A mezzanine is an intermediate floor in a building, usually between the first and the ground floor, which is mainly used to increase the storage capacity. It is also a great way to increase the amount of floor space in a warehouse.
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| Mezzanine Fall Protection |
However, it needs to be handled safely for the safety of the building, workers, and products. The tips related to its safety are as follows:
- Keeping the Mezzanine Accessible:
The route leading up to the mezzanine should be kept uncluttered and well-lit for the products or equipment to be carried safely. Training the workers for the same and hiring a safety officer can work wonders. The safety officer can keep a watchful eye over any tools or spillages or other such clutter on the way and clear them or warn the workers about them.
- Installing Fall Protection:
Mezzanine fall protection is crucial for the structure to protect the workers and the inventory. The protection needs to be designed concerning the structure of the building. The exposed sides or open areas should be covered up with the necessary material.
- Educating the Staff:
The workers must be familiar with the safety guidelines of the building. This would allow them to deal with critical situations. This can also boost employee compliance.
- Reviewing Safety Codes:
Building codes are also applicable to mezzanines. These are usually decided by the government or any federal agency. Analyzing and reviewing these codes so that the mezzanine doesn't violate any such codes is very important. These not only prevent the owner from incurring fines but also ensures safety. ANSI and OSHO are such bodies that look after the formulation of building codes.
- Analyzing Load Capabilities:
Although mezzanines are used for storage of inventory, it is imperative to review the capacity which it can hold. No matter how robust the mezzanine fall protection is, there is always a limit. It is of prime importance that the load limits are reviewed and adhered to. Putting up these requirements at a place where everybody can see the workers must be on the same page.
- Equipment Safety:
The safety equipment necessary to satisfy the building codes and guidelines should be installed and inspected regularly.
- Installing Safety Gates:
Mezzanine safety gates and mezzanine fall protection are important to ensure safety. This prevents the workers and even the inventory from falling off and causing injuries. The inventory can also be secured with latches and locks to prevent them from falling. These safety gates should be built by authorized and renowned manufacturers who should also adhere to the safety guidelines and avail the best materials for making them.
- Installing Scissor Lifts:
Mezzanine scissor lifts can be used to transport workers and goods from one place to another. These lifts too should follow the building codes and be inspected periodically to ensure proper working and safe operation.
- Hiring an Expert:
Although it may sound expensive, hiring experienced personnel for building the mezzanine is cost-effective. The mezzanine can be designed (like the mezzanine fall protection) as per the inventory it is going to store. The builder can, thus plan the construction whilst adhering to the guidelines and building codes as well. During the inspection, the owner can hire the same person who built the mezzanine. This would not only make the work easier (as the builder is familiar with the design and the materials used) but also save time for both the parties.
If any incident occurs due to a lack of safety measures, the owner has to bear the consequences. These can range from compensations to shutting down the company and space. Hence, it is imperative that the
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