To access certain open equipment built or installed inside underground structures, or to access spaces between or below floors of a building, small accesses are built. These access gaps are closed with hinged doors and are commonly termed as an access hatch. You can often find the use of these kinds of hatches or access panels for maintenance of HVAC systems, at reservoirs, pumping stations, roof access, water plants, and so on. Not only for commercial purposes, but these access doors also find versatile usage even in residential structures.
Various Hatches You Will Find in The Market
Earlier access hatches were found in a single typical style with hinged doors opening for access. However, owing to its versatile range of use a wide spectrum of styles of access panels have surfaced in the market today.
- Drainable
- Non-drainable hatch
- Gas tight
- Galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel made panels
- Corrosion resistant hatch
- Bolt down
Roof Hatch is Important
One of the most common requirements for access panels in both commercial and residential structures is for easy access to their rooftops to maintain HVAC systems. There is other rooftop-mounted equipment as well which often needs access. Roof access hatches are the most common way of access. Since these accesses directly confront several thrashes of weather like rain, snow, storm, nowadays these hatches are specially designed to be non-drainable, weather-resistant, etc.
Safety Provided by the Hatches
Since access hatches are mostly used to access either rooftop spaces or underground chambers, added precaution and safety measures are required. To comply with norms and government regulations. Followed as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) fall-protection regulations for roof openings pertaining to roof hatches. Specifically 29 CFR 1910.23, only professionals should access these hatches with proper safety tools. Workers working with these hatches always need to maintain special safety guidelines.
Facts about Access Hatches
For those who are not accustomed to the general characteristic features, here are the most common characteristics:
- Easy to install even without professional expertise.
- A wide range of variation in terms of size, weight, materials are available in the market.
- Those looking for sturdy options must check out access hatch models in stainless steel and aluminium.
- Access hatches can be installed not only in new constructions but also in existing buildings.
- Generally, access hatches are available in a wide range of sizes from 300 mm square to 3.6 M. If you require even bigger access panels, you can always customize your order and get according to size of panel.
- For use in moist climatic zones, you can especially get corrosion resistant hatch designed to last longer.
Materials used to make these Hatches
The material in case of access hatch plays a vital role. Galvanized steel happens to be one of the most popular choices since it offers a certain range of corrosion resistance. Sturdy inbuilt and designed with primer pain finish it stands against the rough weather conditions. As against this, Aluminium hatches are mostly available in mill finish. These are less popular since aluminum hatches are comparatively expensive. However, in terms of advantages, aluminum access hatches need minimum maintenance, are highly durable. Ideal for the coastal regions as they are inherently corrosion resistant. For pocket-friendly requirements, stainless steel access hatches are finding great popularity in the market as well.
Nevertheless, the above points will suggest to you the type and the material of hatches you will need. The safety offered by these access hatches is extremely useful in various cases. Besides one must have adequate knowledge of hatch selection, size of a hatch, accessing techniques before operating these. It is advisable to approach a professional and consult them with the requirement you have.
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