An access assembly

An access assembly comprises: a frame including an upstanding wall defining a boundary having an aperture formed therein; one or more seatings, that are secured in the aperture, for supporting one or more cover plates; and one or more cover plates that are receivable in the aperture supported on one or more said seatings so as at least partially to close off the aperture. The access assembly includes one or more shaft supports supporting a moveable shaft, the moveable shaft including one or more shaft formations and at least a first said cover plate including one or more cover or frame formations, respective said shaft and cover or frame formations being mutually engageable, when the shaft occupies a first position to which it is moveable, so as to retain at least a first said cover plate relative to the frame; and being disengaged from one another when the shaft occupies a second position to which it is moveable so as to permit removal of at least the first cover plate from the frame.