AS 3996:2019

Specifies requirements for access covers and grates for use in vehicular and pedestrian areas. It applies to single or multi-part access covers and grates, where any single cover does not exceed 1300 mm clear opening. Covers products manufactured from grey and ductile iron, cast and manufactured steel, aluminium, concrete, and polymeric materials.

This Standard specifies requirements for access covers and grates for use in vehicular and
pedestrian areas. It applies to single or multi-part access covers and grates, where any
single cover does not exceed 1300 mm clear opening. This Standard covers products
manufactured from grey and ductile iron, cast and manufactured steel, aluminium, concrete,
and polymeric materials.
This Standard does not consider fire resistance.
The basis for the requirements specified in this Standard is a minimum service life of
25 years for covers and grates made from polymeric materials and 50 years for covers and
grates made from all other materials.
This Standard does not apply to the following:
(a) Covers and grates in Classes E, F and G made from polymeric materials.
(b) Covers/grates with any wooden structural component.
(c) Covers and grates of Class D, E, F and G made from grey cast iron.
(d) In-situ structural infill covers.
(e) The hydraulic design of access covers and grates.
(f) Multi-part units that require fittings such as removable beams.
(g) Applications with heavy point design loads greater than those specified are not
covered in this Standard.
NOTE: Guidance on the information to be provided by the purchaser is provided in Appendix B.

Originated as AS 3996—1992.
Previous edition 2006.
Third edition AS 3996:2019.