Roof Access Regulations

1910 23 guarding requirements for skylights and grandfather provisions for buildings constructed over twenty years ago.

Roof access regulations.

The hatches should also be insulated well to prevent frost and condensation accumulation. In buildings four or more stories or more than 40 feet 12 192 mm in height above grade one stairway shall extend to the roof surface through a stairway bulkhead complying with section 1509 2 unless the roof has a slope steeper than 20 degrees 0 35 rad. Osha has set forth regulations codifying the steps building owners must take to protect roof openings including roof hatches. 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.

It s important that the hatches are relatively lightweight and easy to handle. These standards are flexible providing multiple options for maintaining compliance. Most roof access hatches are made of galvanized steel or aluminum. In any situation where the roof of a building has no edge protection a building owner needs to secure the safety of the people who have to access the roof.

Providing proper instruction as well as having an adequate rescue plan in place are required and the building owners liability. Roof access hatches can be installed on flat roof surfaces the maximum incline being 30 degrees. Photo courtesy of the bilco co. This article will explain these options and discuss the penalties for nonconformity.