Water-resistant aluminium ground access hatch for safe access to chambers, basements and technical spaces
The RSI Ground Access Hatch is a robust upstand hatch designed for outdoor environments and other locations exposed to rainwater, dirt and moisture. The raised frame, combined with a continuous double seal, provides a high level of protection against water ingress, dust, animals and insects.
The hatch is manufactured from corrosion-resistant marine-grade aluminium and is available in single- or double-leaf configurations. It comes in several standard sizes but can also be custom-made to suit the structural opening and intended application. Gas springs assist with opening, while a mechanical hold-open stay keeps the hatch securely in the open position. For larger or heavier units, electric operation is also available.
Model: RSI
Applications: RSI is a versatile upstand ground access hatch designed to provide safe access to water and wastewater installations, pumping stations, chambers, service shafts, basements, electrical rooms and technical spaces. The construction is particularly well suited to outdoor environments and other locations where the risk of rainwater, dirt, animals and insects entering the space needs to be reduced. The hatch can also be used indoors in industrial, commercial property and infrastructure applications where a robust and corrosion-resistant access solution is required.
Material: Marine-grade aluminium as standard. The hatch can also be manufactured from stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316, depending on the project requirements.
Cover: Single- or double-leaf hatch with aluminium chequer plate as standard. Plain plate and SureGrip anti-slip coating are available as options.
Frame: Raised frame in aluminium or stainless steel. The upstand construction helps reduce the risk of surface water flowing into the opening.
Hinges: Concealed hinges that help protect the construction against the accumulation of dirt and moisture.
Sealing: Continuous double seal providing a high level of protection against rainwater, air, dirt, animals and insects. The hatch is described as water-resistant and near watertight and airtight, but should not be considered fully watertight.
Dimensions: Available in several standard sizes and can also be custom-made to suit the project opening and requirements.
Loading:
W1 – Light pedestrian loading: 2.5 kN/m²
W2 – Medium pedestrian loading: 5 kN/m²
For higher loads or vehicle traffic, a more heavily rated hatch should be selected.
Operation: Manual opening with gas springs and a safety hold-open stay that keeps the hatch securely open. Electric operation with actuators is also available. The control system can be adapted with options such as a key switch, push button, remote control or keypad.
Locking: Heavy-duty stainless steel lock operated by a tee key from above, with the option to open the hatch from below. Several alternative locking solutions are available, including a locking box, cam lock, shoot bolt, concealed deadlock and provision for a padlock.
Safety: A safety hold-open stay helps prevent accidental closure. Safety grilles, limit switches and other safety accessories can be selected depending on the application.
Insulation: The hatch can be supplied with an insulated cover, including configurations with a U-value of approximately 0.43 W/m²K, depending on the selected specification.
RSI can be customised with a range of functions and safety accessories:
Safety grille beneath the hatch
Fall protection and pressure-sensitive safety edge
Retractable handhold
Safety post for ladder access
Fixed or retractable ladder
Electric opening
Insulated cover
PIR insulation with a U-value down to approximately 0.43 W/m²K
Non-combustible mineral wool insulation
Stainless steel ventilation grilles
SureGrip anti-slip coating
Integrated smaller inspection or personnel hatch within a larger cover
Manufacture in stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316
Other sizes are available on request. Dimensions, weight and technical design may vary depending on the structural opening, number of leaves, load rating and selected accessories.
| Product code | Size | Approximate weight |
|---|---|---|
| RSI/60.60 | 600 × 600 mm | 34 kg |
| RSI/75.75 | 750 × 750 mm | 45 kg |
| RSI/75.90 | 750 × 900 mm | 50 kg |
| RSI/90.90 | 900 × 900 mm | 56 kg |
| RSI/100.100 | 1000 × 1000 mm | 64 kg |
| RSI/120.120 | 1200 × 1200 mm | 81 kg |
| RSI/120.180 | 1200 × 1800 mm | 109 kg |
| RSI/150.150 | 1500 × 1500 mm | 111 kg |
Always read the installation instructions supplied with your order carefully before starting installation, as they may vary depending on configuration and selected options.
Installation must be carried out by qualified personnel and adapted to the specific conditions of the project.
Always follow the specific operation and maintenance instructions supplied with your order. These may vary depending on model, material and selected options.
To ensure optimal performance and long service life, the access cover should be maintained regularly.
What is an upstand ground access hatch used for?
An upstand ground access hatch provides safe access to areas such as service shafts, pumping stations, water and wastewater installations, chambers, basements, electrical rooms and other technical spaces. It is particularly suitable for outdoor locations where there is a need to reduce the risk of rainwater, dirt, animals and insects entering through the opening.
What are the advantages of an upstand ground access hatch?
The raised frame creates a barrier against surface water and dirt. This makes the hatch suitable for locations exposed to rain, standing water or contamination. Combined with a double seal, the upstand design provides better protection than a hatch installed flush with the surrounding surface.
Is an upstand ground access hatch watertight?
A ground access hatch with a continuous double seal provides a high level of protection against rainwater, dirt and moisture. However, it should not automatically be considered fully watertight. Its performance also depends on the installation, surrounding surfaces, location and the level of water exposure.
Can a ground access hatch be used outdoors?
Yes. A ground access hatch manufactured from marine-grade aluminium or stainless steel can be used outdoors. A raised frame, corrosion-resistant materials and a double seal make the construction particularly suitable for exposed environments such as pumping stations, water and wastewater facilities, industrial sites and technical installations.
What is the best material for a ground access hatch?
Marine-grade aluminium is a good choice when corrosion resistance and relatively low weight are important. Stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316 can be selected for environments with higher requirements for durability, hygiene or corrosion resistance. The material should be chosen according to the installation environment, size and intended use.
What load can a pedestrian ground access hatch withstand?
A pedestrian ground access hatch can, for example, be designed for W1 light pedestrian loading at 2.5 kN/m² or W2 medium pedestrian loading at 5 kN/m². For vehicle traffic, high point loads or heavier loading, a hatch specifically designed for these conditions should be selected.
Can a ground access hatch be made to measure?
Yes. Ground access hatches can be manufactured to suit the project’s structural opening and technical requirements. The size, number of leaves, material, load rating, locking system and opening method can all be adapted. Larger openings can be designed with multiple leaves or as a double-leaf hatch.
How is a heavy ground access hatch opened?
A ground access hatch can be fitted with gas springs that balance the weight of the cover and make it easier to open and close. For larger or heavier hatches, electric operation with actuators can be selected. A safety hold-open stay keeps the hatch securely open and reduces the risk of accidental closure.
Can a ground access hatch be supplied with electric opening?
Yes. Electric opening can be combined with key switches, push buttons, remote controls, keypads or a control panel with battery backup. The most suitable control system depends on the hatch’s location, size and frequency of use.
What locking options are available for ground access hatches?
Ground access hatches can be supplied with different locking systems depending on the project’s security requirements. Common options include tee-key locks, cam locks, shoot bolts, locking boxes, concealed deadlocks and provision for padlocks. Opening from below may also be incorporated.
Can a ground access hatch be insulated?
Yes. A ground access hatch can be supplied with an insulated cover to reduce heat loss and temperature differences between spaces. The type of insulation and achievable U-value depend on the hatch size, construction and other project requirements.
What safety accessories are available for ground access hatches?
Common safety accessories include safety grilles, hold-open stays, limit switches, handhold posts and fixed or retractable ladders. The required accessories depend on factors such as fall height, frequency of access and how the hatch will be used.
