Jul 26, 2016

Standards are one solution to ongoing concerns about improperly designed and aging infrastructure. A proposed new ASTM specification will help minimize maintenance expense and improve public safety by providing a definitive standard for one essential infrastructure component, fabricated metal access hatches.

The proposed standard is WK43586, Specification for the Design, Testing, Manufacture, Selection and Installation of Fabricated Metal Access Hatches for Utility, Water and Wastewater Structures.

The hatches covered by WK43586 are a vital component of all utility distribution systems, providing vertical access to junctions and equipment for electric, telephone, cable, fiber optic, water and wastewater.

According to ASTM member Tom Elliott, manager of product design, Jensen Precast, WK43586 will provide the following:

In addition to hatch manufacturers and utility companies, regulatory bodies and consumers will use WK43586 as a basis for load level selection and product specification.

WK43586 is being developed by Subcommittee C27.10 on Utility Structures, ASTM International Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products.

CONTACT Technical Information: Tom Elliott, Jensen Precast, Sparks, Nev. | tel +1.775.352.6308 O ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • tel +1.610.832.9740 | Upcoming Meeting: Dec. 8-9 • December Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.