Room to remove access panel not left

An access panel that cannot open is not usable access. Painted-shut, seized, blocked, or too-small access needs coordination before inspection/cover.

Stop if

• This damper access door is painted/seized and will not open. Who owns opening or repairing it before inspection?

Watch out

• Do not treat damper or rated-assembly work like normal duct. Do not bury access behind duct, insulation, grid, hard lid, wall, lights, or other trades.

Check

• Do not force or damage the access door without direction.
• Photo the door, latch, paint/seal, and surrounding rated surface.
• Tell the foreman and ask who owns freeing/replacing/protecting the access.
• Track the condition before inspection so it is not a surprise correction.

Steps

• Do not force or damage the access door without direction.
• Photo the door, latch, paint/seal, and surrounding rated surface.
• Tell the foreman and ask who owns freeing/replacing/protecting the access.
• Track the condition before inspection so it is not a surprise correction.

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