Selecting the correct access covers for water networks can be a daunting challenge for project designers with factors such as operator and public safety, ergonomics and asset security requiring equal consideration.

Compliance to the relevant standards, EN 124-3 & BS 9124, as listed under section 2.74 of Uisce Eireann’s Civil Engineering Specification Notes for Guidance document TEC – 300-02, must also be followed.

A selection of the safety and compliance features on EJ steel covers for Water Networks in Ireland – ensuring your selection is fully compliant to the necessary standards.

Based on feedback from consultant engineers and framework contractors, and in order to deal with the absence of knowledge of the requirements of relevant standards relating to steel covers, EJ have prepared a Guide to Specifying Steel covers for Water Networks.

This guide includes a list of the design criteria required to be in conformance with BS 9124 – for steel covers spanning greater than 1m, and EN 124-3:2015, for chamber openings up to and including 1m x 1m clear openings.

Rigorous test procedures

For project designers, insisting on independent third party certification takes the headache out of product selection, it guarantees that the rigorous test procedures of both standards are met, thus ensuring a high factor of safety is upheld, and mitigates the risk of installing products that vary in quality and performance. 

For a brief guide on how to ensure product compliance to Uisce Eireann specification, request the following documentation from your supplier:

Test reports for products – showing the three types of load tests required – deflection test, permanent set test and design test.
Drop test reports for safety grids – BS 9124 requires a drop test to be carried out on fall protection safety grids. EJ applies the same test to all its safety grids.
Welders' accreditations – steel fabricators and welders must be qualified to the standard ISO EN 9606-1 as required by EN 124:2015, and to BS 267 -1 required by BS 9124.
Check for correct markings on covers – Sections 8 and 9 of EN 124-3 & BS 9124.
Anti-skid test report – complying with EN 124-3 & BS 9124 requirements in an Unpolished Slip Resistance Value (USRV) and Polished Slip Resistance Value (PSRV).
Third party accreditation – to guarantee surety of compliance.

 

For more information on specification guidance for high quality infrastructure access solutions in ductile iron, steel, or composite material, we offer Engineers Ireland approved CPD seminars, contact us on 057 9123100 to organise a Lunch & Learn.

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