Fire Rated Access Panels in Multi-Storey Buildings: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

In today’s world of increasingly dense urban development, multi-storey buildings are the norm—not the exception. Be it a residential apartment block, commercial office tower, or mixed-use complex, building safety standards must be taken seriously. Among the many elements contributing to fire safety and regulatory compliance, the fire rated access panel stands out as a critical feature.

Too often, access panels are seen as minor components. In truth, they play a key role in passive fire protection. Without them, even the most robust firewalls or ceiling barriers can become vulnerable.

Fire containment isn’t optional in multi-storey structures where the consequences of failure are amplified. At Trafalgar Access, we advocate for early-stage consideration of fire rated access panels in every compliant project.

Understanding the Purpose of Fire Rated Panels

A fire rated access panel provides maintenance access to essential building services—such as plumbing, electrical systems, or fire sprinklers—without compromising the integrity of fire rated walls or ceilings.

These panels are specifically designed and tested to resist the spread of fire for a set period, typically 60 to 120 minutes. This containment buys time for evacuation and limits the extent of fire and smoke damage.

Maintaining compartmentalisation is vital, whether a fire rated wall access panel in a corridor or a ceiling panel in a plant room.

Why They are Essential in Multi-Storey Construction

In single-storey buildings, fire movement can be somewhat predictable. In vertical developments, however, the risks compound. Fires can move upwards rapidly, driven by the stack effect and aided by penetrations in floors, shafts, and risers.

Without proper protection around these openings, a fire can breach multiple storeys in minutes. That’s why fire access panels should be installed wherever access is needed in a fire rated structure.

This includes service risers and duct shafts in strata buildings. In office buildings, it may involve ceiling zones and fire-isolated corridors. In mixed-use buildings, a combination of all of the above applies.

The Legal Mandate for Fire Safety

The National Construction Code (NCC) outlines strict requirements for fire separation between building areas. Section C of the NCC addresses fire resistance and mandates that any penetration through a fire rated element must be sealed or protected to maintain the element’s fire resistance level (FRL).

A standard access panel won’t satisfy these requirements. You need an access panel fire rated to the same FRL as the wall, ceiling, or floor it is installed into.

At TAccess, our panels are independently tested per AS 1530.4 and AS/NZS 1905.2- the benchmark fire standards referenced by the NCC. Each panel includes compliance documentation for auditing and certification purposes.

Customisation for Complex Sites

Many multi-storey buildings have unique design constraints. Access points may be positioned in tight shafts, behind cladding, or in high-traffic areas where aesthetics matter. That’s why Trafalgar Access offers custom access panels for fire rated environments.

From powder-coated finishes to tamper-resistant locks and made-to-measure sizes, our team works directly with specifiers and installers to ensure the panel fits the job—without delaying your build schedule.

Our custom fire rated access panels maintain all necessary fire properties while giving builders the flexibility they need on complex sites.

Maintenance Access without Compromising Safety

One of the major challenges in building maintenance is preserving the integrity of fire barriers after handover. Trades need access to equipment and cabling hidden behind walls and ceilings. Without proper panels, they may damage existing linings or create temporary solutions that breach code compliance.

By installing a compliant fire rated wall access panel or ceiling solution during the construction phase, you eliminate this risk by providing future maintenance teams with a secure and legal way to reach building infrastructure.

Hence, TAccess recommends including panels in early designs—not as a last-minute workaround.

Panel Ratings and Certification

Choosing the right fire rating is crucial. In most commercial or strata buildings, an FRL of 60/60/60 is the minimum requirement for access panel installations. Some sites may need higher performance.

Trafalgar Access supplies a wide range of fire rated access panels, including:

  • 60-minute rated wall and ceiling panels
  • 90-minute fire rated shaft panels
  • 120-minute floor and wall access panels

Each product is backed by a testing certificate and performance summary to support inspections and certification.

Meeting Design and Performance Standards

Our fire rated range isn’t just built for compliance—it’s designed for performance in real-world conditions.

  • Steel construction for strength and durability
  • Intumescent seals that expand under heat to prevent smoke and flame ingress
  • Flush-fitting options for walls and ceilings
  • Lockable options for controlled access in public areas

At Trafalgar Access, every panel is manufactured with practical use and longevity in mind.

Final Word: Safety is Not a Design Choice

Passive fire protection must be integrated into every detail in multi-storey construction. A breach in a single fire barrier can have serious consequences for building occupants and property.

Installing a non-compliant panel, or worse, leaving a fire rated surface unprotected, is a risk that cannot be justified. Fire safety should never be treated as a premium feature—it’s a requirement.

Choose Trafalgar Access for fire containment systems that meet the strictest standards. From custom access panels to fully certified fire rated access panels, our solutions are built to support Australian compliance at every level.

Explore our products at taccess.com.au or contact us today to speak with our technical team. We’ll help you find the right product for your next multi-storey project.

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Contact us today to discover more about our range of access panels and how we can assist you in finding the perfect solution for your next project.

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