In drainage infrastructure, selecting the right access cover isn’t just about size and fit – safety, performance and compliance must also be considered. Two key standards dominate UK practice: BS EN 124 and FACTA. Although both cover loading classifications, their origins and applications diverge significantly, especially when it comes to industrial versus civil use.
Join us as we explain the key differences between the two, and how they should influence your choice of manhole and inspection chamber covers.
What is BS EN 124?
BS EN 124 is a European standard that applies to gully gratings, inspection chamber and manhole covers for areas used by vehicles and pedestrians. Originally published in 1994 and updated in 2015, it defines six main load classes, from A15 (1.5 tonnes) for pedestrian-only zones, up to F900 (90 tonnes) for airport runways. Each class includes rigorous testing requirements for vertical load, permanent set, and deformation.
However, EN 124 was developed primarily with highways and footpaths in mind, not industrial or commercial environments where loads can be more unpredictable and intense.
The Rise of FACTA
The Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA) introduced its standard in 2004 specifically to address gaps in EN 124 for the UK industrial and commercial sectors. FACTA ratings range from Light Duty (FACTA A) up to Extra Heavy Duty (FACTA F), with load classes aligned loosely with EN 124 in terms of weight thresholds, but with more stringent testing requirements for deflection, fatigue and structural integrity.
In addition, FACTA includes mandatory galvanisation, a stricter deflection limit (1/500 of the span), and allowances for dynamic or impact loading – elements that EN 124 doesn’t always account for. It also stipulates full traceability of materials, which is particularly critical in sectors like manufacturing, waste processing and logistics.
The Key Differences
While EN 124 is suitable for public highways and general infrastructure, FACTA covers are designed for more aggressive environments. For instance, a site with forklift traffic, pallet loads, or chemical exposure would benefit from FACTA’s enhanced durability criteria. That’s why you'll often find FACTA-rated covers in factories, warehouses, ports and rail facilities, where the stresses go beyond the controlled parameters of a public road.
Notably, FACTA ratings are sometimes misunderstood as simply heavier versions of EN 124 ratings, but that’s misleading. They reflect a different approach to design and testing altogether. For instance, FACTA’s load class ‘D’ is tested not just for static pressure but also cyclic loading, a more accurate reflection of what an industrial access cover might face daily.
Choosing the Right Standard
Specifiers and contractors should consider the environment, expected load types and frequency of use when choosing between BS EN 124 and FACTA. For local authority pavements and roads, EN 124 is typically sufficient and often required. But in any setting where equipment or traffic is heavier or more variable, FACTA offers a more robust and tailored solution.
When compliance, longevity and operational safety are on the line, understanding the nuances between these two standards is essential.
Further Reading
- FACTA Rating and ABCDEF load classes – www.drainfast.co.uk/blog/facta-rating-and-abcdef-load-classes
- Manhole Covers & Frames Explained – www.drainfast.co.uk/resources/help-advice/manhole-covers-frames
- How much weight can a manhole cover take? – www.drainfast.co.uk/blog/manhole-cover-load-ratings
Written by
Bob Stone
Technical Sales
Heading up our Technical Estimating Department, Bob is our in-house quantity surveyor.
