CONSTRUCTING A MEZZANINE FLOOR INTO A BUSY WAREHOUSE
We answer the questions business owners have when they are looking to install a mezzanine floor solution into their busy warehouse.
CONSTRUCTING
YOUR
MEZZANINE
SPACE
‘How much will this disrupt my business?’, ‘How will you protect my machinery?’ ‘How will you ensure the health and safety of my employees during the construction?’ These are all common questions we receive from our potential clients when they are looking to install a mezzanine floor into their busy warehouse.
We thought we’d try and answer those questions and more as much as we can below, so that you are as informed as much as possible before you get in touch with us.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
WORKING AROUND YOUR BUSINESS
Often we work with companies who wish to introduce a mezzanine floor into an already busy warehouse. Perhaps you have an existing machinery layout or maybe production lines in place and you don’t wish to disturb your current operations.
The beauty about a mezzanine floor is the flexibility of the column layout. Mezzanine floors are versatile and column grids can be created around an existing footprint. We can also span machinery, hide columns and make the mezzanine floor as inconspicuous as possible.
DETAILED
SURVEY
In order to design your mezzanine floor correctly, an accurate survey is critical. We complete a thorough site survey, measuring not only the building footprint but carefully measuring each machine too.
It’s also important to understand how each machine operates, how materials are loaded etc. We discover how your production lines currently operate and provide you with a mezzanine solution without hindering your business operations.
EXPERT
DESIGN
Once the survey is complete we return to the office and begin to draw up your new mezzanine facilities. No detail is overlooked, we position your existing machinery onto the plan allowing us to design a structure around your production lines.
Mezzanines are versatile structures so most machinery layouts can be accommodated. Any Staircase positions, mezzanine ancillaries, etc that you specified are also are all included in the design allowing you see exactly what your new space will look like.
MEZZANINE USE
What you intend to use the mezzanine floor for (i.e storage space, office space or production space) will also impact on the design. If you are looking to increase production space we will evaluate how to load/unload stock onto and from the floor.
We will also have similar considerations for storage floors, such as how pallets will be loaded onto the mezzanine floor. Rest assured we will provide you with the right solution for you and your business.
SOLUTIONS, NOT PRODUCTS
Here at Nexus we are a solutions provider. We will evaluate how your business operates and aim to add value to your business. Mezzanine floors, electrical solutions, partitions and carpets etc are all tools that allow us to do so.
Think of us as a workspace partner and not just a company who builds floors. Because we’re much more than that.
BUILD CONSIDERATIONS
MINIMISING DOWNTIME
We understand that downtime costs money and is not an option for most of our clients. Often the mezzanine floor is been built over the entirety of a warehouse and they have nowhere to go. This is where detailed planning and scheduling comes into place.
We would work closely with you to write a detailed programme which details clearly how we would implement the build. Building a mezzanine floor requires a degree of flexibility from both parties but we would issue clear instructions as to what areas we need to be clear and when.
THE BUILD
ITSELF
Often the best way to construct a mezzanine floor in this situation is over weekends or evening. We can build a mezzanine floor over consecutive weekends which allows you to function without disruption.
Depending on the size of the floor, we could build the steel work over the first weekend, install the decking on the second weekend, and then install the ceilings and electrics over the weekends that follow.
TEMPORARY MEASURES
Whilst the mezzanine floor is been installed we would install both temporary lighting and netting underneath the mezzanine floor if you required. We can also temporarily protect machinery using dust covers etc.
We will ensure no damage is caused to your existing facilities whilst your new mezzanine floor is being installed.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
A TURN-KEY SOLUTION
There are many elements involved in constructing a mezzanine floor. Here at Nexus we offer a complete end to end solution that encompasses each and every aspect involved.
THE MEZZANINE STRUCTURE
Mezzanine floors are constructed from primary and secondary steels and finished with a chipboard deck. They are free standing structures that are independent from the building itself.
ELECTRICS
The minimum requirements of any mezzanine floor is the installation of lighting and smoke detection. Also often included in most projects are power requirements. We offer a full electrical package as part of our solution and everything will be itemised on your quotation.
FIRE PROTECTION
If people will be working above or below the mezzanine floor, it will need fire protection to 60 minutes to comply with building regulations. We achieve this by installing a suspended ceiling, column cases and fascia to the exposed edges of the mezzanine floor.
The mezzanine floor will also need fire protection if the floor exceeds 50% of the footprint of the building or if it exceeds 20 metres in any direction.
OFFICE SPACE
If you require a mezzanine floor for office use, we can design and install each and every aspect of your new facilities for you. From the office partitioning and carpets through to the air conditioning, electrical and plumbing requirements. We’ll design the right solution for you and your business.
ANCILLARIES
There are a number of ancillaries to choose from to ensure your business runs smoothly once your new facilities are complete. From goods lifts and product chutes through to static or mechanical conveyers, we’ll design your new mezzanine floor facilities around you and recommend the right additions to your new space.
WHERE WE WORK
We would love to be able to help create workspaces for businesses throughout the whole of the UK but unfortunately we can’t. The extra cost to you and the fact that we wouldn’t be able to manage your project to our high standards means that we must set a limit for how far we can work. The area we cover is highlighted to the right. As you can see, we essentially work as far North as Newcastle and as far South as Birmingham. So if your business is situated in an area we cover, get in touch today to discuss your plans for your new workspace.
REGULATIONS,HEALTH & SAFETY
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & CONTRACTOR
This is one of the biggest advantages of using a turnkey provider like Nexus. As a client you have a huge responsibility to fulfil your role as the client from a health and safety perspective. This is outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
You, the client are obliged to appoint a ‘Principal Designer’ and a ‘Principal Contractor’. These rules are in place for any project that involves more than one contractor and are designed to protect yourself and contractors alike. Its really worth your time to read up on your responsibilities and understand them thoroughly before you commence with your project.
MEZZANINE CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE
We have implemented many projects and have extensive knowledge on how to safely construct a mezzanine floor safely and efficiently into a busy working environment. Our absolute priority is the health and safety of everyone involved with the project.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
A big part of a mezzanine floor construction project is ensuring that the project complies with building regulations. We work closely with an independent building control officer to ensure all our proposals conform with the requirements.
Typical considerations are travel distances to staircases, ensuring we provide suitable fire protection to the structure and ensuring smoke detection is implemented into the structure through the installation of smoke alarms. All of this is included within our proposal to you.
