Access Covers
Mascot Engineering manufacture and stock a large range of rectangular and square access covers and frames that comply with AS3996 load rating requirements.
The Original. Mascot Engineering is one of the original manufacturers of iron covers in Australia. Our foundry opened its doors in 1920 producing cast iron products for Australian industry and today we continue to supply iron products across Australia.
We set the standard for access covers and frames, offering quality products that have stood the test of time. Our fabrication team located in Sydney assemble two part, three part, trench runs and multiparts as well as decorative edge covers. Keeping this expertise local and in-house ensures not only our quality but ensures that our lead times aren’t blown out by international freight.
Access Cover Products
Gas and Airtight Product Range
Gas and airtight covers are available in solid-top or recessed in-fill and as single, two, three and multipart configurations.
Surface Fill Covers – Decorative edge / Paver Infill
When aesthetics is paramount, a decorative edge in Stainless Steel or Brass can be fitted to concrete infill covers so the covers simply disappear into the surrounding surface finish. To balance aesthetics and cost, Mascot have developed a recessed ductile iron cover and frame ideal for pavers in both gastight and non-gastight.
Security
Australian Standard lifting keys are needed to gain access to most covers, however all covers are available with a boltdown facility as well as a patented high security bolt and key system if required.
Concrete Encasement
All Mascot Engineering covers can be concrete encased to ease installation. The flexibility in our precast encasements allows us to design and produce a concrete surround to your site requirements. This option allows for simple and efficient installation on site.
Standards
Mascot Engineering’s cast and ductile iron products are manufactured in a foundry that is ISO9001 accredited and all covers go through a rigorous quality assurance program and manufactured to load ratings set out in Australian Standard 3996 (AS3996:2019).
In addition to quality, our foundry is also third party accredited to ISO 140001. This standard recognises the environmental management system that’s in place – protecting the environment whilst operating sustainably for future generations.
Access Covers
Mascot Engineering manufactures and stocks a wide range of rectangular and square access covers and frames that comply with AS3996 load rating requirements. It is one of the original manufacturers of iron covers in Australia. Our foundry opened its doors in 1920, producing cast iron products, and today, we continue to supply iron products across Australia with full compliance, enhanced durability, and superior quality control. We are trusted by project managers and companies nationwide.
Understanding Access Covers
Access covers are a game-changing solution that provides protection to underground services while permitting rapid and uncomplicated access for maintenance or inspections. They enable project managers, contractors and companies to effectively manage services with minimal disruption to the ground surface.
Access covers manufactured by Mascot Engineering are designed to meet the demands of improved durability, compliance, and predictable budgets on a wide range of projects that require convenient access. Access covers can accommodate decorative flooring finishes in residential applications or support heavy-duty infrastructure works with precast concrete and ductile iron options, alongside related solutions such as drainage pits.
The main types include manhole covers for traditional round access, pit access covers for service pits and utilities, and trench covers for continuous linear access points. All options include ongoing project support and superior quality control processes from our fabrication team.
Technical Specifications & Compliance
Mascot Engineering’s access covers deliver performance, durability and compliance, and are manufactured in Australia with strict quality controls to ensure predictable budgeting and efficient cost management for all types of projects.
System Types
Access covers are manufactured for both surface and subsurface installations. This flexibility allows project managers to identify the appropriate covers that meet site-specific requirements, whether for light-foot traffic areas or heavy infrastructure.
Materials and Durability
- Ductile iron access covers: provide high strength for heavy load conditions and long-term durability.
- Precast concrete: offers an affordable option with strong value for decorative floor areas or landscaped conditions.
- Composite and GRC options are lightweight, allow full compliance, and reduce handling weight on site-based projects.
All of these materials are manufactured to endure Australian conditions, providing minimal interruptions to the service network and long-term performance.
Load Ratings
Mascot Engineering’s access covers comply with the AS3996 load classes, as follows:
- Class B: light duty, made for footpaths, gardens, and residential sites.
