An openable panel in the elevator car roof providing emergency egress for passengers and access for maintenance personnel.
Full Definition
The car roof hatch is a hinged or sliding panel built into the top of an elevator car. Its primary function is emergency egress: if the car stops between floors and normal door evacuation is impossible, passengers can exit through the hatch onto the car roof and then be assisted to a landing. The hatch must be openable from both inside and outside the car. EN 81-20 and ASME A17.1 specify minimum hatch dimensions, locking mechanisms, and that a safety contact must cut the drive circuit whenever the hatch is opened to prevent movement during rescue operations.
