My 1820's build house has a rediculous sized loft opening of 60x30cm. V.
difficult to use.
I want to install a loft ladder which need far more space than this. I could
make a decent sized hatch but this would need a 2-3 ft. length of one joist
to be removed. I have visions of ceiling collapsing and a shower of ton
slates on my head. Can anyone reassure me that there will be no calamity?
Any precautions I could take while sawing out a 3ft. section?

TIA