Roof hatches allow workers to quickly access roof equipment and perform maintenance without climbing an exterior wall ladder, cutting energy costs while saving time.
Safety should always be at the forefront when selecting a roof access hatches solutions.
Safety
Roof access hatches solutions may seem convenient but pose a potential fall hazard if left open and unattended. Therefore, these structures must be equipped with sufficient safety features following regulations and codes to prevent injury to employees and visitors.
A ladder safety post is indispensable to any roof hatch railing system, providing workers with safe entry and exit without standing at the edge. Configured like a telescoping steel pole that connects directly to the top two ladder rungs, a ladder safety post helps employees remain steady while safely climbing into or out of hatches.
The International Building Code dictates that any opening in a roof, such as hatches, ladderways or holes, requires safety railing. Accordingly, this must extend 42″ in height with a mid-rail at the halfway point and be capable of withstanding 200 pounds without being breached by passersby.
Roof hatches offer various door heights and opening sizes, as well as the option of motorisation that makes opening and closing simpler for workers while simultaneously protecting against accidental door slamming – one of the leading causes of injuries in the workplace.
Convenience
Roof access hatches are designed to withstand heavy-duty use and harsh weather conditions, so they feature rugged locks, handles, hinges and frames. Their design also ensures that door surfaces remain sealed to preserve insulation properties and prevent moisture penetration into the structure.
Roof access hatches solutions are an integral component of height safety, as they remove the need to use ladders or other risky equipment to access rooftop areas of buildings. Workers can use roof hatches for material transfer between the roof and the building interior, which reduces risks such as damage or theft while providing faster, safer work processes.
Roof hatches typically feature a gas-charged opening device, allowing workers to open and close it safely with only one hand on a ladder or other support structure. They’re also fitted with anti-slip tape to prevent slippage; some models even come equipped with interior and exterior padlock hasps to block unauthorised entry.
Aesthetics
The design of ladder access roof hatches depends on building type and purpose; some are aesthetic, while others serve specific functions, like releasing smoke during fire emergencies. When designing one for a building type or purpose, consideration must be made of both size and frequency of users who will access it; for instance, single cover hatches may suffice in cases involving maintenance purposes, while larger hatches with service or ship stairs might be more suitable when moving large equipment onto roof decks.
Ladder access roof hatches come in various materials to match their environment and application. Hatches designed for highly corrosive environments like chemical plants or coastal regions with extreme weather require high corrosion resistance, typically made from aluminium or stainless steel; other options can better match heritage projects in historic districts, such as copper.
Ventilation
Roof space is often used for building services and plants requiring adequate ventilation, making access important. Installing a load-bearing upstand that allows access hatches to fit flush with the roof while fully weatherproof may help achieve this objective.
Hatches come in various sizes to allow maintenance workers safe and easy access. When choosing the size of hatch you need for your project, consider its purpose and frequency of usage; larger hatches can accommodate ladders or staircases, making them suitable for projects where equipment or plants require regular upkeep.
All hatches should include safety measures to safeguard users against injuries. It may consist of using safety rails to guard against falls. Furthermore, their design should avoid penetrating roof membranes to create leak pathways and cause further issues.
Galvanised steel and aluminium roof hatch materials are among the most frequently chosen, offering superior corrosion resistance and are easy to install in new construction or existing curbs without modification of roof surfaces. Additionally, corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware is available for more demanding environments; choosing which material best meets your cost, aesthetic, and maintenance needs may also play a factor.