1.1This specification covers the design, testing, manufacture, selection, and installation of fabricated metal access hatches for utility, water, and wastewater structures including utility vaults, drainage structures, valve vaults, meter vaults, wet wells, pump enclosures, utility trenches, piping trenches, and drainage trenches.

1.2This specification is applicable to various configurations of access hatches constructed of fabricated metal of various materials and grades for various loading conditions, traffic speeds, or both.

1.3Engineering design and testing criteria are provided for access hatches to be located in various areas subjected to various loading conditions, traffic speed, frequency, or combinations thereof.

1.4Proof loading criteria is provided to allow the access hatches to be designed by engineering calculation and/or by ultimate strength load testing.

1.5Production loading criteria is provided to allow the access hatches to be tested to verify the load capacity of the manufactured hatches.

1.6Hatch loading selection guidelines are included to allow selection of the proper hatch design loading for the conditions of the actual area of placement.

1.7The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered the standard.

1.8This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.