One of our supply chain companies, William King Construction, has introduced an innovative solution to enhance safety and efficiency in block cutting operations on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) project.
Using the Soundex Construction Enclosure, they are significantly reducing noise and dust exposure, demonstrating leadership in on-site safety practices.
The Soundex Construction Enclosure is a versatile and easily movable structure that provides a noise-controlled environment. It features acoustic walls and a roof, designed to absorb and block noise efficiently.
Some of the key features of the Soundex Construction Enclosure are:
Noise Reduction: The enclosure offers up to a 33.6 dBA reduction at 500 Hz, making it highly effective for noisy site operations. It uses sound-attenuating materials, and a live traffic light system provides decibel readings, ensuring ongoing noise monitoring.
Dust Control: The system is equipped with strategic dust extraction points and works in conjunction with devices like the Dustex Dustmaster Pro to maintain a cleaner workspace. Air-fed masks called Filter Face Piece3 (FFP3) are used by operatives, and a built-in water suppression system reduces harmful silica dust from block cutting.
Easy Installation: This 5.7 m enclosure is quick to set up and easily relocates with the site works. It folds down for convenient transportation and can be personalised for hazard control.
Effluent Management: Effluent from block cutting is collected using wet vacs and disposed of through labelled Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s), maintaining site cleanliness and environmental compliance.
Providing a Solution
Aaron King, Health and Safety Advisor, said:
“We were tasked with providing a solution for cutting our concrete blocks inside the project building.
“This had never been a requirement as, on previous projects, all block cutting was done outside with a lot of natural ventilation and open space. The task was particularly challenging due to the number of factors involved, including noise, dust, and practicality. Another key factor were the environmental challenges with effluent waste.
“This led us to contact a number of specialist companies, gathering information to compare against one another.
“Once we had amassed key information, we then reviewed it and agreed one product stood out from the rest. This opened up opportunities for a site visit and a demonstration which was very impactful on the choice we made.
“The Soundex construction enclosure enables us to cut blocks in a controlled environment with other trades present whilst also maintaining a safe level of noise for others in surrounding areas, without the need to wear hearing protection.
“The Dustex Dustmaster Pro eliminates all the hazardous silica dust present when cutting the concrete blocks. It filters through a three-stage High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter unit along with a built-in water suppression from the block cutting saw, companied with the wearable air fed FFP3 respirators, this keeps our operatives safe day in, day out.”
William King’s team at SRP has embraced this innovative technology, setting an example for others. Their commitment to minimising noise and dust hazards and improving working conditions is commendable..
To learn more about William King Construction, check out their supplier spotlight video by clicking here.