Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 5455:1969 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cast-iron steps for manholes. This standard specifies the requirements for material, shape, dimensions, manufacturing, and testing of cast iron steps used to provide access into manholes. It ensures the steps are strong, durable, and safe for personnel entry and exit from drainage and sewerage systems.
cast-iron steps for manholes
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Water Resources — Sanitary Appliances and Water Fittings
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cast ironzinc
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS EN 13101:2019BSI - British Standards Institution, UK (European Standard)
HighCurrent
Steps for underground man entry chambers - Requirements, marking, testing and evaluation of conformity
Directly covers performance requirements, testing, and materials for manhole steps.
ASTM C478-23ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections
Specifies requirements for steps as a component of the overall manhole assembly, often by reference.
DIN 1212-1:2012-12DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung, Germany
HighCurrent
Manhole steps for access in manholes - Part 1: Manhole steps for building in or setting in concrete
Specifies dimensions and requirements for manhole steps designed to be embedded in concrete.
AS 1657:2018Standards Australia, Australia
LowCurrent
Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation
Provides general requirements for ladders, which manhole steps form, but is not specific to manhole environments.
Key Differences
≠IS 5455 is prescriptive, mandating only Cast Iron (Grade FG 150), whereas modern standards like EN 13101 are performance-based, allowing a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and plastic-encapsulated steps.
≠The Indian standard specifies a single, fixed design with precise dimensions, while EN 13101 defines functional dimensions (e.g., minimum tread width, clearance) and performance classes, permitting design innovation.
≠Load testing requirements differ significantly. IS 5455 mandates a 1.35 kN vertical proof load, while EN 13101 specifies a higher 2.0 kN vertical service load test with strict deflection and permanent set limits.
≠Corrosion protection in IS 5455 is a simple black bituminous coating. In contrast, EN 13101 has detailed material-specific requirements, such as minimum galvanizing thickness or integrity tests for plastic encapsulation.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental purpose of specifying steps for safe vertical access and egress in underground manholes and chambers.
≈Both IS 5455 (via a 'chequered pattern') and its international counterparts mandate that the step's tread surface must be designed to be non-slip.
≈The design specified in IS 5455, featuring a shank and tail for embedment into the manhole wall, is a common installation method also covered by standards like EN 13101 and DIN 1212.
≈A mandatory vertical load test is a common requirement across all standards to ensure the step can safely support the weight of a user.
What is the standard material for these manhole steps?+
Cast iron conforming to Grade FG 150 as per IS 210 (Clause 3.1).
What is the proof load that a step must withstand?+
The step must withstand a vertical load of 1.35 kN applied at the center of the tread for one minute without showing any permanent set or visual cracks (Clause 7.1).
What is the minimum embedment length of the step into the manhole wall?+
The shank should be embedded into the masonry or concrete for a minimum length of 115 mm (Fig. 1).
Are these steps required to be galvanized?+
Galvanizing is optional and should be done only if specified by the purchaser. If required, it must conform to IS 2629 (Clause 8.1).