A mezzanine floor is typically built between two floors, or as in many commercial and industrial buildings as an intermediate level, where there is ample space between the ground floor and the roof of the structure in other words, and mezzanines are installed to maximize unused vertical space.
Depending on the size and purpose of a mezzanine floor certain fire rating regulations may apply. If the level is intended for storerooms or workshops that will be manned the mezzanine floor will require a minimum of 60 minute fire rating. If the floor is open to the public or in a commercial setting a minimum of 90 minute fire rating may be required.
Generally the mezzanine level will require to be fire rated if:
• It is greater than 20m in each direction.
• Occupy more than 50% of the total floor space where it was installed.
• The size exceeds 400 sq. m.
Typically the installer of the mezzanine floor will be aware of the requirements and able to make all necessary instalments.
Most mezzanines are constructed from metal with wood, fiberglass, or aluminum decking. Because metal is such a good conductor of heat, during a fire the exposed metal frame can quickly get too hot to walk on effectively trapping anyone still on the floor. For this reason proper smoke ventilation is also required as smoke rises and a trapped person on a mezzanine level will be in danger of smoke inhalation.
Apart from proper fire rated ventilation, other requirements for insuring a mezzanine floor is fire rated may include the following:
• Applying a fire rated casing over all exposed steel.
• A suspended ceiling below the mezzanine level.
• Cavity barrier.
• Emergency exit stairway or fire door.
• Emergency exit signs, lighting and smoke detection.
These precautions along with any other recommended fire protection system, should aim to minimize the spread of a fire in the event of an emergency and allow people enough time to escape without injury.
SFE Services can give you free advice - give them a call and book your free fire safety survey today.
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