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Fire extinguishers

26 Jul 2021

Are you choosing the right roof access hatch and ladder for your project?

Profab Access Stand: 5/D65
Roof Access Hatch with Fixed Vertical Ladder

1.) Purpose for access
Whether for the education, healthcare, leisure or commercial sectors, roof access hatches
are required to provide permanent and secure access to the roof area. In order to make
sure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s unique requirements, you
must first identify the main reason for requiring access to the roof.

Is it purely for maintenance reasons? Or will a safe means of access also be required for the
regular installation or removal of equipment from the roof?

Here you should also identify what tools and equipment will need to be transferred through
the access hatch, or whether it will just be the individual that is conducting the necessary
work.

2.) Frequency and product specification
Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then
be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding
ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

The first considerations that must be addressed when specifying a ladder to gain roof access
is where the ladder will be mounted and the requirement of any additional safety elements
to ensure the continued safety of the individual when using the system. If a ladder is to be
mounted externally to gain access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard
rail to ensure safe and secure access.

For a small roof access hatch, such as the Bilco E‐50TB, which has internal dimensions of
915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be chosen. This type of ladder is also the
most suitable option for projects where space is limited.

In this instance, a retractable ladder would not be recommended, as the ladder angle would
hinder easy access as an individual moved closer to the hatch. However, retractable ladders
are ideal for use in areas including schools and hospitals where the roof hatch is larger, at
around 1500 mm in size and the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

To ensure easy and safe access, a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, whilst the
maximum single climb should be no more than three metres, in accordance with BS4211‐
7.2.

If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals that will have to transfer
tools and equipment through the hatch, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as
a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, should be specified with a Companionway Ladder or a
Fixed Staircase. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which
provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

It should here be noted that the roof hatch must be sufficient to maintain a head clearance
of 2000mm, as detailed in Building Regulations Part K.

When specifying a retractable ladder, it is essential that you know the height of the space
between the ceiling and the roof, more commonly known as the roof void. This is to ensure
the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted. Calculating the height of the
floor to the underside of the roof access hatch should also be done at the initial stages to
ensure the ladder isn’t too short or long.

Regardless of the size of the roof access hatch, the system should be operated easily and
safely with one hand, in accordance with the requirements outlined within the Manual
Handling Regulations, enabling the individual to maintain three points of contact with the
fixed ladder.

During the installation process, the ladder must be positioned opposite the hinge to ensure
safe and unobstructed access.

3.) Bespoke requirements
To ensure the criteria is successfully met, consideration should be given to the wider options
available for both the roof access hatch and corresponding ladder.

For example, ladders that are supplied with relevant fire ratings and available with vertical
backboards that include steps and a handrail for enhanced safety and security should also
be considered to meet relevant building regulations.

Increased access opening sizes or double leaf configurations should also be explored where
access is required for larger items of equipment or tools. Motorised options also allow the
individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder when entering or exiting the hatch.

Regardless of the project type, all installations should be subject to individual Risk
Assessments. Comprehensive training should also be provided for all professionals,
supported by Method Statements regarding safe and correct use of the access solutions
installed.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: https://www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders 

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project,
download Bilco UK’s free guide: https://www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf 

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