Building Regulations Roof Access Hatch

Roof hatches known sometimes as roof scuttles are designed to allow workers safe access to roof areas for hvac equipment maintenance roof renovations etc.

Building regulations roof access hatch.

In buildings without an occupied roof access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than 16 square feet 1 5m2 in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet 610 mm. The opening size of the roof hatch should be considered and should not exceed 1000 x 1000mm. While they provide great convenience to building personnel unattended roof hatches left in the open position can be dangerous. A private stair in one dwelling permits a maximum pitch of 42 degrees.

If left open the hatch can pose a serious fall hazard. The building owner would then want to provide safe access to the roof via a stair or alternating tread device check the building code for that provide fall protection on the roof and provide a davit system for window washing equipment. For more information about current building regulations and standards please contact gbc solutions. They are present on most nonresidential buildings.

Where a stairway is provided to a roof access to the roof shall be provided through a penthouse complying with section 1510 2 of the california building code. Hatches should also include a locking arm feature that allows for the cover or door to lock in an open position. Overall these are the regulations which govern the requirements for loft hatches and access panels within properties and buildings. Roof access hatch should be capable of being operated safely using one hand while maintaining three points of contact on the ladder at all times.

In buildings without an occupied roof access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than 16 square feet 1 5 m 2 in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet 610 mm. Thusly workers need to often go to the roof and over the edge to wash the windows. A roof access hatch must also be able to be held open by an external device so it cannot close on itself and cause injury. Every 50mm of roof construction depth requires 56mm added to the length of the opening.

In order to be the right hatch to meet the regulations it needs to have a u value of 0 35 or lower.