| By :
Dirik Hameed
There are many different kinds of mezzanine floors available which can be used for a range of different purposes, from industrial to residential. They are quick to construct and can be easily dismantled and relocated if desired. Regardless of what mezzanine flooring will be used for, it needs to be both safe and functional. It is vital in the initial stages of the plan that a building regulations application is made. Either the client will make the application or the mezzanine flooring company will take care of the application process. A detailed site survey needs to be done by a qualified engineer, who will take into consideration the construction space to work with and the client's requirements. For example the client may want mezzanine flooring for additional office space or storage space and the construction space may be big enough to accommodate one large mezzanine floor, or alternately for a smaller construction space two smaller mezzanine floors built one above the other may be better suited. The client and engineer will discuss the various options available and then the mezzanine flooring company will produce CAD drawings and detailed structural calculations. This gives the client an idea of how much it will cost to install the mezzanine floor and provides an opportunity for the client to give feedback on the plans and change aspects of the plan if desired. Mezzanine flooring steelwork should be manufactured to BS 5950 standards and these are British standards related to the structural use of steelwork for building purposes. The different component parts for the mezzanine flooring are put together in the onsite construction area. Only skilled professionals should construct the flooring and should do so whilst following health and safety regulations. Following the completion of the structural construction, the flooring needs to be inspected for quality and safety purposes. If the flooring has exposed edges then these need to be covered appropriately and staircases attached to the flooring need to have hand rails. Mezzanine floors should adhere to guidelines laid out by SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association) and DETR (Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions). Mezzanine floors should also meet the requirements as laid out in the Fire Precautions Act or else they will violate health and safety regulations. It is important to choose a mezzanine floor company which has a good reputation and which always follows regulations related to health and safety. The idea of hiring unqualified people to install mezzanine flooring for a reduced price might sound tempting, but bear in mind not only would the structure be unsafe but that a lot of money could be lost through having to cover damage expenses that result from faulty flooring. A mezzanine floor that is constructed properly will not only be safe but will last many years.
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