Gas springs on the roof hatch enable convenient and safe exit

Before DICTATOR gas springs were installed, getting out onto the roof via the roof hatch was quite a challenge

Before the installation of the DICTATOR gas springs, exiting on the flat roof was not so easy. Standing on top of the ladder and opening the roof hatch required a pushing force of about 11 kg. And while exiting you still had to hold the hatch to prevent it from falling down. Quite an effort and a danger!

Therefore Mr. Schaaf of the company Vorbeugender Brandschutz in Cologne contacted DICTATOR. He was looking for gas springs which would automatically open the hatch up when the lock was released to an angle of about 50° and keep it open so one could stand safely on the ladder and easily climb on the roof. And, of course, the force required for closing the hatch again had to be as little as possible.

Thanks to the gas springs, the roof hatch opens automatically when unlocked, remains open – and can be closed again without much effort

The correct design of the gas springs and the determination of the ideal fixing points are crucial for smooth function.

Only in this way can it be asured that the gas spring opens the hatch slowly and in a controlled manner, keeps it open and allows to close the hatch with little effort.

DICTATOR calculated and provided for this special application two gas springs which could be fitted very close to the fulcrum and thus don’t hinder the exit. The force required for closing the hatch is only 6 kg. The gas springs also averted the danger that the hatch would close accidentally and lock while somebody was still on the roof, thus preventing his return.

We, at DICTATOR, are especially happy about being able to offer our customer the exact solution he needed.

The roof hatch measures 660 x 1400 mm and weighs about 11 kg. Up to now it had to be lifted manually.

Now two gas springs open the roof hatch – without reducing the exit area – and keep it open securely.