Can access panels/hatches be installed?
The installation of access panels/hatches would not necessarily mean that a separating floor would no longer comply with the requirements of the relevant RD specification. It would depend on whether or not the access panel/hatch was considered to potentially affect the acoustic integrity. It would be preferable to avoid them, if possible, or keep them to the absolute minimum. The following points would need to be considered and agreed with the Building Control Body: • the specification of the access panel/hatch (mass per unit area) should be at least the same or higher than the floor or ceiling finish or pipe casing which it replaces • the access panel/hatch should be fitted into a rebated frame and should include cover strips and/or seals to ensure that the junction between the access panel/hatch and the surrounding floor or ceiling finish or pipe casing is adequately sealed • the installation of the access panel/hatch should be such that it does not affect the acoustic integrity of t
