Roof Access Hatches – the key options and features

Roof Access Hatches

An entry point to the roof from inside the building is convenient when it’s possible to provide one. This is where roof access hatches are vital to provide anyone requiring roof access to perform their job.

What is a roof access hatch?

A roof access hatch is safety equipment that’s installed to allow for access to a roof from an internal area of a building. This means having an opening in the roof to allow workers to get through; so the hatch also doubles as a cover so that there isn’t a potential fall hazard when not in use or inclement weather doesn’t impact the inside of the building.

What are the key features of a roof hatch?

There are a number of features that a roof hatch must have to make it safe and perform the job it’s intended to properly.

Weather proof sealing:

As mentioned; a roof access hatch is fixed to the roof of the building. This means that it is exposed to the elements. By having weather proof sealing installed, this prevents all moisture that may be present on the roof from being able to get inside the roof cavity or even into the areas of the building below.  

Sliding or hinged mechanisms which prevent accidental closure.

There are two main types of hatch door which can be installed;

–  A hinged mechanism which opens by the operator pushing up from installing the building.

– A sliding mechanism which means that the door is level with the roof surface at all times.

Both types of mechanisms are easy to open; and preventative measures to ensure that they will not suddenly slam shut which could cause injury to the operator.

In-built lock to prevent unauthorized access through the hatch.

As with any possible breach or hole in a surface; it provides a weakness in which people who shouldn’t have access could easily access either the roof area or inside the building (if they’re coming from outside).

All roof access hatches should come with a locking mechanism that prevents anyone that isn’t meant to be using the hatch from doing so.

Other Features

Other optional features that can be included:

• Hatches can be fully customised to fit the required opening.
• Can be powder coated so that the hatch blends into the background of the environment.

How to get a roof  hatch installed

As with all things dealing with safety on the worksite; it’s best to have a fully qualified, professional height safety installer fit any height safety equipment (in particular roof access hatches).

Essential Height Safety (EHS) are the right fit for all your working at height safety requirements. Their team will design and personally install all required equipment to adhere with all WHS and OHS laws and requirements. All materials used by EHS come fully guaranteed to comply with all Australian standards and regulations; as well as being fully Australian designed and manufactured.

If you have any questions around what is required to make your work site or building compliant with height safety standards; contact the Essential Height Safety team today for answers to all your questions.