Mezzanine floors are an ideal way to boost floor space within a building, particularly where there are high open ceilings which offer plenty of usage potential.
These spaces can easily create additional office space, storage space, production areas or employee break rooms.
However, while mezzanine floors offer convenience in abundance, it remains essential that the space also complies with all required health and safety measures. One such consideration is fire rating protection, which mezzanine floors are often required to have, depending on their size and purpose.
The Mezzanine Company is a leading UK installer of fire rated mezzanine floors.
In today’s post, we’re here to give you a brief overview of whether you should expect to include fire rated measures within your mezzanine floor installation.
Good to note: This post is intended as a guide. We can provide a professional evaluation of your mezzanine’s fire rated requirements when you contact us for a free quote.
When Do Mezzanine Floors Need To Be Fire Rated?
While there are some exceptions, it is generally the case that a mezzanine floor will need to be fire rated. The regulations can be found in Approved Document B (Fire Safety).
Fire protection is needed for a mezzanine floor when it meets any of the following criteria:
- The space is regularly occupied by more than 3 people
- It is used for purposes other than storage or maintenance
- If the mezzanine floor exceeds 20m in length or more than 50% of the floor area of the space it is in
- There is no separate protection escape route, or there are insufficient exits
- The space is accessible to the public
Also, it’s important to note that building regulations are subject to change. That’s why it’s important to have an independent assessment of your building carried out to determine the requirements which may apply at the time you happen to be reading this post.
Want to arrange a free survey of your UK commercial building? Discover our fire rated mezzanine floor services.
When Does A Mezzanine Floor Not Need Fire Protection?
If a mezzanine floor doesn’t meet any of the criteria we’ve just noted above, then it may not require fire protection measures.
For example:
- The area of the mezzanine is less than 400 m2
- The mezzanine floor is <50% of the total size of the room in which it is installed
- The mezzanine floor measures less than 20m in each direction
Even if a fire rating isn’t technically required, you must still get Building Control approval. They may still request a fire strategy or minimum fire precautions.
What Are The Fire Protection Requirements For Mezzanine Floors?
The building regulations require mezzanine floors to provide a level of structural fire resistance. The required fire protection time duration can range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on several factors, including whether there are any split areas within the mezzanine.
At The Mezzanine Company, we use many different methods to ensure that the mezzanine floors we install comply with all required standards.
Some of the fire rated measures we can install include:
- Emergency lighting
- Fire detection systems and alarms
- Fire protection boards
- Fire rated casings
- Fire rated cladding systems
- Fire rated flooring
- Fire rated stair enclosures
- Intumescent paint
- Protected escape routes
- Signage
- Suspended fire rated ceiling
Since every mezzanine floor is bespoke, we can provide a tailored idea of the fire rated protection your mezzanine will need when you contact us.
Mezzanine Floor Fire Regulations FAQs
Do you have more questions about fire rated mezzanine floors? We’ve answered some of the top queries below.
For anything else, or to arrange a free quotation please give us a call on 0115 939 7572.
What Is The Difference Between Fire Rated And Non Fire Rated Mezzanines?
If a mezzanine isn’t fire rated, it will consist of a basic structure which doesn’t feature any fire-resistant or fireproof materials. Typically, it will be a space that is only used for light storage and isn’t frequently accessed by employees or the public. So long as the mezzanine doesn’t meet any of the criteria which state that fire rated protection is needed, its lack of fire rating measures is usually permissible.
In contrast, a fire rated mezzanine meets all the requirements for Approved Document B. It will feature specific structural protection and have various features, including a fire-rated ceiling underneath. Often, fire rated mezzanines are used as offices, warehouses, production facilities or employee break rooms. That’s because the fire rating measures have improved the structure’s safety, which in turn has expanded the usage potential of the mezzanine.
Do You Need To Fire Rate Mezzanine Floor Bracings?
If it has been determined that your mezzanine needs to be fire rated, then yes, it is highly likely that any floor bracing will need to comply with the requirements. While a final decision will need to be made, floor bracings may undergo fire protection measures such as intumescent paint, fire rated cladding or drop-in ceilings.
What Fire Rating Does Warehouse Mezzanine Flooring Need?
Warehouse mezzanine flooring typically requires between 30 and 60 minutes of fire rated protection. Some of the measures we can use to achieve this include fire rated boards or concrete slabs.
What Fire Rating Is Required For A Mezzanine Floor Used As Office Space?
Similar to other types of mezzanine floors, a mezzanine floor that’s used as office space will require features which provide a minimum of 60 minutes rated protection.
The exact requirements will also depend on the size of the mezzanine flooring and its occupancy, as outlined in Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.
Yet to add a mezzanine office to your building? At The Mezzanine Company, we specialise in the construction of mezzanine offices, including fire rated mezzanine offices.
Get A Free Survey For A Fire Rated Mezzanine UK
Are you in search of a fire rated mezzanine floor for your UK business premises? Contact the experts here at The Mezzanine Company for further advice, or to arrange a free survey.
We’re based in Nottingham, and cover a wide radius across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Our key locations include Derby, Leicester, Dewsbury, Doncaster, Nottingham and Wakefield.
Alternatively, please give us a call on 0115 939 7572 to speak to our friendly team.
