Access Panels & Hatches Fire Protection
The term "Panel" describes wall or ceiling access panels used for periodic maintenance or repairs. These are usually mechanically fixed into position. On the other hand, "Hatch" or "Hatches" is applied to wall or ceiling access hatches in regular use and are either hinged or screw fixed.

Access panels and hatches are common and essential elements for daily inspection routines to most E&M services within fire compartments and routine maintenance programmes in most buildings. Depending on the location, some of these will require small openings, typically 600mm x 600mm, while some areas may require larger openings, e.g. the size of a single or double leaf doorset. Promat access panels and hatches are approved in a range of sizes and fire resistance, offering flexibility for any type of opening in substrates such as walls, floors or ceilings. They are easy to install and can be finished or decorated to suit the surrounding building elements. The types of fixing for these panels and hatches largely depends on the area of application, frequency of carrying out maintenance, appearance and the weight of the panels/hatches.

Common in most applications, hinged hatches are usually pre-fabricated in a standard size of 600mm x 600mm. They can also be custom-made to specified dimensions, depending on size and quantity. Safety chains are fitted to all panels exceeding 450mm x 450mm in size. Pre-formed holes in all four sides of the frame are positioned to match wall and ceiling metal structures for secure screw fixing of the panel to the structures. Screw-fixed panels can be fabricated in-situ and offer ideal flexibility when used in conjunction with Promat fire resistant partitions or ceiling systems.

General Design Considerations
Installed access panels or hatches should have a fire resistance at least equal to the surrounding structural elements. The structural elements can be of masonry or concrete, drywall partition, suspended ceiling etc. Care should also be taken to ensure any gaps between the panel/hatch and the aperture are thoroughly sealed to prevent the passage of hot or cold smoke or gases.