Roof access hatches provide a safe way to enter the roof in commercial and industrial buildings. Ladders or stairs are typically used to gain entry through these hatches for maintenance work and equipment installations.
Since maintenance professionals often have tools in their hands, the hatch cover must open and close smoothly and efficiently. It should also be designed to prevent the lid from slamming on someone. For more information about the roof access hatches requirements, click here.
Ladder Access
In many commercial and industrial buildings, maintenance crews must access roof equipment. Before roof hatches, this was typically accomplished using caged ladders. These were a long climb from the ground floor and limited workers’ space to move around on the roof. This made these ladders dangerous and a prime target for theft and misuse by unauthorized individuals.
Thankfully, the industry has responded to these hazards by offering products that make it easier for maintenance workers to work from rooftops. One of these is a ladder safety post that attaches to the top two rungs of a fixed ladder and provides a handhold for workers as they move from the ladder to the roof.
Another essential thing to consider is the location of the ladder and the height from which it must be climbed. This is because some safety organizations require a minimum of 7″ between the bottom of the ladder and the wall it is attached to. This requirement may not be met if the conduit runs between the wall and the ladder rungs. For more information about the roof access hatches requirements, click here.
Stair Access
For occupants using the roof for lounge areas and rooftop swimming pools, a roof access hatch with stairs allows convenient access to the rooftop. Often, these hatches are combined with alternating tread stairs to provide safe and easy use for all users.
Stair access hatches are wider than ladder access hatches (approximately 30″ x 54″). They can be used with fixed service stairs or a companionway ladder to make moving people and equipment more accessible. They should also be specified with a positive latching system to prevent unauthorized access and ensure security.
For buildings that require standpipes on the roof, a hatch with an opening size of at least 16 square feet is needed for firefighter access. This requires a larger double-leaf hatch that can accommodate a ladder and is usually designed with a built-in guard rail to prevent tripping. It is also recommended that these hatches be welded to the structural steel for maximum durability.
Access for Larger Items
When equipment needs to be installed or removed from the roof of a building, a larger size of roof hatch is required. These are usually two-cover models and can be custom-fabricated to specific equipment sizes. They are often designed to allow for the placement of a companionway ladder and a fixed staircase.
They are framed and sheathed, and a pressure-treated curb is commonly included with the unit. They are a little more expensive than ladder access roof hatches but provide much better safety with guard railings and a lowered working height. For more information about the roof access hatches requirements, click here.
They are available in various materials, from galvanized steel to aluminum and stainless steel with hollow metal insulated covers. Hatches exposed to highly corrosive environments, such as in chemical plants, may be specified from a more exotic material, such as copper. They can also be glazed to enhance the aesthetic of the building.
Safety
In non-residential buildings, roof access hatches are often required for maintenance or rooftop installations. In the past, caged ladders were used to gain access to roofs, but these provided a difficult and dangerous climb up or down from the ground floor, and the cage was prone to damage by equipment and unauthorized persons. A more modern option is a roof access hatch with a safety gate, which eliminates the need to climb up or down from the building side and provides secure rooftop access for authorized personnel.