Case Study: Mezzanine Floor Structural Failure and Flooring Replacement in a Controlled Lab Environment

Overview

During a routine inspection of plastic strips attached to a metalwork support frame in one of our controlled laboratory environments, our team identified a structural failure in a section of the mezzanine floor. This discovery required immediate action to ensure the safety and integrity of the workspace.

Steps Taken

1. Structural Assessment and Removal: Upon identifying the structural issue, we quickly determined that the best course of action was to unbolt the affected mezzanine section and transport it to our workshop. This allowed us to use the damaged section as a pattern for fabricating a new, more robust replacement.

2. Fabrication and Improvement: In the workshop, our team crafted a new mezzanine section, incorporating improvements to facilitate future inspections and enhance the installation process, particularly for bolting down the decking sheets. To prevent future corrosion, the new section was treated and painted accordingly.

3. Reinstallation and Lab Flooring Preparation: The new mezzanine section was reinstalled over a weekend to minimize disruption to the laboratory’s operations. Concurrently, the existing Palettone flooring in the lab was stripped and securely bagged for quarantine. This step was essential to maintain the controlled environment and prevent contamination.

4. Flooring Installation: After cleaning the floor space, a latex covering was applied and allowed to cure. Subsequently, 42 square meters of capped and covered sheet vinyl were installed, with all necessary jointing and welding completed to ensure a seamless finish.

5. Final Cleaning and Preparation: The final step involved a thorough cleaning of all surfaces, preparing the laboratory for a comprehensive clean to maintain the controlled environment standards.

Conclusion

This project highlights the importance of regular inspections and proactive maintenance in controlled environments. By swiftly addressing the structural failure and updating the flooring, we ensured the lab’s functionality and safety. Our team’s ability to work efficiently and safely, even under PPE requirements, underscores our commitment to quality and safety in all our projects.

For more information on our services and expertise in laboratory environments, please contact us or visit our services page.