Posted By lewes We have a first floor mezzaine where we store dry goods (car components in cardboard boxes) and there are currently two access stairs. We are looking to take one set out to increase the size of the ground floor and first floor space. The goods on the first floor are primarily oversized objects and they are all either in cardboard boxes or in a natural state if oversized. No gases, chemicals or highly flammable stuff. There would be a maximum of two people on the mezzanine working at any one time. There is another means of escape via someone’s office that backs onto the mezzanine but that’s also a two way exit as they can exit onto the mezzanine (max 5 people) Do we need or is it recommended to have another means of escape or have we covered it from all angles. Thanks for any input

Posted By lewes Similar stuff stored down stairs, the odd battery etc Building size approx 30m x 10m made of steel cladding, travel distance 4-5 metres, fire detection present and not sure about sprinklers

Posted By Ashley Wood Lewes, sounds ok to me also. If you had no smoke detection then you may have had an issue. Am I correct in assuming that the fire exits go straight to fresh air? make sure you have got enough illumination of the stairs and escape routes with your emergency escape lighting and that there are some extinguishers to hand on the mezz.

Posted By Martin Taylor You will need to check the guidance document Fire risk assessment - Warehouse and Factories - ISBN-13: 978 1 85112 816 7 This will tell you if travel distances are adequate and smoke alarm arrangements suitable My views would be the second escape was introduced for a reason - make sure you understand what this was before removal Also make sure that the powers that be understand that by doing this you will restrict future changes to the use of the mezzanine e.g. if they wanted to make it into an office - may seem unlikely at this time but never say never oh and don't forget to update your fire risk assessement document with your thinking in making this change. also don't forget the building regs people may eed to be involved and sanction whatever you are looking at - the local fire brigade can also offer advice. Martin