Does a Mezzanine Need to be Accessible?

11 Mar 2021 Warehouse Equipment

Mezzanines are widely utilized in a variety of applications from warehousing and manufacturing to retail and logistics. Their ability to create more space makes them an invaluable asset for facilities of all sizes. Mezzanine floors are used for a variety of purposes from holding shipments and overstock products to accommodating heavy machinery for automation.

Though mezzanines are used in many industries by many individuals, there are certain standards that they must meet. This is especially true for accessibility, as a mezzanine needs to be accessible for all individuals in certain environments. Every environment is different, so it can be difficult to determine if a mezzanine must be accessible or not. The experts at Commander Warehouse Equipment can help you determine the accessibility requirements for your facility and mezzanine.

Accessibility Requirements

Before listing the accessibility requirements for mezzanines, it is important to note that not all mezzanines need to be accessible. The main factor that determines this accessibility requirement is the facility in which the mezzanine is located. The main aspects that are considered include the overall size (square footage) of the facility, how many storeys the building is, and the size of each storey.

Facility Size

If a facility exceeds a certain size, a mezzanine within it must be accessible and usable for all individuals. This size varies based on region and industry. In addition to accessibility, it is important to note that, in most cases, a mezzanine cannot be larger than one third of the total floor area in the room it is located. For example, if the mezzanine is in a room that is 1,200 square feet, the platform can be no larger than 400 square feet.

Number of Storeys

The number of storeys in a building directly affects accessibility requirements for mezzanines. A general rule is that buildings with more than two storeys must ensure their mezzanine is accessible for all individuals. This rule does not apply to buildings with more than two storeys if no storey is larger than a certain size based on region and industry.

How to Make a Mezzanine Accessible

If your facility meets the size requirement or has a storey that meets this size requirement, all mezzanines must be accessible. To accomplish this, ramps, chair lifts, or elevators can be added to a facility to ensure accessibility for individuals with all levels of abilities. Ensuring accessibility enhances safety and productivity for everyone working on or around a mezzanine.

To learn more about mezzanines and their accessibility requirements, reach out to the knowledgeable team at Commander Warehouse Equipment. They will work with you to provide the perfect solution for your facility.