What Is an Equipment Hatch?
A machine hatch is a specialized door for bringing large pieces of equipment into a building.
In laboratories and factories, the construction of the roof does not necessarily proceed after the equipment is brought in. In most cases, the equipment is brought in and installed after the building is completed. Therefore, a special route is necessary for equipment delivery, and a special door for access to the inside of a building or underground is called an equipment hatch.
Uses of Equipment Hatches
Equipment hatches are used only for loading and unloading equipment.
Therefore, equipment hatches are used only when a factory or research institute is being set up or when there is a major equipment renewal.
People are able to enter and exit through equipment hatches, but opening and closing them is difficult because they are usually sturdy, heavy doors.
In addition, equipment hatches to the basement are basically not accessible by stairs, but by chain blocks or winches, so it is very difficult for a person to enter and exit the basement through a machine hatch.
Principle of Equipment Hatches
Equipment hatches are designed at the same time when designing a factory or laboratory building. They are basically a part of the building.
Therefore, when constructing a factory or laboratory, it is necessary to make a list of what kind of equipment will be placed in it.
It is meaningless to build an equipment hatch if it is not possible to put the equipment into the hatch, so knowing material dimensions beforehand is important.
Similarly, the equipment hatch used to bring the equipment into the basement needs to be accurate in weight, as it is usually equipped with a special winch, chain blocks, and maintenance races for moving the equipment. If they are used in excess of their weight capacity, a major accident could occur.
Similarly, the location of the equipment hatch is also very important. If the equipment hatch is to be used as an outdoor loading door, a large space is required. If the equipment hatch is to be used as an entrance to the basement, it needs to be located in the loading corridor. However, if it is an aisle and a forklift may be used, the load capacity should be considered.