Mezzanine Floors

When considering this question, several factors must be taken into account. A straightforward request involving design, fabrication, and installation typically takes around 6-8 weeks. However, these timeframes may vary if additional works are proposed on your site or if you need Landlord’s approval before commencing. Each project is thoroughly discussed with you, and estimated timeframes are provided accordingly.

During any construction on your premises, ATC will require the designated work area to be cleared to facilitate our operations with speed and efficiency. This includes ensuring that your employees maintain a safe distance due to the handling and lifting of heavy materials.

We understand that your business operations need to continue while we are on-site and that it may not always be possible to completely vacate the area. However, to avoid putting any of our respective employees at risk, it is in everyone’s best interest to keep the work area as clear as possible.

In most cases involving a mezzanine, Building Control is engaged as part of the project. When you first consult with ATC and outline your needs, you will be informed if Building Control is necessary. It’s important to note that this does not involve a planning permission application. Planning permission is only required if you are altering the external structure or extending the property.

Building Regulations are typically included in a mezzanine floor project. Unless there are issues with your premises meeting the necessary Fire & Safety or Health & Safety standards, the process should proceed smoothly.

During the design phase, the overall specification of the structure considers the intended use of the mezzanine, whether it’s for a gym, storage, or office space.

The mezzanine floor is engineered based on its load capacity, which exceeds a certain value per square meter, and this is verified by a qualified Structural Engineer. If the function of the mezzanine changes post-installation, it is crucial for customers to inform the provider so they can verify that the load capacities remain adequate, especially if additional weight is to be added.

*Please note* Customers should ensure they have the construction details of the floor slab where the mezzanine supports will be anchored, to confirm that the slab can sustain the mezzanine structure and its intended load/usage.

In most premises there will be existing lighting, fire and smoke detection which would need to be extended/adjusted to suit the new structure.

Building Regulations – section B3, states that the raised platform / mezzanine structure does not require fire resistance / rating providing it satifies the following

• It has only one tier
• It is used for storage purposes only
• Few people on the floor at any one time
• No members of the public to have access to the floor
• the floor/platform is open above and below to the room/space in which it is situated
• there are means of escape off the floor
• the floor is not more than 10m in width or length UNLESS it has existing smoke detection meeting recommendations of BS 5839-1, in which case is it not more than 20m
• it does not exceed 50% of the space in which it is situated

One exception to the above, is if the building is fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and is accordance and compliance with the following, then no limits are set for the size of the floor :-

Automatic release mechanism A device that normally holds a door open, but closes it automatically if any one of the following occurs.
• Smoke is detected by an automatic device of a suitable nature and quality in a suitable location.
• A hand-operated switch, fitted in a suitable position, is operated.
• The electricity supply to the device, apparatus or switch fails.
• The fire alarm system, if any, is operated