Reasons to Install Fire-Rated Hatches
Fire is both beneficial and dangerous. People need fire for certain applications, and many applications are flammable. As necessary as these applications are, it is important to reduce your risk by using fire-rated materials. When you incorporate fire-rated materials into your building design, it can protect the people and offer time to safely leave the building in case of a fire.
What Are Fire-Rated Access Panels?
A fire-rated access panel is designed to be installed where fire safety is an issue. In general, access panels meet different building standards, but when they are fire rated, they will withstand fire and heavy smoke for a set period of time. As a result, people have more time to get out of the building. You can use fire-rated access panels and fire-rated hatches to hide HVAC components, electrical wiring, utility lines, combustible materials, or exhaust systems. They can be insulated or uninsulated, and insulated access panels are installed on walls and ceilings, while uninsulated panels are only installed on the walls.
Benefits of Using Fire-Rated Panels
Fire-rated panels and hatches are different from those that are not fire-rated. They need to be properly fitted, and they are often made with sturdy materials, including thick galvanised steel, smoke proof gaskets, and mineral wood insulation. They will slow the spread of fire through your building, which helps to protect your assets and other business items. In addition, it protects people.
Some fire-rated commercial panels can prevent smoke and poisonous gases produced by fire from spreading. In the event of a fire, smoke and hazardous gases are produced by the fire. These substances can travel through your building very quickly.
What Are Fire Resistant Boards?
Another fire-resistant material that is commonly used in building projects is fire-resistant boards. They are often made of gypsum, which contains small amounts of water. When there is a fire, the water is what keeps the temperature of the fire down so that it doesn’t spread as quickly. In fact, it can prevent rapid fire spread for up to 240 minutes depending on the specification of the board.
It is common to use fire-resistant boards in spaces that have items that are critical to business, such as computer servers or data storage equipment. Another room where they are often used is the plant room. In addition to the protection they offer, these boards can help you meet certain insurance requirements. Using fire-resistant panels and hatches helps to protect your business and the people in your building.