see 14.4.5)
100 kN for ductile iron units, on a rectangular bearing block
mm
300 mm X 235 mm (with the 300 mm dimension parallel to
x 250
400
the kerb face) shall be used for the purpose of the test
400 x 250
250
specified in clause 7.

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BSI BS*497: P A R T * 1 76 9 1624669 0 2 5 4 5 7 0 8 9

'.c-

BS 497: Part 1: 1976

Keyways

..

,/'

Closed

O pen

,/

/ - y

\
'

Plan

Plan

,Line o f

Section AA

Keys

I I I

Section

I Key

I Kevwav
Type

min.lmax.

Small 114-16

BB

min.lmax.
19-11

C
min.

129

D
min.

16

min.
117

min.

I
6

~~~~

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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B S I BS*477:

3624667 0254573 T @

P A R T * L 76

BS 497: Part 1 : 1076

Appendix A
Loading test
A.l Apparatus. The following apparatus i s required.
A . l . l A standard frame to be used as a supporting frame.
A.1.2 A bearing block of the shape and size specified i n
12.3,13.3 and 14.3 as appropriate, of hardwood faced

A.2.1 Grey iron covers or gratings. Support the cover or

grating in the frame and, using the testing machine or
other load-measuringdevice (A.1.31, apply the appropriate
load without shock. Sustain the load for a minimum
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
evenly distributed over the full area of the block.

A.2.2 Ductile iron covers and gratings and cast steel

gratings. Support the cover or grating in the frame and
take two readings with the measuring device (A.I.4) as
follows.
(a) Before the load is applied, take an initial reading a t
a point midway between the two selected supporting
seatings to establish a datum point. Where it is not
practicable to make this measurement exactly on the
line drawn between the two supporting seatings it shall
be taken on a line parallel to, and as near as possible to,
this line.
(b) Apply the test load, without shock, five times,
sustaining alternating maximum and zero loads for
minimum periods of 20s;then take a second reading a t
the datum point.
Record the difference between the two readings as the
permanent set.

A.1.3 A device, preferably a hydraulic testing machine,

for applying the load. The device shall be capable of
applying a load a t least 25 % greater than the appropriate
load specified in 12.3,13.3 and 14.3. If a testing machine
is used it shall comply with the accuracy requirements for
grade A or grade 6 testing machines given in BS 161O:
1964. If any other load-measuringdevice is used it shall
be accurate to within 2 % of the indicated load.
A.1.4 A measuring device, accurate to 0.1 mm, suitable for
indicating deflection measurements on ductile iron units
and cast steel gully gratings.

A.2 Procedure. Carry out the loading t e s t by applying the

appropriate load specified in 12.3,13.3 and 14.3 through
the bearing block of specified size placed centrally on the
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)
Optional variations

Standard

Applikble to:
Manhole
covers

---i-----

Coated in accordance with clause 5

Not coated, or other finishes

Yes

Normal sampling and testing

(see clause 7)

Additional sampling and testing (see

clause 8)

Yes

6S marking as given in clause 1I

Additional marking (see clause 1 1 )

Yes

Yes

Manufacturers choice of shape

(see 12.2 and 13.2)

Particular shape (see 12.2and 13.2)

Yes

Yes

Open or closed keyways in grades D

and A, grade 6 class 1 and kerb-type
gully covers a t the manufacturers
option (see 12.4.6)

Open or closed keyways in grades D

and A, grade B class 1 and kerb-type
gully covers a t the purchasers option

Yes

Standard sealing (see 12.4.8)

Agreed alternative sealing method

(see 12.4.8)

Yes

Non-locking sealed covers

Locking device on sealed covers

(see 12.4.9)

Yes

Solid cover top

Ventilated cover top (see 12.4.10)

Yes

Minimum clear openings as specified

in 12.5,13.5 and 14.5

Specific larger openings

Yes

Flat upper surface of gratings

(see 12.4.6)

K e r b-type
gully covers

Gully

gratings

No

NO

1
I

Yes
Yes

No

No

Shaped upper surface to gratings

NOTE. Unless options are specificaily requcs;ed, 2 standard unit shall be supplied. An example of 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.

. -.

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards

Licensed by Information Handling Services

BSI BS*497: P A R T * % 76

-_

1624669 0 2 5 4 5 7 2 I

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'

A
.,.

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

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

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards

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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.

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
whose supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of
representatives from the following Government departments and
scientific and industrial organizations:
Aluminium Window Association
Association of Builders' Hardware Manufacturers
British Hardware Federation
British Lock Manufacturers' Association
British Plastics Federation
British Steel Industry
Copper Development Association
*Department of the Environment
