▲ The Incheon Coupang logistics center blackened by fire
Safety controversies are growing surrounding the mezzanine structure, a multi-level storage system used in logistics centers, following the fire at the Incheon Coupang logistics center.
However, because it is not subject to mandatory reporting, the government reportedly lacks accurate data on how many domestic logistics centers have adopted mezzanine structures.
According to the logistics industry on the 23rd, a significant number of large domestic logistics centers apply mezzanine structures, which divide the interior into multiple levels by installing steel frameworks to maximize spatial efficiency.
This method divides the high-ceilinged interior of warehouses into several levels to increase storage efficiency, and is widely utilized, particularly by e-commerce and courier service industries with heavy shipping volumes.
As the recent Coupang logistics center fire brought up the mezzanine structure as one of the factors that hindered firefighting efforts, the government is also discussing safety management measures with major logistics companies.
However, government statistics showing how many domestic mezzanine logistics centers exist are virtually non-existent.
According to the Logistics Facilities Act, businesses registered in the logistics warehouse business must submit their facility and equipment status to the competent local government, and this information is linked to the National Logistics Integrated Information Center.
However, since the mezzanine structure is not a mandatory registration item, it is difficult for the government to track it separately unless businesses voluntarily report it.
In the distribution and logistics industries, mezzanine structures have practically become widespread, but looking at the actual registration status in the National Logistics Integrated Information Center, it is difficult to find cases specifying mezzanine structures, except for a few companies such as Coupang, Musinsa, SSG.com, and Bang Bang Apparel.
The industry believes that the actual number of logistics centers using mezzanines is much higher than what is publicly disclosed.
An official from the logistics industry said, "Since there are no regulations making it mandatory to report mezzanine structures, it is difficult for the government to accurately know how many domestic logistics centers have mezzanine structures," adding, "To prepare fire safety measures, conducting a factual survey and building statistics must take precedence."
As shipping volumes surge due to the spread of online shopping, mezzanine structures, which can enhance storage efficiency in limited spaces, have established themselves as a representative design method for domestic logistics centers.
Mezzanine structures are also widely applied in smart logistics centers certified by the government.
It is known that major logistics companies such as Lotte Global Logistics, CJ Logistics, and Hanjin use mezzanine structures in their large hub terminals, as well as some distribution company logistics facilities.
Globally, major overseas logistics companies such as Amazon and UPS in the United States also utilize mezzanine structures.
Consequently, opinions are emerging within the industry that it is necessary to be cautious about viewing the mezzanine structure itself as the problem.
The argument is that maximizing the utility of limited space is an inevitable aspect given the nature of the distribution and logistics industries.
Seo Yong-gu, a professor of business administration at Sookmyung Women's University, said, "Just as car accidents on highways cannot be completely prevented, the occurrence of fires in warehouses cannot be reduced to absolute zero," adding, "Strengthening realistic safety measures within the mezzanine structure would be the solution."
Accordingly, opinions are raised in the industry that rather than regulating the mezzanine structure itself, the system should be supplemented in a direction that strengthens fire safety standards—such as fire-compartmentalization, sprinklers, and smoke exhaust facilities—to prevent fires from spreading to other areas.
Even overseas, there are many cases where mezzanine structures are managed by strengthening safety standards rather than banning them.
An industry official said, "Since the mezzanine is a structure that enhances space efficiency and logistics productivity, an approach of simply getting rid of the structure is hardly a realistic solution," and added, "Taking this fire as an opportunity, it is necessary to first accurately understand the current status and safety management conditions of mezzanine structures."
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