Before investing in a mezzanine for your warehouse, one critical factor to consider is the Fire Resistant Level (FRL). True to its name, FRL is a measure of a building element's ability to withstand fire, ensuring safety and structural integrity during a fire event. Wrapping your head around (and implementing) the appropriate FRL will significantly determine the overall safety and compliance of your warehouse. This blog will tick off the essentials of FRL, the Australian standards, and how Unistor can point you in the right direction.
Fire Resistant Level (FRL) at a glance
The Fire Resistant Level (FRL) is a measure used to determine the fire-resistance capacity of building elements such as walls, floors, and structural supports. In Australia, the fire resistance level is defined by three key criteria:
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Structural adequacy: The ability of a building element to maintain its structural function and stability during a fire.
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Integrity: The ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases.
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Insulation: The ability to restrict the rise in temperature on the unexposed face of the building element.
Each building element is assigned an FRL rating. By way of example, an FRL of 60/60/60 means that the element can maintain its structural adequacy, integrity, and insulation for 60 minutes.
Australian standards for FRL
Adhering to the fire resistance level in Australian standards is a must for proactively aiding the safety and compliance of your mezzanine warehouse. The National Construction Code (NCC) specifies the minimum FRL required for different building elements to ensure they can withstand exposure to fire for a specified period.
The NCC 2019 Volume One Amendment 1, for example, provides detailed requirements for fire-resisting construction. This includes guidelines on the FRL needed for parts of a building exposed to fire-source features and those providing structural support. For instance, elements supporting other fire-resistant parts must have an FRL matching or exceeding the highest requirement of the supported part.
Materials and construction types
The materials used in constructing mezzanine structures play a significant role in determining their FRL. According to the International Building Code (IBC) Section 505, mezzanines must be constructed using materials consistent with the building’s construction type. For example:
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Type I or II construction: These buildings require non-combustible materials for mezzanine construction.
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Fire rating consistency: The structural elements (columns, floors, beams) must have a fire rating consistent with the overall building structure.
It's important to note that the fire rating of mezzanine floors is not required from a vertical opening perspective, only from a structural stability perspective. This means that penetrations of the mezzanine floor, such as pipe penetrations, are not required to be protected with firestop assemblies if their omission does not compromise the floor’s structural integrity during a fire.
Top considerations for your warehouse
When planning a warehouse with a mezzanine, there are several key considerations regarding Fire Resistance Level:
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Compliance with standards: Make sure that your mezzanine design complies with the NCC and other relevant Australian standards.
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Material selection: Use non-combustible materials for construction, especially for Type I or II buildings.
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Structural integrity: Ensure that all structural elements are fire-rated according to the building’s construction type and fire resistance requirements.
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Penetrations and openings: Plan for any penetrations of the mezzanine floor, ensuring they do not compromise structural integrity.
Practical examples and exceptions
The NCC outlines specific concessions and exemptions for certain building elements and uses. For example:
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Steel columns: In single-storey buildings, steel columns may not require the same FRL as other parts.
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Roof structures: Non-combustible structures on roofs housing equipment like ventilating ductwork or water tanks may have reduced FRL requirements.
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Mezzanine floors: Specific conditions can reduce the required FRL for mezzanine floors and carparks, balancing safety with practical considerations.
Meeting safety and compliance requirements
Having a warehouse that is up to snuff and meets the required Fire Resistant Level is not just about compliance; it is about safety. In the event of a fire, having properly rated building elements can make the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event. By honouring fire resistance level in Australian standards, you can take confidence in your warehouse and industrial mezzanine providing the necessary protection.
Future engineering your warehouse
Looking ahead, consider how future-proofing your warehouse can boost safety, efficiency, and of course - improve your return on investment. Implementing automated systems, advanced fire detection, and suppression technologies can further elevate the safety standards of your facility. Regular inspections and updates to your fire safety systems are also crucial in maintaining compliance and ensuring ongoing protection.
Here are some concrete steps to ensure your mezzanine meets the required standards:
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Consult professionals: Engage with registered design professionals who are familiar with the NCC and local fire safety regulations. They can provide guidance on the materials and construction methods required to meet the FRL.
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Material selection: Choose materials that not only comply with the required FRL but also align with your warehouse's overall design and functionality.
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Regular inspections: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that the fire resistance features of your mezzanine are intact and effective.
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Emergency planning: Develop a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan that takes into account the fire resistance features of your mezzanine.
Why Choose Unistor?
At Unistor, we understand the unique demands of the range of industries we work with. With over thirty years of experience under our belt, we also value the importance of compliance and safety in warehouse construction. Our leading expertise in mezzanine flooring solutions ensures that your warehouse meets the highest standards of fire safety. We offer comprehensive consulting services, system design, and third-party reviews to future-proof your investment. Trust Unistor to provide you with the knowledge and solutions needed to build a safe, compliant, and efficient warehouse.
By addressing fire resistance levels, future-proofing your warehouse becomes more manageable, ensuring both safety and compliance. Our team of experts at Unistor are committed to helping you achieve this goal with our expertise and tailored solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mezzanine warehouse project needs.
