It’s crucial to be sure the products you’re purchasing comply with Australian Standards.

When making purchasing decisions, it is of the utmost importance to verify that the products comply with Australian Standards. This holds particularly true for stormwater covers and grates, which play a vital role in civil construction projects nationwide. While some may underestimate the significance of these civil construction products, they are extensively used in various infrastructure projects. It is crucial not to underestimate their importance. Stormwater grates and covers are not merely responsible for drainage on roads, they also serve a critical function in ensuring road and pavement safety by supporting substantial and repetitive loads from both vehicles and pedestrians.

Selecting the right stormwater and drainage products for Australian roads is of paramount importance. If these products are not robust, of high quality, and compliant with Australian Standards, they can fail, potentially leading to injuries or even fatalities.

Fortunately, most State Road and Municipal Councils across Australia diligently specify and ensure compliance and drainage product standards. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for every participant in the civil construction market.

Currently there is a lack of regulation regarding the compliance of grate and cover products within the civil construction industry. As a result, the burden falls upon road authorities, councils, and other asset owners to guarantee the selection and utilisation of products that are both suitable for their intended purpose and compliant with Australian Standards, specifically AS3996-2019 Access Covers & Grates.

AS3996 clearly outlines different classes of products, specifying design loads and wheel loads for each class. Unfortunately, it is all too common to come across products of poor quality that are non-compliant or falsely claim compliance within the civil construction industry. Some manufacturers choose to cut corners in order to offer cheaper products.

Currently there is a lack of regulation regarding the compliance of grate and cover products within the civil construction industry. As a result, the burden falls upon road authorities, councils, and other asset owners to guarantee the selection and utilisation of products that are both suitable for their intended purpose and compliant with Australian Standards, specifically AS3996-2019 Access Covers & Grates.

AS3996 clearly outlines different classes of products, specifying design loads and wheel loads for each class. Unfortunately, it is all too common to come across products of poor quality that are non-compliant or falsely claim compliance within the civil construction industry. Some manufacturers choose to cut corners in order to offer cheaper products.