Department of the Environment - Building Research Station
*Greater London Council
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Institution of Municipal Engineers
Metropolitan Police
Royal Institute of British Architects
Royal Institutiori of Chartered Surveyors
Steel Window Association
Zinc Development Association
The Government department and organizations marked with an
asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were directly

Amd. No.

Date of issue

represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of

this British Standard:
Agrment Board
Association of London Borough Engineers and Surveyors
British Gas Corporation
British Ironfounders' Association
British Malleable Tube Fittings Association
County Surveyors' Society
Department of the Environment - Transport and Road Research
Laboratory
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Environmental Health Officers' Association
Institute of Works and Highways Superintendents
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Public Health Engineers
National and Midland Ironfounders' Association
National Federation o f Builders' and Plumbers' Merchants
National Water Council
Post Office
Water Companies Association
Individual manufacturers

Text affected

British Standards Institution 2 Park Street London W1A 2BS

81 12-5-1 k-B

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B S I BSU497:

PART*1 76

1624669 0254574 5

-i

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
December 1985

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

Add the following new line to the foot of table 4.
'MCI-45*

AMD 5034
December 1985

I 450dia.

I 40

[ 40'

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

Add the following new line to the foot of table 5.
'MC2-45"

I 450dia.

851 2-O-2.5k-8

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1 40

1 65'

RD8135

.*

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
December 1990

Contents
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
December 1990

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 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.'

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards

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AMD 6643
December 1990

-_

B S I BS8497:

PART*KL

76

3624b69 025q576 9

Clause 6 Design r e q u i r e m e n t s
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
or grating

Design load

kN
D
A
6
C

AMD 6643
December 1990

400
350
150
10

Clause 12. I Grades

Insert the following after the grade C category ending a t '

'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
December 1990

Clause 12.2 Shape and size

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.'

2
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
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. . . to motor vehicles'.

B S I BS*497:

AMD 6643
December 1990

P A R T 8 1 76

1624669 0 2 5 4 5 7 7 O

Clause 12.3 Test loads for quality control purposes

Delete entirely the 'table' contained in this clause, and substitute the .Alowing.
Grade of cover

Size of block

Test load
Grey
iron

Ductile
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.

10

300 dia.

Grade C
inspection covers

AMD 6643
December 1990

Clause 12.4.6 Keyways

A M D 6643
December 1990

Table 1 Grade A manhole covers and frames

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

Insert the following new table (al.

Table 1 Grades D and A manhole covers and frames
(a). Grade D manhole covers and frames
6s
reference

M D -60

Minimum clear
opening
(see 12.2)

Minimum
depth
of frame

Minimum
bedding
width of
frame*

mm

mm

mm

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 7 :

PART*J 76 M L b 2 4 b b 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

Standard

Applicable to:

Manhole
covers

Coated in accordance with clause 5

Not coated, or other finishes

Normal sampling and testing

(see clause 7)

Additional sampling and testing (see

clause 8 )

BS marking as given in clause 11

Additional marking (see clause 11)

Manufacturer's choice of shape

(see 12.2 and 13.2)

Particular shape (see 12.2 and 13.2)

Open or closed keyways in grades D

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

Open or closed keyways in grades D

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

Standard sealing (see 12.4.8)

Agreed alternative sealing method

(see 12.4.8)

Non-locking sealed covers

Locking device on sealed covers

(see 12.4.9)

~-

~~

Solid cover top

- - - T V e n t i l a t e d cover top (see 12.4.10)

Gully
gratings

Kerb-type
gully covers

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

I
I

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes
Yes

I
I

No
No
No

No

Minimum clear openings as specified

in 12.5, 13.5 and 14.5

Specific larger openings

Yes

Yes

Yes

Flat upper surface of gratings

(see 13.4.4)

Shaped upper surface to gratings

(see 13.4.4)

No

Yes

No

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
December 1990

Inside back cover

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.'

RI36135

9012-2-0.8k-8

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