Weatherproof Enclosures – What You Need to Know

When it comes to selecting and buying weatherproof enclosures, you’ll want to take two things into consideration:

1. the robustness of your enclosure
2. how well it keeps out dust, dirt and water

Part of your robustness checks should make sure your enclosure will have all the necessary security, locking and safety features. These are often the areas cheaper manufactures will scrimp on so what you may save in cost you lose in security.

As well as robust security you want your enclosure to be weather robust to protect what’s inside from weather damage.  Enclosures that come with or have the option of installing extra features are the ones to look out for. This is because they will have maximum adaptability, an advantage that is so often needed when working in industrial areas.

GRP Weatherproof Enclosures

The material of an enclosure is another important element to consider for weatherproofing and longevity, if you are serious about keeping your equipment safe both today and in the future.

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) is one of the most popular materials used to make weatherproof enclosures. This wonder material has many features that make it excellent for exposed and dangerous areas. It is tough against the elements, resistant to corrosion, lightweight and virtually maintenance free!

All of these benefits make GRP the perfect material for both busy industrial working areas and remote weather exposed locations.

In addition GRP is tough and can be fire rated and given anti-vandal properties.

IP Rating

Next, you’ll want to look at your enclosures IP rating. This rating will tell you how weatherproof your GRP cabinet is and whether it will fit your requirements.

A rating of IP55 or higher will protect your casing from most types of harmful dust and almost all types of water without too much trouble.

With an IP rating of 55 you can be sure that your enclosures are protected against heavy rain, low pressure jets, high winds and dusty working atmospheres.

However, if your weatherproof enclosure is likely to be subject to high water pressure or large amounts of water, you may want to consider one with an IP rating of 66, 67 or 68.

These ratings give you complete protection from either short-term or long-term water submersion and are fully dust tight.

This combination of strong and sturdy GRP paid with a moderate to high IP rating provides you with everything you need for an effective weatherproof enclosure. Moderations and extras are always good to have if your industry or work is a little different from the norm, but strength and water resistance should always be a top priority.

To find out more about quality design, manufacture and installation of weatherproof enclosures visit Kingsley Plastics.

What are the Requirements for Accessible Welfare Units?

Remote welfare units are just one of the responsibilities of a contractor who is hiring out employees for remote work.

The law states that welfare units must be provided to workers if a contract is longer than 30 days or 500 person days.

This requirement is essential to ensure the physical need of every worker is being met whilst they are away from their home. There are several things to consider when purchasing a welfare unit and the health and safety guidelines help to give contractors a better understanding of the minimum requirements that must be met.

Welfare Unit Toilets

The requirement for toilets is that they should be clean and sufficient for a person’s use. For health reasons they must be well ventilated, well-lit and washing facilities must either be in the same area or close by so that they may be easily accessed afterwards.

Drinking Water

This is an absolute must for any welfare unit. Clean drinking water is a strict legal requirement and failure to provide something so vital, may result in the proposed works or repairs being postponed or even cancelled. Cups to drink from are also required, unless the water can be easily accessed and consumed without one.

Washing facilities

Basic washing requirements suggest that water must be clean, accessible and sufficient enough to wash a person’s face, hands and forearms. However, for comfort purposes it is advisable to supply a shower inside. Both hot and cold water must be provided alongside soaps and drying facilities. Particularly dangerous or dirty work means that you must also provide some kind of decontamination area for your workforce.

Facilities for rest

Seating areas and general areas for rest are also a requirement for your staff members. Comfortable seating with backs, communal tables, access to boiled water and meal arrangements are all legal necessities. If you are planning work during winter months, then some form of heating must also be available to keep workers warm.

Changing rooms/lockers

Changing rooms are mostly needed in welfare units when workers have to get into or out of specialist clothing for their job. If there is no other area suitable for changing, then this becomes a legal requirement. Alongside this, these rooms must provide all employees with a means of drying off and somewhere where their valuables will be safe from thieves or damage.

Welfare units can be customised to suit the specific needs of the job. Whether you wish to provide the basic requirements or put together a unit that has some added benefits, you can quickly and easily build a unit that’s right for your individual requirements.

To view examples of welfare units that can help you meet all your legal requirements visit:

http://www.kingsleyplastics.co.uk/case-studies/welfare-units.html