FAQs on Fire Safety and Mezzanine Floors

JUST FIND YOUR ANSWERS BELOW

ANot always—but many do. Fire protection is typically required if the mezzanine floor:

• Is over 20m in any direction
• Is used as office or retail space
• Is accessed by employees or the public
• Significantly increases the building’s usable floor area
• Contains combustible materials (e.g. stored goods)

If your mezzanine is for light storage, used only occasionally, and covers less than 50% of the floor area below, fire protection may not be required. However, this is always subject to Building Control approval.

ACommon fire protection systems for mezzanines include:

• Fire-rated suspended ceilings under the mezzanine deck
• Column casings using fire-resistant board or encasement
• Fire-rated walls or partitions (where the mezzanine connects to other rooms or spaces)
• Protected staircases or escape routes

These systems are designed to provide up to 60 minutes of fire resistance, giving occupants time to evacuate safely.

AFire protection is determined by a combination of:

• Mezzanine use (storage, office, retail, etc.)
• Size and coverage relative to the ground floor
• Occupancy levels (number of people regularly using the space)
• Escape route access
• Sprinkler presence in the building

A Building Control Officer will assess the plans and specify what fire safety measures are required for compliance.

ANot always. However, if the mezzanine is large or used by more than a few people, you may be required to provide:

• Two or more protected escape routes
• Clearly marked exit signage
• Emergency lighting
• Fire-rated stairwells or enclosures

The specific requirement depends on the layout and use of your space. Mezz One will design your mezzanine with this in mind and ensure safe egress options are included.

AYes—if fire protection is required. Fire-rated materials are used to delay the spread of fire and maintain structural integrity. This includes:

• Fire-rated plasterboard for ceilings and partitions
• Encased steel columns
• Fire-retardant coatings or paints

Our team at Mezz One sources certified fire-rated materials as part of all compliant installations.

AA fire strategy is a written plan that outlines:

• Fire detection systems
• Escape routes and procedures
• Fire compartmentation
• Suppression systems
• Responsibilities of staff and management

For complex or high-risk buildings, a fire strategy may be requested by Building Control or the Fire Service. Mezz One can work with your appointed fire consultant to ensure your mezzanine fits into the overall fire strategy of the building.

AYes. For example:

• Warehousing and logistics: May require protected stairwells and fire detection if high volumes of combustible stock are stored.
• Retail environments: Typically require full protection due to public access.
• Office mezzanines: Often need rated ceilings and protected exits, especially if multiple people work on the upper level.
• Industrial plants: Fire risk is assessed based on machinery, materials, and layout.

Our experience across industries allows Mezz One to specify appropriate fire protection for every setting.

ABefore installation, Mezz One submits drawings and calculations to Building Control. These are reviewed to assess:

• Structural integrity
• Fire safety
• Access and escape
• Material specifications

We manage this process on your behalf, making any adjustments required to gain approval. A final inspection is carried out post-installation to ensure all regulations have been met.

AYes. If your existing mezzanine wasn’t originally fire-protected but is now used in a way that requires it (e.g. increased staff usage or change of use), retrofitting is possible.

This typically involves:

• Installing a fire-rated ceiling
• Encasing columns
• Adding fire doors or protected stairs

Mezz One offers fire safety assessments and retrofitting services to bring older mezzanines up to current standards.

AThe building owner or employer is legally responsible under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This includes ensuring:

• Suitable fire risk assessments are carried out
• Fire safety measures are in place and maintained
• Staff are trained in fire procedures
• Evacuation routes remain clear and usable

Mezz One works closely with clients to provide compliant mezzanine designs that meet both Building Regulations and fire safety responsibilities.