Building Regulations Roof Access Hatch

Overall these are the regulations which govern the requirements for loft hatches and access panels within properties and buildings.

Building regulations roof access hatch.

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. Roof hatches known sometimes as roof scuttles are designed to allow workers safe access to roof areas for hvac equipment maintenance roof renovations etc. While they provide great convenience to building personnel unattended roof hatches left in the open position can be dangerous. 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.

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. Every 50mm of roof construction depth requires 56mm added to the length of the opening. For more information about current building regulations and standards please contact gbc solutions. Hatches should also include a locking arm feature that allows for the cover or door to lock in an open position.

If left open the hatch can pose a serious fall hazard. In order to be the right hatch to meet the regulations it needs to have a u value of 0 35 or lower. Where opening width accommodates double stair width minimum internal skylight length reduces to 2 4m for a 900mm landing. They are present on most nonresidential buildings.

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. A private stair in one dwelling permits a maximum pitch of 42 degrees. Larger openings can be used however consideration must be given to the ease of opening and closing the cover. 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.