ISO 13272:2011 specifies the definitions and requirements for buried manholes and inspection chambers (circular or non-circular) installed to a maximum depth of 6 m from ground level to the invert of the main chamber and manufactured from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifiers (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE). These products are intended for use in traffic areas and underground installations conforming to the general requirements given in EN 476 and are used outside the building structure (application area code "U"). They are therefore marked accordingly with a "U".

ISO 13272:2011 is only applicable to those chamber/manhole items where the manufacturer has clearly stated in the documentation how the components shall be assembled to create a complete manhole or inspection chamber.

The inspection chambers covered by ISO 13272:2011 comprise the following:

• inspection chambers providing access to the drainage or sewerage system by means of inspection and cleaning equipment;
• chambers designated as manholes providing man access to the drainage or sewerage system.