A mezzanine work platform is a confusing thing to comprehend. In fact, it is not an untrue thing to say that even the name mezzanine work platform is confusing. The reason for this is because a mezzanine is usually referred to as a part of a building. However, a mezzanine work platform is not attached to the building. It is because of the specific reason that it requires less work in getting a permit in most local governments. Therefore, there is a real movement to try to get a mezzanine work platform and a mezzanine to be separate in everyone's minds. It is the reason that the phrase, "work platform" is added to the end of the phrase. It makes a clear delineation between what a normal mezzanine is and what a work platform mezzanine actually is as well.
As stated before, a mezzanine work platform is not attached to a building. The fact that it is not attached to a building means that there is a certain degree of flexibility with the product or item. It can be moved around the warehouse as long as the new space can hold the product. We say "can" because most mezzanine work platforms are designed to fit the specific spaces in which they inhabit. It is extremely difficult to get these platforms to fit anywhere else. In fact, it usually takes knowing that you want it to fit just about anywhere in order to have a design that can do so. It is the reason why you do not see very many work platforms for sale as used products. They are just too custom for most warehouses. Subsequently, the design stops them from making sense for other businesses that do not occupy the same space.
It does not detract from the fact that a mezzanine work platform is extremely useful. The work platform can add a second level to your storage system. Adding a second level effectively doubles the storage capacity of your warehouse. You could also use pallet racks to store vertically. A work platform has a distinct advantage as you will be able to physically walk up to the products without the use of a forklift in most cases. Therefore, it may be easier for businesses that do pick and pack activities during the course of their business day. A good example of this would be any e-commerce clothing store. An order may come into the business and a worker will have to pick out that particular item in order to send it. If they have to use a forklift every time they need to gather products that are on higher levels than that could slow down your business quite a bit. A mezzanine work platform will allow them to walk up to the product and pull that from the shelf for shipping purposes.
The permit process pertaining to pallet racking is already an arduous experience. If you have tried to do this on your own then you should be awarded a medal. It is not easy dealing with the local governments and their requirements unless you have experience in doing so. It can be confusing and frustrating and it may be smart to avoid it as much as possible. Honestly, you can spend a lot more time doing things that actually increase your profit at that time. As a result, it may be smart to get somebody to help you through the permit process just for the time savings. Luckily, a work platform is much easier to get a permit than adding a second level to your business. Obviously, if you add things to your building then you get into many codes that you will have to follow. A mezzanine work platform is considered not part of the building and is subject to less of those codes in most areas. It is important to always check with your local government because the situation can change from place to place. You or the company you hire to help you through the permit process should be able to find out if there are any weird variances that you need to pay attention to when getting your permits for a mezzanine work platform.
If you are looking for a good way to add a second level to your warehouse without much trouble than a mezzanine work platform is probably the thing you need. If you do not want to deal with as much of a paperwork hassle then you should avoid looking into getting a second level added to your building's warehouse. As an added bonus, if you ever leave your current warehouse you can disassemble your mezzanine work platform and move it with you. Please note, that most mezzanine work platforms are customized to the place in which they sit. Therefore, although you can probably move it with you it may not work as well as you hope in the new area. However, if you ask that the mezzanine work platform is designed to be as generic as possible then it will be a better possibility than not.
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