A Complete Guide to Mezzanine Floor Building Regulations and Planning

When planning and preparing for an office, retail, storage or industrial mezzanine floor installation, it is essential to address numerous questions related to building regulations.

Initially, understanding and navigating these legislative requirements may appear complex. However, with the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced principal contractor, such as HMF, the process can be significantly streamlined.

Recognising that clients often wish to fully comprehend the requirements for their mezzanine floor installation, this guide has been designed to provide comprehensive information on building regulations and planning. Its purpose is to equip your business with the necessary knowledge to make informed and confident decisions regarding your commercial mezzanine floor installation.

Are Building Regulations Required for Mezzanine Floors? The straightforward answer is yes—mezzanine floors must adhere to Building Regulations.

However, the specific requirements will vary depending on the design of your mezzanine floor and the nature of your commercial property. It is essential to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations to maintain safety and legal standards.

Compliance with Building Regulations is required

Constructing a mezzanine floor involves more than simply creating additional space—it requires strict adherence to established standards. The UK Building Regulations are in place to ensure that all projects are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible.

Failure to comply with these regulations carries significant consequences. Beyond substantial financial penalties, non-compliance may result in safety hazards, legal liabilities, and potential orders to dismantle the mezzanine floor. Such oversights could endanger lives and adversely impact the safety of employees and visitors within your premises.

At HMF, we are committed to guiding you through this process, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards from the outset.

Do mezzanine floors require planning permission?

Whilst we’re on the subject of talking about mezzanine floor requirements, a common question regarding mezzanine floors is whether planning permission is required for their installation.

The answer is not entirely straightforward. Generally, planning permission is not required when adding a mezzanine floor to an existing building. This is largely because mezzanine floors are typically movable and are not considered a permanent alteration to the building structure.

However, you should be aware that there are some circumstances when planning permission is certainly required. These are when;

• The mezzanine is for retail use and exceeds 200m²
• External changes to the building are required (e.g., adding or removing doors or windows).
• The mezzanine floor is to be connected to the building fabric and is no longer freestanding
• The mezzanine is included in a new building’s design and attached to the structure, it must be included in the planning permissions.
• The building has restrictions on development, and adding the mezzanine floor would increase its floor area.

It is crucial to review local regulations to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. HMF is available to assist in verifying whether planning permission is required for your mezzanine floor project and can guide you through the necessary steps to successfully submit your application.

With regard to Building Regulations, compliance remains mandatory even if your mezzanine floor does not require planning permission.

What do I need to know about Building Regulations before starting my mezzanine floor project?

The approval process under UK Building Regulations follows a defined sequence that begins during the planning stage.

The application process for mezzanine floor Building Regulations approval

Prior to commencing any installation work, it is required to submit a Building Regulations Application to the Building Control Body (BCB). The following documents must be provided for their review and processing of the application;

• An application for a mezzanine floor
• A complete floor plans which include every entry-level and the ground floor below
• A full internal building plan, with the proposed mezzanine floor location clearly highlighted
• A building location plan
• Structural framework calculations if relevant
• Slab capacity calculations if available

Approval on completion

It is important to note that upon receiving initial approval for your application, additional approval is required upon the project's completion. Following the installation phase, Building Control Officers are responsible for ensuring that the approved plans have been accurately implemented throughout the installation process. To verify compliance, they will conduct an on-site inspection of the structure.

During this inspection, officers will also require certification for any necessary emergency lighting, fire detection systems, and other mechanical or electrical installations associated with the project.

If the Building Control Officer confirms that the project has been completed in full compliance with Building Regulations, they will issue the finalised and signed Building Regulations certificate documentation.

If this comprehensive list of requirements seems overwhelming, there is no need to worry. As a principal contractor, HMF provides hands-on assistance, guidance, and support throughout the application process.

For those who wish to deepen their understanding of compliance needs, this guide to mezzanine floor Building Regulations offers a detailed overview of the key legislative requirements associated with mezzanine floor installation projects.

Which Approved Documents apply to mezzanine floor Building Regulations?

We will ensure that your mezzanine floor installation complies fully with all necessary Building Regulations by carefully referencing the relevant Approved Documents.

Building Regulations are a legal requirement and therefore must be adhered to. Approved Documents provide official guidance on how to meet these requirements.

Our team will assess which Approved Documents are applicable to your mezzanine floor construction project. While not all documents will be relevant, the key documents outlined below are typically essential considerations.

Approved Document A – Structure

This section emphasises the critical importance of ensuring that the structural integrity of a mezzanine is capable of safely supporting the intended load. Verifying structural integrity requires detailed calculations that consider factors such as column layout, floor levels, and weight loads, including pallets, machinery, or storage.

