Choosing the right productThe applicable British Standard in the UK for access covers and gully grates is BS EN 124:2015. This standard divides access covers and gully grates into a number of classes by static test load. It also categorises the various places where they may be installed from Group 1, the least demanding environment, through to Group 6, the most demanding environment. It provides guidance on the minimum class to be used against each installation group. 
Group 1 - minimum Class A15Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 1.5 tonne test load. For use in areas which can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists. A15 solutions
Group 2 - minimum Class B125Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 12.5 tonne test load. For use in footways, pedestrian areas and comparable areas such as car parks or car decks. B125 solutions
Group 3 - minimum Class C250Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 25 tonne test load. For installation no more than 500mm from the kerb face into the carriageway. C250 solutions
Group 4 - minimum Class D400Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 40 tonne test load. For use in areas where pneumatic-tyred cars and lorries have access, including carriageways, hard shoulders and pedestrian areas. All units to be either non rock or have quietness in use. D400 solutions
Group 5 - minimum Class E600Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 60 tonne test load. For use in areas where heavy wheel or high point loads from pneumatic and non-pneumatic-tyred vehicles are imposed, such as loading areas or docks. E600 solutions
Group 6 - minimum Class F900Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 90 tonne test load. For use in areas where very heavy wheel or high point loads from pneumatic and non-pneumatic-tyred vehicles are imposed, such as aircraft pavements. Diagram is taken from BS EN 124-1:2015 and illustrates the minimum class of products that can be installed for a particular location.
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