Click to view effect of Double Safety Grates on hatch clear openings.

Description: The Double Safety Grate consists of two aluminum grates attached on the same long side of the hatch frame under the covers.  Both grates smoothly pivot on hinges 90 degrees upward and lock into place by hold-open rods.  The grates can be attached to hatches having double doors.  The aluminum grates have an OSHA safety yellow finish (safety orange is optional).  Hardware components are made of 316 stainless steel to withstand corrosive wastewater environments. 

Features: The Double Safety Grate provides continuous safety assurance in both its closed and open positions.  When closed, the grate system allows people to move freely around the hatch opening without fear of falling into the opening.  Also, it allows visibility for inspections and accessibility for limited maintenance and float adjustments below the grate.  When open, it acts as an additional barrier to the access door opening.  Since the hatch cover cannot be shut without first closing the Double Safety Grate, this system insures that the grate is in position when the next person opens the hatch cover.  Since the grates do not provide load reinforcing for the covers, damaged or missing grates will not jeopardize the function of the covers in carrying the specified load capacity of the hatch.

Retrofit: The Double Safety Grate can be retrofitted into existing openings.  It can be made to fit the custom dimensions of most floor access hatches.   

Specification: The access opening shall have a permanently installed fall through prevention grate system that provides continuous safety assurance in both its closed and open positions. When closed, the grate allows visibility for inspections and performance of limited maintenance below it.  When open, the grate acts as an additional barrier to the access door opening.  The system shall be a Double Safety Grate as manufactured by U.S.F. Fabrication, Inc., Hialeah, FL 1-800-258-6873 or approved equal.

The fall through prevention system shall be grate consisting of two leafs made of 6061-T6 aluminum that are hinged on the same side of the hatch.  The grate shall be designed to withstand a minimum pedestrian load of 300 lbs. per square foot.  The grate openings shall be 4” x 6” to allow both visual inspection and limited accessibility for maintenance purposes when the grate is closed.  The leafs of the grate will pivot on aluminum hinge devices with 316 SS hardware that permit them to rotate upward 90 degrees and automatically lock in place.  Aluminum pull rods will be attached to the grate’s leafs so the operator is positioned with the grate between him and the hatch’s opening whenever he raises a leaf.  Each grate leaf will have a rod made from 316 SS that automatically engages to secure the leaf in its open position, and can be lifted upward to permit the grate leaf to close.  The hatch cover will not be able to shut until the grate is closed--thereby insuring the grate is in position when the next operator opens the hatch cover.  The grate shall have an OSHA safety yellow finish to increase visual awareness of the safety hazard. 

Installation of the fall through prevention system shall be in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.  The complete grate assembly shall be warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 10 years from the date of purchase.

Distribution: Contact U.S.F. Fabrication, Inc. at 1-800-258-6873 to locate a distributor of the Double Safety Grate in your area.