Mezzanines
Many falls from mezzanines occur because they didn’t have edge protection, there is inadequate access/egress, or if the mezzanine was not designed to be walked on.
If you have a mezzanine, ensure that:
- it is engineered and constructed for the loads handled and stored on it, including any load handling equipment
- there is a structurally-sound and safe means to access the mezzanine
- ladders should not be used if people are required to carry items when accessing and egressing from the mezzanine
- there are structurally-sound safety barriers in place to stop people falling off the edge of the mezzanine. If this is a handrail, use mid rails and toe-boards to prevent items from falling
- gaps in guard rails used for loading/unloading items on the mezzanine are guarded by gates or removable handrails that can be safely removed and replaced, without putting workers at risk of falls.