Are connections made to fireproofed structural members required to be accessible?

Connections made to fireproofed structural members are not required to be accessible. This is primarily due to the nature of these components; fireproofing is often applied to enhance the safety and fire resistance of structures, and as such, these areas may be left unexposed for maintenance and safety reasons.

Typically, accessibility requirements focus on locations that need regular maintenance, adjustment, or inspection. Fireproofed areas, by their characteristics, may not require frequent access. The decision to not require accessibility to these connections helps in maintaining the integrity of the fireproofing material and overall structure while ensuring that safety measures remain in place.

In contrast, connections that are frequently accessed for maintenance or that require regular inspection do need to be accessible to ensure that they can be adequately serviced without compromising safety. In sum, the lack of accessibility requirements for connections to fireproofed structural members reflects the prioritization of safety and structural integrity over the need for routine access.