What considerations are needed for access panels in fire resisting ductwork systems?
ANSWER – Access panels are frequently fitted to fire resisting ductwork for purposes such as cleaning or access to dampers. The panels are fitted in the walls of the duct but must not interrupt the duct structure, e.g cross joints, stiffeners and supports. Ideally the access panel will have been tested as part of the fire resisting ductwork system. The test must have demonstrated that the design of access panel is able to maintain the required fire performance requirements of the ductwork system without weakening the structure of the duct. The maximum size of panel is that tested. Proprietary access panel systems are available. To be acceptable for use as part of a ductwork system they must have been shown by test to be capable of maintaining the required fire performance requirements of the ductwork system when mounted in a similar type of duct. The access panel assembly includes the panel, the mounting frame, the fixings holding the panel in the frame, the fixings fastening the mount