- Class D: heavy-duty, ideal for roads, carparks, and commercial traffic areas.
- Class E: extra heavy, suitable for motorways, industrial sites, and council infrastructure.
Modular Sizes and Options
Our fabrication team manufactures single-part, multi-part and trench run access covers, as well as trench grating for service and drainage projects. Sealing options include gastight, watertight, boltdown or high-security systems, plus custom assemblies for large openings and specialised valve boxes. This extensive range provides a reliable solution to suit all types of projects.
Compliance and Standards
Mascot Engineering’s cast and ductile iron products are manufactured in a foundry that is ISO 9001 accredited, and every cover goes through a rigorous quality assurance program. All products are manufactured to load ratings set out in Australian Standard 3996 (AS3996:2019) to ensure full compliance.
In addition to quality, our foundry is also third-party accredited to ISO 14001. This standard recognises the environmental management system in place, protecting the environment while operating sustainably for future generations. Together, these certifications demonstrate superior quality control and Mascot Engineering’s commitment to delivering reliable access cover solutions for projects of every scale.
Environmental Performance
In addition to compliance, Mascot Engineering’s covers work with drainage pits to encourage runoff control and mitigate erosion. They can be manufactured to integrate cleanly into site surfaces while enabling speedy and easy access to underground services.
Product Comparisons and Options
Material Comparison
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- Ductile iron access covers: maximum strength and improved durability for roads, carparks and industrial construction. Higher initial cost with better reliability and life expectancy.
- GMS Checkerplate covers: GMS checkerplate covers are used to provide a strong, slip-resistant and durable lid for pits, trenches, or service openings while allowing safe pedestrian and light vehicle access.
- Precast concrete: good cost control for residential and landscaped access sites. They offer decorative floor finishes that can match and seamlessly integrate with the surrounding areas.
- GRC covers: lightweight and non-corrosive, ideal for pedestrian traffic. Their light weight aspect provides the additional benefit of reducing installation and maintenance costs.
- Solid top and composite covers: suitable where full surface coverage or additional security is required.
Practical Selection Advice: select ductile iron for strength, precast concrete for decorative integration, and GRC for ease of handling.
Load Class Comparison
- Class B: light duty, recommended for residential and landscaped access areas.
- Class D: heavy-duty, recommended for commercial carparks and public roads.
- Class E: extra heavy-duty, typically used in council upgrade works and industrial applications.
Pricing Guidance: Class B is the most cost-effective. Classes D and E require greater investment but reduce long-term risks and ensure full compliance.
Product Options
Mascot Engineering’s fabrication team assembles a complete range of access covers, giving project managers and contractors reliable choices for different applications.
- Multipart Gastight Infill Covers – Sealed access for larger openings with airtight performance.
- Concrete Infill Covers – Flexible, durable covers available across multiple load classes.
- Solid Top Covers – Heavy-duty covers designed for high-traffic environments.
- Paver Infill Covers Gastight – Odour-controlled covers with decorative paving integration.
- Paver Infill Covers Non-Gastight – Decorative paving integration without airtight sealing.
- Trench Runs – Continuous linear access covers for service lines.
- Decorative Raised Edge Infill Covers – Covers with raised edges for visual integration.
- Covers for GRC Pits – Lightweight, pedestrian-rated covers with corrosion resistance.
- Concrete Encased Infill Covers – Reinforced concrete covers for added strength.
- Trade Waste Product Covers – Secure covers designed for trade waste system access.
- Path Valve Boxes – Small valve covers for pathways and landscaped areas.
- Load Ratings (AS3996:2019) – Covers tested to Class B, Class D and Class E.
Installation and Maintenance
The access covers made by Mascot Engineering make it possible to install and operate in full compliance and durability for the lifetime of the project, allowing the project manager and contractor to budget for predictable and controllable costs.
Installation tips include:
- Create a rebate that adequately supports both the cover and the frame.