Prior to mezzanine installation, it is imperative to confirm that the warehouse slab can withstand the column and base plate loads. This process involves comparing the slab’s load capacity with that of the mezzanine, testing of the existing concrete slab may be required to establish this.

A thorough assessment will determine whether the mezzanine floor can safely accommodate its intended activities. The primary objective is to avoid overloading and ensure long-term safety.

Additionally, consideration must be given to potential future changes, such as modifications in usage, to uphold safety standards both in the present and over time.

Approved Document B – Fire Safety

Ensuring fire safety for mezzanine floors is of paramount importance. Effective planning must encompass not only the mezzanine floor itself but also its surrounding areas.

Key considerations include implementing measures for safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies. This involves the strategic placement of fire detection systems and sounders, the installation of emergency lighting, adherence to suitable travel distances, proper staircase placement, the use of fire doors, and the integration of fire-resistant materials.

Each of these elements plays a critical role in maintaining a high standard of fire safety.

Approved Document K – Protection Against Falling

One of the primary risks associated with the installation of commercial mezzanine floors is the potential for falls. Ensuring fall and injury prevention is of utmost importance. To address this, it is essential to incorporate secure stairway access and adequate edge protection into the mezzanine design.

Additionally, depending on the intended use and environment of the mezzanine floor, other safety measures and risk prevention features may need to be integrated to enhance overall safety and compliance standards.

Approved Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Power

Document L aligns with the updated Building Regulations introduced in June 2022. This revised standard mandates that all new dwellings must be constructed with a focus on enhancing the conservation of fuel and power.
Approved Document M – Access and use

A mezzanine floor must prioritise practicality for its users, as the lack of practicality can result in potential safety risks. Document M provides essential guidance to ensure that these practicality standards are met.

Key factors to consider include the selection of appropriate flooring, the installation of adequate stairways, and the inclusion of additional accessibility features such as lifts. These elements are critical to ensuring that the mezzanine design is both practical and accessible for all users.

When preparing your Building Regulations Application, it is essential to adhere to the principles outlined in the Approved Document guidelines. Additionally, there are several critical considerations that must be incorporated into your submission. These include:

• Fall Protection: Installing guardrails, handrails, and safety gates to prevent falls from elevated platforms.
• Load Capacity: Ensure the flooring supports intended loads. Avoid overloading to prevent structural failure.
• Access & Egress: Provide safe, well-lit stairs, ladders, or ramps with handrails to avoid slips and trips.
• Fire Safety: Use fire-rated materials, sprinklers, and detection systems, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Structural Integrity: Conduct regular inspections and promptly address any signs of damage or defects.
• Accessibility: Design mezzanines to accommodate all workers, including those with disabilities, following accessibility standards.
• Slip Resistance: Use slip-resistant surfaces and maintain cleanliness to reduce risks in areas prone to spills.
• Height: We must factor in the floor-to-ceiling height both above and below the mezzanine, as well as additional space for mechanical and electrical installations
• Lighting: Ensuring the mezzanine floor and surrounding areas are adequately lit
• Ventilation: Assessing there are any additional ventilation requirements with installing a mezzanine floor
• Structural engineering principals: The materials, framing systems, load calculations and connections must adhere to structural engineering principles and standards

Fire Safety Regulations for Mezzanine Floors

For legal reasons, there are rather a few different elements of fire safety that must be factored into a mezzanine floor build. These include;

• Fire detection
• Emergency lighting
• Fire resistance
• Call points
• Travel distance
• Sprinklers
• Stairs

Do Mezzanine Floors Require Fire Rating?

When determining whether mezzanine floors require fire rating, several factors must be taken into account, including size, occupied use, and intended purpose.

The intended use of the mezzanine is also a critical consideration. For example, mezzanines used as offices or public spaces often require more stringent fire safety measures compared to those used for storage purposes.

Floor size must also be considered. For instance, mezzanine floors over 20 linear meters in any one direction, or occupying more than half of the room may necessitate additional fire protection to comply with relevant safety standards.

Below is a summary of the key considerations that must be addressed during the design and construction of mezzanine floors to ensure adherence to fire safety regulations.

1. Means of warning and escape

Adequate fire detection systems and clearly accessible escape routes are essential for all buildings.

