Clean in many respects

28 June 2021

The need to source sustainable equipment extends across all sectors of construction. Specialist supplier, Thermac Hire, has now introduced what it describes as the UK’s first fully electric welfare decontamination unit.  

The company states that such units are typically run on LPG and, while this is more environmentally friendly than other gases, it can contribute to air pollution and has a higher calorific value than premium grade petrol. 

It adds that there have been sporadic shortages of LPG recently and delays in obtaining gas bottles. 

Both hot and cold running water is available throughout the unit and the welfare section has fixed retracting seating and a fold-over table accommodating four people. There is a separate WC. 

“A dedicated technical room houses the negative pressure unit, boiler, freshwater tank, filtration systems and central electrical systems,” says marketing manager Anthony Longstaff. “This reduces the need to remove the unit from site for repair should any issues arise.”

LED lighting is installed throughout and the ‘dirty end’ compartment has a separate disposal bin for easier removal of hazardous waste. 

“We see the unit as being ideal for use in cities like London and Birmingham that are introducing low emission zones,” says Anthony. “It can also be used indoors or in poorly ventilated areas like warehouses.” 

Thermac Hire has its headquarters in Leeds and has two other depots in Glasgow and Milton Keynes. It supplies specialist safety equipment to customers such as demolition contractors and asbestos removal companies. 

The business is also making other operational aspects as sustainable as possible. Diesel site equipment is being run increasingly on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), for example, and the vehicle fleet comprises low-emission models.