Because of its space-saving capabilities, mezzanine flooring is common in warehouses and the retail industry.
However, businesses considering installing a mezzanine floor must adhere to strict regulations.
In this guide, we’ll look at what mezzanine floors are, the laws relating to them, and how to construct them compliantly.
What is mezzanine flooring?
A mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent level that’s built between the main floors of a building or between the ground floor and the ceiling.
Commercial mezzanine floors are often used as they have they following benefits:
- Cheaper: It’s a cost-effective alternative to businesses relocating or undergoing a traditional extension.
- Flexible: Mezzanine floors are typically free-standing, allowing them to be dismantled and moved.
- Efficiency: A mezzanine construction allows for tasks to be assigned to specific floors. For example, keeping a noisy warehouse separate from admin work.
Do mezzanine floors need planning permission?
Typically, planning permission is not necessary. That’s because mezzanine flooring is considered an internal alteration that doesn’t change a building’s external appearance.
When could planning permission be needed for mezzanine floors?
Certain scenarios may arise that create the need for planning permission. For example:
- External changes: Incorporating mezzanine flooring alters the building’s exterior.
- The building’s use changes: If the mezzanine floor installation changes how the building is used, planning permission could be needed. Retail mezzanines can trigger planning control due to changes in use class or increased retail floor space, and local authority advice should always be sought.
- Listed building: If the building is listed, any internal alterations (such as mezzanine) may need planning permission or Listed Building Consent.
- Parking and congestion: Should there be an increase in traffic or changes to parking, then local authorities may need to approve the plans.
- Environmental impact: Specific cases may require an environmental impact assessment, especially if a mezzanine floor increases operational hours.
What are the building regulations mezzanine floors?
Organisations considering adding a mezzanine level must adhere to the legal requirements set out in the Building Regulations 2010.
Building regulations for mezzanine floors are split into key sections that should be followed:
Part A: Structural safety
This aspect concerns the mezzanine flooring’s capacity to safely support its own weight (dead load) and the weight of objects and people (imposed or live load).
Part B: Fire safety
must always be a Health & Safety consideration—the same applies for mezzanine floors. This section outlines requirements for:
- Fire resistance
- Escape routes
- Provision of fire alarms
Part K: Protection from falling, collision and impact
According to Health and Safety (HSE) statistics, falls from height are the most common type of fatal accident, with being struck by a moving object in second.
As commercial and factory mezzanine floors are elevated; there’s also an elevated risk that employers must consider. This section consists of the following provisions concerning edge protection:
- Suitable handrails
- Guardrails
- Appropriate staircase design
What is edge protection?
To eliminate the risk of falls, mezzanine floors must have an edge protection system that includes:
- A main guard rail at least 1100mm above the edge
- A toe board that’s a minimum of 150mm high
- An intermediate guard rail (or barrier) ensuring there’s no gap larger than 470mm
- The edge protection must be strong and continuous among all edges
Part L: Conservation of fuel
Whilst this is closer linked to domestic mezzanine floor building regulations, when it comes to residential buildings, it’s important to factor in energy efficiency.
Should a mezzanine floor in a house be added, then those responsible must consider the impact on heating, cooling, and lighting of the space.
Part M: Access and use
Access and egress are a crucial element. Mezzanine flooring must be accessible and inclusive. This section sets out the requirements employers must meet to ensure that a user-friendly space is the achieved following installing a mezzanine floor.
How do employers get building regulations approval for mezzanine flooring?
Achieving approval for mezzanine flooring is arduous, but for good reason. It ensures safety, functionality, and compliance.
Whether it’s a retail mezzanine floor or for a different industry, prior to installing a mezzanine level, there must be an inspection and consultation to obtain approval:
- Preliminary inspection: Before undertaking mezzanine construction, a site survey or inspection must be conducted to highlight challenges and needs.
- Consultation: Business owners should speak with local planning authorities before commencing with building. They can assist with permissions and documentation.
What are the stages of inspection for installing a mezzanine floor?
There are three main stages of inspection that business owners will need to satisfy for building regulations approval. They’re as follows:
- First inspection: Ensures the site is in order before any building and that early mezzanine construction is compliant.
- Follow-up inspections: As building progresses, inspectors may visit to ensure all building regulations are met.
- Final inspection: Upon completion of the mezzanine floor installation, a final, comprehensive inspection is conducted to ensure it meets specified standards.
Documentation and approval following mezzanine floor inspections
Following a round of inspections, business owners will receive documentation to reflect approval of the mezzanine flooring:
- Completion certificate: A completion certificate is given declaring the mezzanine floor is compliant with building regulations.
- Relevant documents: Additionally, other documents like fire safety assessments may need submitting to local authorities.
- Recurring inspections: Some authorities may revisit to inspect the building. This is particularly common for commercial mezzanine floors.
What happens if the mezzanine flooring is deemed non-compliant?
Satisfying the build regulations can be challenging, but business owners must be diligent or there could be repercussions. Here’s a general overview:
- Rectification notice: Inspectors may issue a rectification notice if they consider a mezzanine floor to be breaching building regulations.
- Re-inspection: When business owners have implemented the advised changes, the site of the mezzanine construction will be inspected again.
- Consequences: Business owners who don’t meet building regulations, or fail to address rectification notices, may receive fines or orders to deconstruct their mezzanine level.
What are employers’ specific Health & Safety duties relating to mezzanine flooring?
Given the risk associated with mezzanine construction, in addition to the discussed building regulations, there are several Health & Safety laws employers must be compliant with, such as:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Under the , Business owners have a legal requirement to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of not just their employees, but those impacted by their operations. This apples to mezzanine floors, they must be safe to use and properly maintained.
Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992
As per the Act’s regulations, workplaces, including those with mezzanine floors, must be maintained in a safe condition. Safe access and egress must be provided, as should sufficient lighting, and all floors should have the capacity withstand intended loads.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
Businesses installing a mezzanine floor must meet these regulations. It requires that the design, planning, and construction consider all safety risks. Any work should be conducted by a competent person and risks be controlled accordingly.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Sufficient risk assessments must be carried out for mezzanine floors, including risks synonymous with edge protection and fire safety.
FAQs: What are mezzanine floor building regulations in the UK?
Do employers need planning permission for mezzanine flooring?
Generally, planning permission is not required—unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Do business owners need approval for installing a mezzanine floor?
Approval may have to be provided by the Local Authority Building Control Officer for certain mezzanine structures. Satisfying building regulations is almost always mandatory.
What are the design requirements for mezzanine floors?
Mezzanine floors must be designed and built by competent persons. It’s vital they’re capable of dealing with intended loads.
How should goods be loaded and unloaded on a mezzanine floor?
When loading and unloading goods, a pivoting safety barrier should be used—this ensures a continues edge protection throughout the process.
What are the consequences of not complying mezzanine floor building regulations?
Non-compliance could result in business owners exposing their staff and the public to heightened risk, as well as being met with fines.
Final say: What are mezzanine floor building regulations in the UK?
On the surface, building regulations for mezzanine floors may seem stringent, but as our guide explored the subject in detail, it’s evident they’re a necessity.
Without these measures, mezzanine flooring could be shoddily built, creating a risk to employees and the public. Beyond being functional, these regulations ensure accessibility.
Get expert advice on mezzanine floor building regulations in the UK with Peninsula
As a business owner, if you’re installing a mezzanine floor, you must ensure you’re legally compliant throughout the entire process.
To neglect the law is to neglect your staff and the public—and if you are found to be non-compliant, you could face fines, business closure, or criminal charges.
Partnering with Peninsula provides you with support beyond meeting mezzanine building regulations, it unlocks:
