Specialist · 8 checks

Access Flooring
QA inspection checklist

Raised access floor installation quality audit.

Every check below carries what good looks like, when it passes, the standard it comes from and the defects that usually fail it. That guidance is what turns a tick-box into an inspection.

Installation

  1. 1.
    Pedestal positions match layout drawing
    What to look forPedestal grid set out per design layout — typically 600 × 600 mm centres. Set out from a reference grid line. Cut runs distributed evenly at perimeter. Stringer system per design (heavy or medium loading).
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825:2001 / PSA MOB PF2 PS: pedestal grid 600 × 600 typical; set-out tolerance ±2 mm. Stringer system for Class 4-6 loading per BS EN 12825.
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001 — Raised access floors. PSA MOB PF2 PS — Platform floors (raised access floors) performance specification.
    Common defectsGrid out — cut perimeter unevenly distributedStringers omitted on heavy-loading specificationPedestals at random spacing — panels do not seatNo reference line — cumulative set-out errorPedestals at penetrations not coordinated with services
  2. 2.
    Pedestals level and adhesive cured
    What to look forPedestal head levels checked with laser or rotary level — flat plane within tolerance. Pedestals bonded to slab with manufacturer adhesive (epoxy / MS polymer). Adhesive cured before panel install. No movement under foot.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825 / PSA MOB PF2: pedestal head level tolerance ±1.5 mm in 5 m. Adhesive bond strength per manufacturer; cure time observed (typically 24 hours).
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2. Manufacturer adhesive TDS.
    Common defectsLevels out — panels rockAdhesive not used — pedestals shift under loadAdhesive uncured at panel install — pedestal movesWrong adhesive (general PVA) — bond failsPedestals on dust / debris — not bonded to slab
  3. 3.
    Panel type and finish correct
    What to look forPanel type (Class 1-6 loading) and finish (HPL laminate, vinyl, carpet tile, anti-static, ESD) per spec. Panel structure (chip-core, calcium sulfate, steel-encased) matches design. Anti-static surface resistance verified if required.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825:2001 / PSA MOB PF2: panel Class per loading (Class 4 = 4.5 kN concentrated typical office, Class 6 = 9 kN heavy). Surface finish per spec. Anti-static < 1 GΩ (Class 1) or < 100 MΩ (Class 2) per IEC 61340.
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. IEC 61340-5-1 (electrostatic).
    Common defectsClass 3 panel in heavy-load area — fails under server racksWrong finish — appearance rejectedAnti-static surface not bonded to grid earthPanel structure mismatched (chip vs calcium sulfate)Mixed panel types in same area
  4. 4.
    Panels seated flat — no rocking
    What to look forEach panel seats firmly on all four corner pedestals. No rocking when stepped on. Panel edges flush with adjacent — no step. Lifting tool engages cleanly.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825 / PSA MOB PF2: panel-to-panel level step ≤ 1 mm; no rocking; panel edges flush with adjacent.
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2.
    Common defectsPanel rocks on debris under one cornerStep at panel jointPedestal head not seated centrally — rockLifting tool slips — head wearPanel inserted with debris on pedestal head
  5. 5.
    Cut panels clean and tight to perimeter
    What to look forCut panels at perimeter neatly cut to fit walls, columns, and services. Edge sealed against substrate to prevent dust ingress. Cuts ≥ ¼ panel size to maintain stability. Cut edges chamfered if exposed.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825 / PSA MOB PF2: cut panels ≥ ¼ size, supported by additional pedestal if needed; gap ≤ 5 mm to wall sealed with mastic or trim.
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2.
    Common defectsCut panels < ¼ — unstableGap to wall > 10 mm — visible, dust entryEdge unsealed — dust into plenumCuts not supported by extra pedestal — flexDisc-cut chipped
  6. 6.
    Floor height correct
    Record: Height (mm)
    What to look forFinished floor height matches design. Plenum void depth adequate for services and air distribution. Tolerance to be checked at multiple positions. Adjustable pedestals retained range allowing future change.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825 / PSA MOB PF2: floor height tolerance ±2 mm of design across area. Plenum depth per services / HVAC design (typical 150-300 mm).
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2.
    Common defectsFloor height short of design — services do not fit in plenumFloor height excessive — head height in room reducedTolerance variation > 2 mm across areaPedestal at full extension — no future adjustmentNo height verification record
  7. 7.
    Grommets installed at cable/service outlets
    What to look forCable / service openings in panels protected with grommets / brush strips matching opening size. Cables routed neatly through. Excess cable tied back. Air leakage at penetrations minimised.
    Acceptable whenPer BS EN 12825 / project spec: penetrations protected; grommets prevent cable damage and reduce air leakage; brush strips for variable cable bundles. Air-leakage rated where pressurised plenum.
    StandardBS EN 12825:2001. CIBSE TM23 (air leakage in HVAC).
    Common defectsPenetration without grommet — cable abradedAir leakage at penetration — pressurised plenum loses pressureGrommet undersized for cable bundleBrush strip omittedCables in tension at panel edge
  8. 8.
    Air grilles positioned per design (if plenum)
    What to look forFloor grilles / fan-assisted terminal units (FATU) at design positions for plenum-supplied air distribution. Damper position per zone control. Integration with pressurised plenum tested. Grilles do not obstruct walking routes.
    Acceptable whenPer CIBSE Guide B / project HVAC design: grille positions to provide design air change; FATU per zone; balancing per CIBSE Commissioning Code A.
    StandardCIBSE Guide B2 — Ventilation. CIBSE Commissioning Code A. BSRIA BG 2.
    Common defectsGrille positions off-design — uneven supplyFATU dampers mid-position not commissionedGrille at wrong zone control inputWalking route obstructedNo commissioning of grille flows

Questions people ask

What is a access flooring QA inspection for?

To record that the work was checked against the specification before it was covered up or handed over: a pass or fail against each item, a measurement where one matters, and a photo where it failed. It is the evidence a client's quantity surveyor or clerk of works asks for, and the thing that settles the argument at final account.

What standards does this checklist check against?

Each item names its reference. On this checklist that includes BS EN 12825:2001, BS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2. Manufacturer adhesive TDS., BS EN 12825:2001. IEC 61340-5-1 (electrostatic)., BS EN 12825:2001. PSA MOB PF2., BS EN 12825:2001. CIBSE TM23 (air leakage in HVAC)., CIBSE Guide B2. The contract specification and the approved drawings always take precedence over a general standard; where they say something stricter, inspect to that.

Who signs a QA inspection off?

The person who carried out the check, named and dated, and where the contract calls for it the client's representative as a witness. The signature records that the check was done and what was found. It is not a warranty of the work.

How many items are on it, and do I have to use them all?

8 checks across 1 section. Delete what does not apply to the job and add anything the specification asks for that is not here. A checklist that has plainly been thought about carries more weight than a long one nobody read.

Is this useful for a subcontractor as well as a main contractor?

More so. The subcontractor is the one who gets asked to come back and open something up. A signed inspection sheet with photos at the time is the cheapest insurance on a construction site.

Run this inspection on a phone

The same 8 checks, with the guidance a tap away, photos against each fail, measurements recorded, an NCR raised automatically and a branded PDF at the end. Signed on site. 14 days free.

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