Key rules to remember:

Travel Distance: Maximum 25 meters to an external fire escape or protected route of escape. This can be 45 meters if escape can be made in more than one direction. (For Office usage this is 18 meters and 45 meters)
Clear escape route: Ensure that existing escape routes remain unobstructed and clearly illuminated
Additional Staircases: Needed if maximum distances are exceeded.
Fire Safety: Floors with high occupancy (e.g., offices or manufacturing) often require one fire-protected enclosed staircase.
Call points: Each mezzanine level should typically feature a manual call point, often positioned at the top of every staircase. However, for smaller storage mezzanines, this requirement may not always apply.
Detection: Regulations mandate the installation of smoke detectors beneath the mezzanine floor, integrated with the building’s fire alarm system. The quantity of detectors required depends on the size and layout of the mezzanine.
Compliance with these guidelines is essential to ensure both safety and regulatory adherence. Larger mezzanine structures may necessitate additional staircases or designated emergency exits.

2. Internal fire spread (Linings)

Materials used in the construction of mezzanine floors, including walls and ceilings, are required to resist the spread of flames. The effectiveness of these materials is determined by their surface spread of flame properties. It is imperative that all materials comply with established fire safety standards.

3. Internal fire spread (Structure)

The structure of the building must be designed to prevent the spread of fire to other sections for a specified period.

Mezzanine floors accessible to customers, staff, or visitors—whether used for storage, office, or retail purposes—are required to be fire-rated. A minimum of one-hour fire protection is required for the underside of mezzanine floors, except in cases where the mezzanine is a storage area measuring under 10 square meters. For mezzanines ranging from 10 to 20 square meters, fire rating is necessary unless appropriate detection systems are in place.

Mezzanine structures can be enhanced with suspended ceilings, column casings, and perimeter fascia to achieve up to one hour of fire resistance. Without these protective measures, the structure may be compromised and could fail under fire conditions.

4. External fire spread

External walls and roofs must prevent fire from spreading to or from nearby buildings. If the mezzanine affects external building components, such as walls or windows, structural changes must comply with these fire safety rules.

5. Access and facilities for the fire service

In the event of an emergency, buildings must provide unobstructed access routes for fire services, including pathways for fire vehicles and access to a firefighting water supply. Mezzanine structures must not impede or interfere with fire service accessibility or emergency egress routes.

Additionally, the evacuation travel distances from mezzanine floors must adhere to specific regulatory guidelines. These guidelines are determined by the number of staircases available and the intended use of the mezzanine floor.

Do mezzanine floors require smoke ventilation?

For large spaces, smoke ventilation systems might be required to reduce smoke and improve visibility during evacuation or firefighting.

Do mezzanine floors need fire doors?

If the mezzanine is partitioned or contains separate rooms, fire doors might be necessary to enhance fire safety. This will be factored into your mezzanine floor design to ensure compliance.

Do mezzanine floors require sprinkler systems?
Larger mezzanines or those used as offices (rather than storage) may need sprinkler systems.

Ventilation and lighting are key electrical and mechanical elements that must be considered to ensure the comfort and safety of those using a mezzanine floor. Any new installations must be safe and practical to comply with Building Regulations.

Lighting

To ensure that your mezzanine floor complies with Building Regulations, it is crucial to recognise that lighting requirements will vary depending on the nature of the activities conducted in the workspace.

Additionally, mezzanine floors may impact the existing lighting system within a commercial property. For instance, a mezzanine structure could obstruct natural light from windows, creating shadowed areas.

Proper workplace lighting is an essential factor in reducing the risks of accidents, injuries, and eye strain. When considering workplace illumination, it is important to address two primary types of lighting: natural light and artificial lighting.

It is often necessary to install additional artificial lighting during a mezzanine floor installation. This step is critical to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and ensure that both the areas beneath the mezzanine and the mezzanine level itself are adequately lit. Proper planning during the design phase ensures that illumination levels are appropriate according to the intended use of the space and prevailing Building Regulations.

Emergency lighting should also be strategically placed on the mezzanine level as well as along pathways leading to exits to ensure safety and regulatory compliance during emergencies or power outages.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a critical consideration for all commercial environments, including office and warehouse spaces. When a mezzanine floor is installed in an industrial environment, there may be additional requirements, particularly in scenarios involving hazardous chemicals or particulates.

Natural ventilation refers to the flow of fresh air facilitated through vents, windows, and other openings. Many commercial and industrial buildings also necessitate mechanical ventilation systems, such as HVAC units and extractors, to maintain appropriate air quality standards.

For mezzanine levels where activities produce heat, fumes, or dust, it may be necessary to install specialised ventilation solutions, including exhaust fans and filtration systems, to ensure compliance with air quality requirements.

