Above: is this a platform or a mezzanine?
Mezzanines are a great option when you need to add more square footage into your warehouse or factory floor. They’re less expensive and easier to implement than alternatives like new construction or facility expansions, but also pose challenges when it comes sato dealing with code, safety and construction requirements.
Typically, you will classify industrial or warehouse mezzanines as equipment or work platforms for a number of reasons:
If your platform is classified as a mezzanine, different code, safety and architectural requirements apply to it. Most mezzanines fall beneath IBC 502.2. OSHA defines work platforms as “a walking-working surface elevated above the surrounding area.”
Mezzanines are functionally designed as intermediate floor or levels within a building for additional usable space. They’re used to create extra storage, office areas, or viewing platforms. On the other hand, equipment platforms are used to support heavy machinery, equipment, storage or systems. Most of what you see in a typical warehouse or factory should be classified as equipment platforms. Platforms are heavier capacity due to their mission of supporting equipment/storage in addition to people.
There are specific rules on whether the mezzanine is considered open or closed. 505.23 states that a mezzanine must be open to the room where it sits except walls that aren’t more than 42″ tall. If the mezzanine isn’t occupied by more 10+ people, or if there are 2 or more exits, you can enclose it.
Work platforms: Most warehouse platforms aren’t enclosed, and typically do not have to be. They may host a modular building, racking, conveyors, etc.
Above: if your structure is classified as a mezzanine, it should have minimum of 7 clear feet beneath.
In a typical industrial facility, that’s usually not a problem. Warehouses have high ceilings and the main reason mezzanines are installed is to take advantage of that air space. If you cannot meet that minimum height requirement, other classifications may be necessary.
Work platforms can’t always comply with the minimum height requirements for mezzanines and usually aren’t required to do so. An example of that could be a 2′ platform meant to span piping or ducts. It’s not a mezzanine at all, although certain OSHA and other safety standards come into play. Even for taller applications, if you classify your structure as a platform, it’s smart to provide safe, ergonomic working and walking space for people working below.
If classified a mezzanine, your platform can’t be larger than a third of the total space of the room. Otherwise, it may be considered a separate floor or story. This may change based on the building construction type or function, and the presence of automated sprinkler systems for fire control. It’s always best to understand these factors in advance.
Work platforms aren’t as stringent on size constraints. They can occupy a larger percentage of the room without being considered another building story. However, this may depend on local fire and other building codes. A good rule of thumb is that platforms are usually considered equipment and not part of the room, but it’s always best to have this defined before adding the platform.
It becomes an “intermediate level” but is not a story. It counts as part of the building’s square footage. This factors in differently given various jurisdictions and real estate rules. Fire codes generally take mezzanine square footage into account for compliance purposes. If it’s compliant with IBC 505.2, the mezzanine won’t be considered another story of your building. This makes compliance, or platform classification more important.
Multiple egress points, accessibility and other requirements can come into play.
Work platforms aren’t as stringently regulated in terms of building codes, but are covered by OSHA, which focuses on fall protection. Platform access openings should be covered with self-closing gates. If you’re loading or retrieving pallets, consider a pallet-size mezzanine safety gate rather than an open guardrail gap.
Above: video of a self-closing platform gate
Work platforms aren’t as regulated as true mezzanines because they aren’t considered part of a building. Building codes may not apply, or may apply differently for equipment or working platforms. However, safety issues are close to the same in many cases.
Mezzanines and platforms are often confused, but serve different functions. They’re subject to different IBC codes and local regulations. Understanding the primary differences between these two structures enables informed decision-making when considering the need for either additional space or dedicated support for heavy machinery, ensuring optimal utilization and efficiency. For further information, contact us. We’re happy to look at your application.
The space you already have is more valuable than the space you could acquire. Adding a mezzanine to your facility can rapidly increase your vertical space available, and provide added efficiency and long-term value to your operations. Check out our guide for mezzanine specifications, styles, accessories and applications. You will find quick, useful information on mezzanines and how you can use them more effectively.
Tags: Safety & Ergonomics, Space Optimization, industrial storage
Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Vice President of Marketing with more than thirty years of experience in material handling, warehousing and industrial operations. His work is published in multiple industry journals an websites on a variety of warehousing topics. He writes about automation, warehousing, safety, manufacturing and other areas of concern for industrial operations and those who operate them.
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