{"id":36278,"date":"2025-07-04T13:26:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T13:26:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/resources\/\/"},"modified":"2025-08-21T17:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T17:39:03","slug":"required-mezzanine-safety-features","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/resources\/learn-mezzanine-systems\/required-mezzanine-safety-features\/","title":{"rendered":"What Safety Features Are Required for Mezzanines?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stairs & Stairways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A mezzanine<\/a> is more than just a platform that divides a facility’s space into multiple levels. Its primary function is to support your operations\u2014whether that means providing additional office space for employees, expanding shelving storage, or maintaining efficient picking processes with conveyors. First things first, you need a reliable way to transport both products and workers to the mezzanine levels. This can be achieved through conveyors, lift tables, or stairs. However, stairs are mandatory according to OSHA and IBC requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSHA standard 1910.21<\/a> includes definitions of various safety devices applicable to all industrial workplaces. It covers all walking-working surfaces. Let’s dig into this Standard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Stair rail or stair rail system means a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. Standard stairs means a fixed or permanently installed stairway. Ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are not considered standard stairs.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

To understand the stair rise and tread dimensions, clarify the stair angle against the table in 1910.25<\/a>. Standard stairs have angles of 30 – 50<\/strong>. Less than 30 is a ramp, and over 50 is a ship and alternating tread-type stairs.What about the IBC regulations? IBC standards describe the requirements for commercial stairs in public spaces instead of industrial. You can use the following standards 1011.5.2<\/a> and 1011.6<\/a> to learn more about riser height, tread depth, and stair landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stairways: Comparison of two standards<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Stairs<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Compliance<\/strong><\/th>Stair Depth<\/strong><\/th>Riser Height<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
OSHA<\/td>9.5\u2033
Minimum<\/td>		9.5\u2033
Maximum<\/td><\/tr>
IBC<\/td>11\u2033
Minimum<\/td>		4\u2033 \u2013 7\u2033
Minimum \u2013 Maximum<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As for handrails and guardrails. They are required for open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs and elevated platforms. According to IBC standards, stairways must not have gaps between handrails or guardrails large enough for a four-inch sphere to pass through. This measurement is designed to keep a child’s head from fitting through any part of the stairs, landing, or platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guardrails & Handrails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Proper mezzanine guardrails and handrails prevent falls and provide support for employees moving across elevated platforms. Guardrails<\/strong> are required along open edges to prevent accidental falls. Handrails<\/strong> assist employees when using stairs or ramps, improving stability. The distinguishing feature is that OSHA 1910.29 (b) requires handrails to be on one side of the stairs, while IBC 1011.11<\/a> states that handrails must be on both sides of IBC stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They must meet OSHA 1910.29, IBC 1011.11, IBC 1014.2 (which states that handrail height must not be less than 34 inches or more than 38 inches), and 1015.3 (guardrail height must not be less than 42 inches<\/strong> in height).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Mezzanine
Handrail<\/strong> (Image Credit:<\/strong> Unitran Manufacturers<\/strong><\/a>\u00b9<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Mezzanine
Guardrail (Image Credit: Nexus Workspace<\/strong><\/a>\u00b2<\/a><\/strong>)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Guardrails: Comparison of two standards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Compliance<\/strong><\/td>Handrail  Height<\/strong><\/td>Guard Height<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
OSHA<\/td>30\u2033 to 38\u2033
36\u2033 to 38\u2033 \u2014 may also serve as guard (stair rail system)<\/td>		42\u2033 \u2014 plus or minus 3\u2033
36 to 38\u2033 (stair rail system)<\/td><\/tr>
IBC<\/td>34\u2033 to 38\u2033<\/td>42\u2033 minimum<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Safety Gates & Edge Protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pallet rack mezzanine<\/a> safety gates and edge protection prevent unauthorized access and accidental falls when loading\/unloading goods. Swing & Sliding gates<\/strong> control access while ensuring easy material handling. Self-closing safety gates<\/strong> automatically return to a closed position after use. Kick Plates<\/strong> are installed on all outside edges of the floor, under the handrails, to prevent objects from slipping off the mezzanine edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Mezzanine
Safety Gates<\/strong> (Image credit:<\/strong> USS\u00b3<\/a><\/strong>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"EDGE
Kick Plates (Image credit: Allen Mezzanines\u2074<\/a>)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fall Protection Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A comprehensive pallet rack mezzanine fall protection plan includes both passive and active measures. Safety netting<\/a><\/strong> is installed under mezzanines to catch falling objects and reduce injury risks. Lifeline & Harness systems<\/strong> are used in high-risk areas where guardrails are insufficient. Anti-slip flooring<\/strong> ensures traction in high-traffic zones to minimize slips and falls. Anti-slip stair nosings<\/strong> for a horizontal, protruding edge of a stair where most foot traffic occurs. They are specifically designed to assist visually impaired users under AS1428.4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire Safety Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fire safety system is mandatory for pallet rack mezzanines to increase the protection of employees and inventory. Implement the following measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n