At HMF, we are committed to assisting you with evaluating your ventilation needs, and ensuring that your mezzanine installation adheres to all applicable Building Regulations.

The construction of the mezzanine floor must prioritise the use of materials specifically designed to minimise the risk of slips and trips.

For settings where spills are anticipated, it is recommended to utilise flooring that is both anti-slip and easy to clean, ensuring a high standard of safety, hygiene and maintenance efficiency. The flooring material must possess sufficient durability to withstand the weight and wear associated with machinery, equipment, foot traffic and goods.

Additionally, the mezzanine stairs installed must meet certain specifications. They can be designed to BS5395 - Part 3 to help ensure compliance.

General staircases should include;

• Landings: Required after every 12 risers
• Nosings: Must have contrasting material for visibility
• Handrails: Height to be 0.9m - 1.1m, with a 1m wide space between handrails
• Guarding: 1m high along exposed edges
• Step Height (Rises): 150mm - 170mm
• Stair Tread: 250mm - 400mm
• Minimum Clear Width: 1200mm ( This can be 1000mm for storage platforms)

Utility Staircases, designed for occasional use, such as fire escapes or back-of-house areas. Key requirements include:

• Landings: Required after every 16 risers
• Nosings: Must have contrasting material for visibility
• Handrails: Height to be 0.9m - 1.1m
• Guarding: 1m high along exposed edges
• Step Height (Rise): 150mm - 190mm
• Stair Tread: 250mm - 400mm
• Minimum Clear Width: 800mm

Ramps

If the mezzanine floor is intended for the movement of heavy goods, it will likely require the installation of ramps. These ramps should include edge protection, an anti-slip surface and be designed with a safe and manageable gradient to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries.

Lift Access

Some mezzanine floors may require lift installation. This mechanical and electrical installation must adhere to Building Regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Lift installs should be strategically positioned to minimise obstruction at primary access points and all signage directing users to lifts must be clearly visible and illuminated. Lifts should also be fully equipped with emergency controls and be maintained regularly.

Within dynamic industrial environments, there is a risk of serious falls if edge protection systems are not in place on mezzanine floor installations. Under the UK Work at Height Regulations, any workspace elevated more than 2 meters above ground level must include fall protection systems, such as edge protection for mezzanine floors. Edge protection serves a critical role in ensuring the safety of individuals working on or near mezzanine floors.

Edge protection must;

• Be engineered to withstand expected loads and remain structurally sound, even after withstanding forceful impacts
• Avoid creating footholds or handholds that could inadvertently encourage climbing
• Allow workers to see through or over the barriers, ensuring safe operation and effective coordination
• Be routinely inspected for structural integrity, secure anchoring, and absence of wear or damage that could compromise the performance and maintained regularly.

Edge protection can be implemented through various solutions that effectively mitigate risk while adhering to Building Regulations. These systems utilise a range of materials, with the selection typically influenced by factors such as the intended application, aesthetic considerations, and load-bearing requirements.

Guard Rails and Barriers

Edges or openings on mezzanines must be secured with guardrails or barriers. These safety measures should adhere to regulated height standards and be designed to withstand anticipated forces. Appropriate guardrails must be installed around all surfaces. For warehouses, this includes a top rail, mid rail, and a kick plate to prevent objects from falling. Retail or public spaces require child-safe handrails with no gaps, often using glass for added safety and style.

Self-closing gates and pallet gates

It is essential to ensure a permanent edge exists between employees and the floor's edge when loading or unloading materials, as required by building control. Pallet gates and self-closing gates solve this by providing continuous edge protection during these operations without compromising accessibility. These gates can also automatically close after passage, reinstating the protective barrier for consistent security.

Infill Panels

Filling the gap between the top rail and the mezzanine floor, infill panels—either solid or mesh—enhance safety by creating a comprehensive barrier.

Kick Plates

Kick plates or toe boards are designed to block items from falling or rolling off the mezzanine edge, further reinforcing safety and protecting those under the mezzanine floor.

What is load-bearing capacity?

Load-bearing capacity is the maximum weight or load a structure can safely support without bending, deforming, or failing. When it comes to mezzanine floor design, getting this right is critical.

What is the maximum weight capacity of a mezzanine floor?

The maximum weight capacity of mezzanine flooring depends on various factors, including its design, construction materials, and intended application. Generally, this capacity ranges from approximately 380kg to 500kg per square meter or higher. Critical factors such as structural materials, load distribution, intended purpose, and adherence to safety standards play a significant role in determining the load-bearing capacity. To ensure compliance with safety regulations and suitability for specific requirements, it is advisable to consult with structural engineers or manufacturers.

