A manhole step iron is a galvanised steel or polypropylene-coated rung built into the wall of a deeper drainage chamber to provide foot and hand holds for inspection and maintenance entry. Step irons are required by BS EN 13101 and Building Regulations Part H where chambers exceed 1 metre in depth. They are typically installed at 300mm vertical centres in a staggered pattern, embedded into the precast rings or in-situ chamber walls during construction. While step irons facilitate access, entry into a deeper chamber is still classed as confined space work under the Confined Space Regulations 1997 and requires risk assessment, gas testing and rescue arrangements. Older Victorian chambers across London may have corroded or missing step irons that require replacement before safe entry; lightweight modern alternatives are available for retrofit installation.
Manhole step iron
Galvanised or plastic-coated metal rung built into the wall of a deep drainage chamber.
