This guide is aimed at supporting:
✔️ Easier project approvals
✔️ Faster installs and reduced site labour
✔️ Minimised risk of future rectification
✔️ Peace of mind — for you, your team, and the client
Choosing certified fire-rated systems like MACS isn’t just smart — it’s professional diligence.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
In today’s world of high-rise developments, space is often limited, making it necessary to place essential services in hard-to-access locations. Whether you’re working on a power substation, rail and road network, or power facilities, fire-resistant panels serve as your primary defence against catastrophic failures. When large electrical transformers are installed deep within modern buildings, fire-resistant access hatches are essential for their installation, service and safety of the structure.
It is important to understand the significance of fire resistance — particularly compliance with standard AS1530.4:2014 , which is crucial in distinguishing between a resilient installation or potentially a serious liability.
UNDERSTANDING AS1530.4:2014 – FIREPROOF MULITPART ACCESS COVER SYSTEM
AS1530.4:2014 is the benchmark for testing the fire resistance of construction elements, including doors, panels, and access covers. It assesses integrity, insulation, and stability under fire conditions. FLR of 120/120/120 (Fire Resistance Level, 120 minutes of structural adequacy, 120 minutes of integrity, and 120 minutes of insulation).
Compliance isn’t just a tick-box. It means:
- Documented performance under fire load
- Increased protection for utilities, cables, and personnel
- Reduced liability in the event of incident investigations
- Future-proofing your project for audits and safety upgrades
Non-compliant components can lead to:
- Insurance disputes
- Costly retrofitting
- Regulatory shutdowns
- Personal accountability for site decisions
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A NON-COMPLIANT FIREPROOF MULTIPART ACCESS HATCH
As a diligent professional, you are requesting certification from manufacturers. When considering your options in purchasing and installing a fully compliant fire resistant multipart system, it’s crucial not to assume that a system is certified just because it’s available on the market.
Always request supporting documentation
during the procurement process.
APPLICATION OF FIREPROOF MULTIPART COVERS
MACS is purpose-built for large custom-sized openings (typically over 1 metre) and suits civil applications such as:
- Rail – protecting electrical/control pits in fire-risk zones
- Water & sewer plants – where chemical or electrical fire exposure is possible
- Power substations – In power substations, where large transformers generate heat, fireproof covers help prevent fire hazards from electrical faults, ensuring safety for personnel and protecting equipment.
- Road infrastructure – protecting services beneath high-traffic areas
- Commercial high-rise developments – where confined space fire risks are amplified.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROCURING FIREPROOF MULTIPART COVER SYSTEMS (AS1530.4:2014)
Here are the top three considerations for a site engineer during the procurement process of a fireproof multi-part access cover:
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Material Specifications:
Ensure that the access cover is made from fire-resistant materials that meet relevant standards. The access panels need to be able to withstand high temperatures and maintain temperatures that can be walked on in an emergency situation.
It is important to verify certifications and testing scores from manufacturers to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
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Design and Fit:
Evaluate the design of the multi-part access cover to ensure it fits within the intended application. Consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, ease of installation, and maintenance accessibility.
Ensure that the design incorporates safety features and is suitable for the specific environment where it will be installed.
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Increased Safety and Compliance:
When procuring a complete system that includes certified MACS and fire-rated panels, site engineers can be assured of safety and compliance in the event of an emergency. This comprehensive approach mitigates risks associated with partial compliance or the use of components that have not been tested together.
By ensuring that both the panels and the MACS are from a reliable source and adequately certified as a unit, responsibility for safety is more effectively managed.
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Manufacturer Reliability and Support:
Assess potential manufacturers that have fireproofing compliance, reliability, and a proven track record to deliver on time.
Building a strong relationship with a trustworthy manufacturer who understands your project scope and procurement process can drastically streamline costs and speed to deliver a fully compliant multipart system to suit your needs.
INTRODUCING THE ONLY TESTED, FULLY INTEGRATED & CERTIFIED MULTIPART ACCESS COVER SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA.
All Access Covers Australia Multipart Access Covers Systems (MACS) comply with AS3996:2019 & integrates with the FRL120 - Fire resistant system standards.
Designed by Access Covers Australia, our Multipart Access Covers System meets the standards of AS1530.4:2014 - Fire Resistance on construction elements, providing a reliable option for critical infrastructure.
A complete, fully certified system.
The MACS system ensures compliance by coordinating all components, including fire-resistant panels, for optimal fire resistance and safety. It is rigorously tested under fire conditions to maintain structural integrity and reduce failure risks during emergencies, assuring site engineers of its reliability.
Key Benefits:
- ✅ Fire Rated Panels tested and certified to AS1530.4:2014
- ✅ Modular-fully assembled system –easy to install.
- ✅ No dissimilar metals – eliminates corrosion risks.
- ✅ Simplified install – up to 80% faster than conventional systems.
- ✅ Full integration with 3D design tools
- ✅ Eliminating complex beam rebates and formwork
- ✅ Certified lifting system for safe placement
Don’t take shortcuts. Choose compliance. Choose safety. Choose Access Covers Australia’s MACS and fire panel systems
Get in touch with Access Covers Australia today
📞 Call (03) 9335 5355 or visit www.accesscoversaustralia.com.au
Learn how MACS can protect your next project—from the ground up.