There are two types of load capacity

1. Dead Load
The constant weight of the mezzanine itself, including components like the flooring, beams, and columns.
2. Imposed Load
These are variable weights added to the mezzanine, such as people, furniture, equipment, machinery, and stored goods. The load depends on how the mezzanine is used now and in the future.

Key Factors to Consider when factoring the dead and imposed load of a mezzanine floor

Mezzanine purpose: How will the mezzanine be used? Light storage has very different needs than heavy industrial equipment. Consider whether your mezzanine’s use may change over time and whether a high load capacity should be factored into the design.

Material selection and use: The materials you choose for the construction and fit out, such as steel or reinforced concrete, have a huge impact on the structure’s strength. Regulations may also specify acceptable material grades.

Support structures: Whether the mezzanine is freestanding, supported by columns, or reliant on existing walls, the type of support will influence its load-bearing capacity.

By thoroughly understanding and planning for load-bearing capacity, businesses can create safer, smarter spaces that meet both current and potential future needs.

Mezzanine floor Building Regulations and Load-Bearing Capacity

To meet UK safety standards, mezzanine floors must adhere to strict regulations regarding load-bearing capacity. Here are the key aspects:

• Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL): This is the load spread across the floor area, typically measured in kN/m².
• Office Load would normally require a UDL of 3.5 kN/m².
• General Storage would be 4.8kNm2 load
• Heavy storage or machinery might demand 7.5 kN/m² or more.
• Point load: Some regulations specify point loads, which are the maximum weight a single point (like the foot of a heavy machine) can handle safely.
• Dynamic loads: Mezzanines subject to moving loads—like forklifts or vibrating machinery—may need additional considerations for safety.
• Safety: Regulations require an extra margin of safety, meaning the structure must support more than its maximum anticipated load.

While height and clearance primarily influence how a mezzanine floor fits into a space, they also affect usability, worker safety, and the adaptability of the area for future needs and therefore must be a key consideration when designing a mezzanine floor.

Ground-to-Mezzanine Floor Height

The height from the ground floor to the mezzanine must be sufficient to ensure uninterrupted operations below.

Floor-to-Ceiling Height

Adequate floor-to-ceiling height is essential to ensure unrestricted movement on the mezzanine floor. Regulations often stipulate minimum height requirements for mezzanine spaces intended for human access.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider any machinery or equipment that will be located on the mezzanine. Clearances must be sufficient to accommodate both the equipment itself and the safe operation and maintenance activities of personnel working within the area.

Clearance for Mechanical and Electrical Installations

Mechanical or electrical installations, such as air conditioning units, heating systems and lighting fixtures, that are situated on the mezzanine, must be allocated sufficient space to facilitate necessary repairs, and routine maintenance, and ensure unobstructed emergency access.

Head Clearance for Staircases and Ramps

Staircases and ramps leading to the mezzanine require sufficient head clearance to facilitate safe and comfortable use. Specific attention should be given to ensuring ample clearance for the movement of equipment and goods, whether carried by individuals or transported via ramps.

Mezzanine flooring manufacturers often adhere to various certifications and standards to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Here’s a quick overview of the key areas:

• Structural Standards: Guidelines like those from the British Standards Institution (BSI) ensure safety in design, fabrication, and construction.
• Fire Safety: Materials must comply with fire safety standards such as BS EN 13501-1 to assess fire resistance and minimise risks.
• Building Regulations: Compliance with local building codes, such as the Building Regulations 2010, guarantees safety, accessibility, and structural integrity.
• Environmental Certifications: Certifications like FSC and BREEAM promote sustainable sourcing and environmental performance.
• Product Quality: ISO or CE certifications ensure high-quality, safe products that meet regulatory directives.

By meeting these standards, UK manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, building trust in their products.

After installing your mezzanine floor, it’s crucial to keep following Building Regulations. Regular inspections by Building Control may be necessary, so make sure to plan and document these inspections to stay compliant over time. The team here at HMF can support you to plan and carry out these important inspections.

At HMF, we work with you from the very beginning to ensure your mezzanine floor is safe and fully compliant. We’ll provide all the necessary documentation for your Building Regulations application, making the process as smooth as possible. Our goal is to deliver your commercial or industrial mezzanine installation quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.

We specialise in installing and fitting mezzanine floors across a wide range of spaces, including warehouses, offices, retail shops, schools, factories, hospitals, and more. Acting as the principal contractor, we handle the entire installation process, including fit-outs and the installation of mechanical and electrical components.

Interested in learning more about our mezzanine floor design and installation services? Or ready to request a quote? Contact our team today!