Can a roof access hatch be used as an official escape route?

A roof access hatch can be used as an escape route, but this is subject to a number of conditions.

• It must be possible to easily open the roof access hatches.
• The roof access hatch must be equipped with a knob cylinder. A knob cylinder can be supplied on request.
• The roof access hatch must always be equipped with an access ladder. This means that roof access hatches equipped with an extension ladder or retractable ladder are not suitable as escape routes, as an extension ladder must first be put in place and an extension ladder must be pulled downwards before the roof access hatch can be used.
• The proposed solution must always be checked and approved by the fire services.