- Use the drawings provided to confirm whether each cover is a single-part, multi-part or trench run assembly.
- Fix the frames using structural concrete, and apply additional concrete to ensure the cover is flush with the existing site.
- Add gastight or boltdown fittings for additional security or sealing, as required.
Maintenance practices:
- Lift covers using the correct keys, and avoid using non-manufacturer body, lid or key components.
- Clean and inspect seating areas to remove debris and ensure clear access when resuming work.
- Apply grease to all moving surfaces to support functionality and reduce wear.
- Reassemble multi-part covers in their original order to maintain safety and alignment.
Mascot Engineering also provides technical support to contractors and specialists to help maintain improved durability and full compliance through to project completion.
Proven Project Applications
Mascot Engineering’s access covers are installed in council works, commercial sites and residential projects across Australia, showcasing compliance, durability and long-term performance.
Your Partner for Durable and Compliant Access Covers
Choosing a high-quality supplier is equally important as selecting the appropriate cover. For more than 100 years, Mascot Engineering has supplied diverse, high-quality access covers for every project type and size across Australia.
Here’s why engineers, councils and builders choose Mascot:
- Experts in ductile iron covers, precast concrete products, GRC and trench run access covers.
- Modular designs enable rapid and simple access while being long-lasting and durable.
- Products that meet AS3996, ISO and council standards.
- A proven history of supplying residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.
- Local support and site-specific technical knowledge.
From driveways to major infrastructure works, Mascot’s access covers are unrivalled in durability and enable predictable budgeting, while meeting all specifications and certifications for long-term performance.
FAQs
Q1. What are access covers?
Access covers are protective manhole covers that cover underground pits, utility chambers and service points. They provide safe, easy access for inspection or maintenance and maintain road surface integrity. Access covers are available in different materials and classes to suit residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.
Q.2 What are the common uses of access covers?
Access covers are commonly used to protect service pits for utilities, on commercial sites such as carparks, across residential driveways, in landscaping projects, and in infrastructure works such as roads and council developments where durability, compliance and underground access are essential.
Q3. How many types of access covers are available?
Access covers can generally be classified into three basic types:
- Manhole covers: usually circular, allowing access to sewer, drainage or utility chambers. Provide safe and easy access for inspection or maintenance.
- Pit access covers: protect service pits for water, gas, power and communication services. Provide a secure, protective surface cover and ensure full compliance.
- Trench covers: used to provide access to continuous linear utilities or drainage lines. Enable predictable budgeting and routine maintenance access.
Q4. Which access cover is best for vehicle traffic?
You should use Class D or Class E access covers in areas with vehicle activity, such as roads, carparks or heavy-use vehicle zones.
Q5. What are the load classes for access covers?
Access covers are assessed and rated to Australian Standard AS3996. Class B access covers are for light duty application only (handle foot traffic or landscaped areas), Class D access covers for heavy vehicle applications (roads, carparks) and Class E for extra heavy traffic on access covers situated in industrial or council infrastructure.
Q6. How do project managers benefit from Mascot’s access covers?
Access covers provide project managers with predictable costs, reduced maintenance risk and full compliance with AS3996. They feature increased durability and flexibility in configuration, enabling efficient cost management and long-term reliability, while supporting life cycle cost control for residential, commercial or infrastructure projects.
Q7. Why choose precast concrete access covers?
Precast concrete covers are cost-effective and versatile, often recessed to enable decorative floor finishes. They are ideal for residential driveways, landscaped areas and light-duty applications, offering predictable budgeting and a seamless finish when installed into the site surface.
Q8. What makes ductile iron covers a durable choice?
Ductile iron covers are highly durable with excellent load-bearing characteristics. They are suitable for high-load environments such as roads, carparks and heavy-duty industrial sites. These covers comply fully with AS 3996 and offer long service life under demanding conditions.
Q9. What standards do Mascot’s access covers comply with?
All covers are manufactured to AS3996:2019 and produced in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited foundries.