BS EN 1917:2002 specifies requirements and describes test methods for precast concrete manholes and inspection chambers of circular and rectangular (with or without chamfered or rounded corners) or elliptical cross-section, unreinforced, steel fibre and reinforced, with nominal sizes or nominal lengths not exceeding DN 1250 or LN 1250 respectively. The intended use of BS EN 1917:2002 is to permit access to, and to allow aeration of, drain or sewer systems for the conveyance of sewage, rainwater and surface water under gravity or occasionally at low head of pressure, mainly installed in areas subjected to vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

This part of BS 5911 specifies complementary requirements to those in BS EN 1917:2002 for unreinforced and reinforced concrete manholes and inspection chambers of circular and rectangular cross-section (with or without chamfered or rounded corners), as provided for in BS EN 1917:2002, i.e. units with nominal sizes or nominal lengths not exceeding DN 1250 or LN 1250, respectively. Full requirements for unreinforced and reinforced circular concrete manholes with nominal sizes greater than DN 1250, but not exceeding DN 3000, are also specified. The manholes are intended to be installed in carriageways of roads (including pedestrian streets), hard shoulders and parking areas for all types of road vehicles, though provision is also made for units subject to lighter traffic loading. Requirements for base units, elastomeric load bearing seals, soakaways, landing slabs and corbel slabs are also specified. This part also specifies requirements for inspection chambers less than or equal to DN 1000 or LN/WN 1000/675 intended for installation in both areas outside the highway where vehicle loading is restricted and where they are subject to vehicular traffic.