Escape hatches are emergency exits used when no other means of egress is available. They are designed in various ways and are used on ships, planes, submarines, and structures. They are marked with signage and are easy to use in panic situations. In emergency situations, people should not take their belongings with them and should keep the area around the hatch clear. People should familiarize themselves with available exits and review the instructions for opening an escape hatch.
An escape hatch is a type of emergency exit. Hatches are used when no other means of egress is available. They can be designed in a number of different ways, and are used on ships, planes, and submarines, as well as structures. Escape hatches are typically clearly marked with signage indicating how they are to be used and providing information that clearly indicates that the hatch is a usable exit designed for emergencies only.
In the most basic sense, an escape hatch is simply a hatch. Escape hatches can also be designed to open into airlocks or other types of chambers for security, and can be sealed with gaskets and locking mechanisms designed to maintain security in non-emergency situations. The hatch is usually left closed, and in some cases it may actually be a breakable panel rather than a more traditional hinged opening.
Using an escape hatch is generally designed to be easy so that people can do it quickly and operate the hatch in a panic. The instructions are typically step by step, showing people each thing they need to do to open the hatch. Opening a hatch can require two hands and some force, depending on how it’s designed, and opening a hatch can activate safety devices like beacons, an inflatable raft, etc.
The opening is classic and narrow, designed to accommodate the rapid evacuation of people, not belongings. In emergency situations, people should not attempt to take their belongings with them, and should avoid inflating life jackets until they are out of the escape hatches, as they may not be able to get through the opening with an inflated vest. It is also important to keep the area around the hatch clear at all times so that the escape hatch can be accessed if there is a problem.
In any space, people should become familiar with the available openings and exits. People should think about what they would do if the space were dark, smoky, or otherwise disturbed, so they could quickly find a means of escape. It may also be a good idea to review the instructions for opening an escape hatch so that if they aren’t legible, people don’t get stuck on the wrong side of the hatch because they can’t open it. Most vessels and facilities also have staff trained for emergency situations, and people must pay attention when given instructions by staff members.
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