09 Mar Mezzanines and Work Platforms in Washington
“It is exactly why the material handling industry is trying to change the designation of their style mezzanine to a newer phrase. The newer phrase is a work platform. The problem is if the word does not reach the general populace then it will not be widely used. Work platforms will still be searched for under mezzanine.”
If you are working to get a mezzanine in your Washington workplace then a few questions need to be asked. You might wonder about the difference between a mezzanine work platform and a normal mezzanine. The difference between the two is not obvious. It is because there is no difference to the layperson. However, the truth is that the local government and the industry look at the two things as totally separate entities. In fact, a mezzanine is a part of the building to the local government. If you know anything about insurance and local permitting then you can see how this might be a problem for you.
A mezzanine attached to the building has a whole set of rules and procedures that you need to follow. The material handling industry is trying to change the designation of their style mezzanine to a newer phrase. The newer phrase is a work platform. The problem is if the word does not reach the general populace then it will not be widely used. Work platforms will still be searched for under mezzanine. If you search under mezzanine then you will get both permanent and fixture types of mezzanines. You will have a hard time finding the type that works for use indoors.
Permit Processes and Locations:
A warehouse, in-plant, factory mezzanine or work platforms in Washington are structures that need less permitting. It is not a part of the building according to most local governments. Therefore, the permitting process tends to be easier when that type of product is in use. A mezzanine in the material handling industry means a work platform where people can store inventory. It does not mean that there is no permit process for the use of a mezzanine work platform in Washington, Oregon, California, or wherever you might be located. It just means that there is usually far less paperwork to get it into your warehouse where it needs to go.
“A warehouse, in-plant, factory mezzanine or work platform is a structure that needs less permitting because it is not a part of the building according to most local governments.”
Another thing that is very nice about a mezzanine work platform is that it is not tied to the building. Therefore, it is movable. You can move it as you need. The general use of word, mezzanines, as far as buildings and local governments are concerned, are not movable because they are tied to the building itself. You could, technically, unbolt, unfasten, and undo a mezzanine work platform and move it to somewhere else. Keep in mind that many of these work platforms in Washington and elsewhere feature customized elements. They feature designs that are specific for the space in which they are located. For example, if the original warehouse had a staircase then you will see the mezzanine designed with that in mind. It is the fact why you do not see a lot of work platforms or mezzanines for sale as a used product. It just does not make sense for many businesses. The work platforms in Washington and elsewhere feature designs that are different than the original workspace.
Looking for a way to store things higher in your business? A mezzanine is a great solution. You just have to keep in mind that what you are looking for is a mezzanine work platform. You may have to add the modifier at the end of the mezzanine phrase. Doing so makes sure that you are getting the right product for your business. The permit process of a mezzanine product should be less painful than putting a permanent fixture into your building. The lack of attachment makes the permit process easier in most locations. It is easier as long as it does not have too much custom work. You also need to be cognizant of custom work that could cause problems in the area where it will reside.
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