Hi
New to this forum so how do you do everybody!
I have 2 queries:
1) Which are the relevant regs that apply to my situation?
2) What is the process re. compliance with the regs?
Background:
I've bought a free standing pre-fab mezzanine floor to install in an industrial unit. The unit is 13mx14m. The mezz is 6mx9m, 2.5m high - steel construction - RSJs, perlins, steel posts, hand rail, stairs etc with heavy duty board flooring - all very sturdy and well engineered.
The purpose of the mezz is as a raised storage area only - no work space up there.
However, my intention is to create 2 enclosed workshop spaces underneath the mezz - 6mx6m and 6m x 3m. Both having independent access to the main space in the unit.
Construction would be timber stud walling from floor to underside of mezz (the mezz is in a corner so no need for other walls). The intention is for these spaces to be clean and free from dust etc from the rest of the space. Not sure about outer and inner coverings yet - needs to be sturdy enough to take a few knocks.
The main space is used for general car maintenance / repairs and there will be about 4 or 5 people working there.
I've had a brief skim through approved doc B (fire safety) and it appears that enclosing the space raises questions re. compliance with building regs.
What I want to know is which parts of the regs are relevant to me - do I need to look at compliant materials / finishes, fire issues re. doors & windows / lagging of the steel uprights etc in a project this size?
It seems a bit odd somehow, considering all the ramshackle constructions I've seen in industrial units over the years (that's not to say that's 'right' though!)
Also the process itself is new to me so I wanted to know how it works.
Do any plans need to be signed off by Building control before work commences?
Or is it the case that whatever I build has to comply but does not actually need prior approval? (sorry I probably should know the answer to that but never been here before!)
I did speak to Building control briefly. The guy was very friendly but basically said - send us a sketch, get an architect, send in some plans and a £200 admin fee and we'll go from there!
Hope some of you can give me a few pointers.
Si
New to this forum so how do you do everybody!
I have 2 queries:
1) Which are the relevant regs that apply to my situation?
2) What is the process re. compliance with the regs?
Background:
I've bought a free standing pre-fab mezzanine floor to install in an industrial unit. The unit is 13mx14m. The mezz is 6mx9m, 2.5m high - steel construction - RSJs, perlins, steel posts, hand rail, stairs etc with heavy duty board flooring - all very sturdy and well engineered.
The purpose of the mezz is as a raised storage area only - no work space up there.
However, my intention is to create 2 enclosed workshop spaces underneath the mezz - 6mx6m and 6m x 3m. Both having independent access to the main space in the unit.
Construction would be timber stud walling from floor to underside of mezz (the mezz is in a corner so no need for other walls). The intention is for these spaces to be clean and free from dust etc from the rest of the space. Not sure about outer and inner coverings yet - needs to be sturdy enough to take a few knocks.
The main space is used for general car maintenance / repairs and there will be about 4 or 5 people working there.
I've had a brief skim through approved doc B (fire safety) and it appears that enclosing the space raises questions re. compliance with building regs.
What I want to know is which parts of the regs are relevant to me - do I need to look at compliant materials / finishes, fire issues re. doors & windows / lagging of the steel uprights etc in a project this size?
It seems a bit odd somehow, considering all the ramshackle constructions I've seen in industrial units over the years (that's not to say that's 'right' though!)
Also the process itself is new to me so I wanted to know how it works.
Do any plans need to be signed off by Building control before work commences?
Or is it the case that whatever I build has to comply but does not actually need prior approval? (sorry I probably should know the answer to that but never been here before!)
I did speak to Building control briefly. The guy was very friendly but basically said - send us a sketch, get an architect, send in some plans and a £200 admin fee and we'll go from there!
Hope some of you can give me a few pointers.
Si