How to Secure Your Mezzanine Against Wear and Tear

Whether it's an office space or a storage area, mezzanine floors are a fantastic way to maximise space and improve operational efficiency. However, being such a valuable asset means that even minor repairs can have a significant impact on the day-to-day running of your business.

That's why ongoing maintenance is crucial. Protecting your mezzanine floor so that it lasts longer and requires fewer repairs means fewer interruptions to your operations.

Understanding Common Causes of Wear and Tear

While everyday use will cause the quality of a mezzanine floor to deteriorate over time, some factors can cause it to wear out more quickly. Moving equipment and foot traffic are considered normal use for a mezzanine floor but exceeding the load-bearing capacity, distributing weight unevenly, and accidental damage can all cause mezzanine flooring to wear out faster.

A lack of maintenance and environmental factors like moisture, temperature changes and chemical use can also accelerate wear and impact the mezzanine's structural integrity.

Maintenance Tips for a Safe and Long-Lasting Mezzanine Floor

Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity of your mezzanine floor. It's also the best way to determine if safety regulations are being upheld and if the floor is being used correctly in terms of load distribution.

Here are some proactive maintenance tasks you should be performing.

Daily Mezzanine Checks

• Ensure any spills are removed quickly using the correct products most suitable to your mezzanine floor material.

Weekly Mezzanine Safety Tasks

• Thoroughly clean your mezzanine floor to remove dust and debris.
• A visual inspection should be conducted on the flooring, posts, beams and edge protection to check for signs of wear, damage or corrosion.
• Safety checks should ensure that safety features like railings are in good condition, that proper lighting standards are being maintained and that any necessary safety equipment is in the correct place.
• Ensure that fire safety regulations are being upheld. This includes unobstructed access to staircases, training staff in safety procedures and making certain that fire exits are correctly signed.

Quarterly Mezzanine Structural Inspections

• A comprehensive fire safety survey should check that sprinklers, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers are in good working order.
• Moving parts should be lubricated.
• Health and safety standards should be scrutinised.
• Conduct a risk assessment to remove safety hazards and ensure the mezzanine floor remains safe.

Yearly Mezzanine Tasks

• Businesses should have their mezzanines professionally inspected once a year.
• A qualified professional should undertake a load capacity check and structural integrity assessment to ensure compliance with building codes and ongoing safety.
• Protective coatings and surface treatments may also be necessary, depending on the flooring type.

Key Considerations for Mezzanine Maintenance

To ensure that you have a well-maintained mezzanine floor, mezzanine floor maintenance matters should be documented. This includes who inspected the floor, when, and any issues noted, when maintenance activities are performed and when repairs are conducted.

It's also important to ensure that employees are well-trained on how to identify and report safety issues, safe work practices that will prevent accidents and emergency procedures.

Mezzanine Floor Safety Measures to Prevent Damage

There are a range of preventive measures your business can take to ensure the longevity of your mezzanine, including taking care not to overload the structure. You should always ensure you purchase a high-quality mezzanine that has been correctly engineered to carry its load safely and conduct regular assessments to fulfil your obligations to ensure it remains safe.

Routine maintenance should always be conducted following the manufacturer's recommendations and every precaution should be taken to ensure the safety of workers. Measures like safety gates and non-slip flooring not only protect employees but also the structure from damage caused by accidents.

Immediate Repairs and Restoration Techniques for Damaged Mezzanine Floors

If you notice any damage to your mezzanine floor during routine inspections, addressing it promptly is crucial to prevent any further damage or safety hazards.

Depending on the extent of the damage, a spot repair or full floor replacement may be recommended to restore the mezzanine floor’s structural integrity. Hiring a qualified and certified mezzanine floor provider to carry out such repairs is critical to ensure your area remains safe and continues to function optimally for years to come.

Look to AWS for Durable, Long-Lasting Mezzanine Solutions

All mezzanines will experience some level of wear and tear but by following the manufacturer's guidelines on use, performing regular inspections and following strict maintenance schedules, you can extend its life and prevent significant damage.

Another way to protect your mezzanine from premature failure is to buy a structure with longevity in mind. Advanced Warehouse Structures uses high-quality materials in the manufacture of our mezzanines to ensure they remain safe, strong and secure, even in the toughest work environments.

Visit our website to find out more about our mezzanines that exceed Australian standards, or call us on 1300 955 825.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a mezzanine safe?

You can ensure your mezzanine floor meets health and safety requirements with routine checks, regular maintenance and an annual professional inspection that will guarantee it meets Australian safety standards. Contact AWS for more information on our mezzanine safety inspections.

What are the Australian standards for mezzanine floors?

Australian standards for mezzanine floors are centred around load capacities, fire safety, structural integrity and other risk considerations.

What are the best protective coatings for mezzanines?

Several types of protective coatings are available to help protect your mezzanine from costly repairs, including epoxy coatings that are oil and chemical-resistant and polyurethane flooring coatings that can stop timber from yellowing.

What's the best material for mezzanine flooring?

Plywood, steel grate mesh or fibrous cement sheeting depending on its purpose.