Welfare Unit Technology for the Sustainable Construction Site

Construction site welfare facilities and the impact of technology

Welfare facilities play a vital role in maintaining construction site health and safety. To remain compliant with HSE regulations, the following facilities must be provided onsite:

Sanitary conveniences
Washing facilities
Access to drinking water
Accommodation for drying and changing clothes
An area for rest and eating

Meeting these basic requirements might seem manageable since the regulations do not specify the quality or standard of welfare units. However, choosing modern facilities can make a huge difference.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the role of technology in modernising welfare units, paying special attention to the details that promote comfort and sustainability in modern units. We will also explore how the integration of solar panels and other hybrid technologies is revolutionising these units.

At Welfare 4 Hire we provide modern welfare unit and mobile toilet hire throughout the UK, so feel free to get in touch to find out more.

Modern welfare unit features that embody sustainability and comfort

Welfare 4 Hire’s range of mobile welfare units incorporate features that promote sustainability on the modern construction site. These features are available on all models throughout the range, including the 6 person, 10 person , 12 person and 16 person mobile welfare units. They include:

— Fully-insulated wall and roof systems with no cold bridging:

A thermal bridge, also known as a cold bridge or heat bridge, is a section of an object with higher thermal conductivity than its surroundings. This irregularity allows heat to transfer more easily, leading to reduced overall thermal resistance in the object. Cold bridging is particularly significant in structures where it can impact energy usage, cause condensation issues and lead to discomfort. In colder climates, thermal bridges can exacerbate heat loss and increase energy needs.

All of our mobile welfare units mitigate thermal bridging by using continuous insulation materials to create thermal breaks, ensuring greater comfort and reducing energy consumption.

— PIR activated LED lighting & hot water without the need for a generator:

PIR (Passive Infrared) activated lighting uses sensors to detect infrared radiation emitted by moving objects, triggering the lights to turn on. This technology offers energy efficiency by only activating lights when motion is detected, saving electricity and reducing costs. It enhances convenience and security by providing automatic illumination or water flow in response to movement, while also extending the lifespan of fixtures by reducing wear and tear.

All of the solar units on our fleet include PIR activated LED lighting & hot water without the need for a generator.

— Low noise pollution and low CO2 emissions:

Welfare units boasting low carbon and noise emissions represent a practical choice for British construction sites due to their numerous benefits. Firstly, their low carbon emissions align with the UK's commitment to sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact, supporting construction projects in meeting regulatory standards and corporate social responsibility goals. Reduced noise emissions contribute to a quieter working environment, enhancing worker comfort and productivity while minimising disturbance to surrounding areas, crucial in urban or residential settings and on nocturnal construction sites. Additionally, the efficiency of low-emission welfare units translates to lower operating costs and improved long-term sustainability, making them an economically viable solution for construction companies aiming to optimise resources and adhere to stringent environmental regulations in the UK.

At Welfare 4 Hire we are committed to sustainability. Our transition to environmentally-friendly welfare services means that currently our fleet is mostly composed of eco-friendly low-noise, low-emission units. As well as incorporating more of these units, we have recently purchased two zero-emission units. In the right conditions these units can function on 100% solar power.

— Low fuel consumption:

The use of Ecosmart and hybrid technology in our welfare units ensures an optimal usage of energy resources. The automatic generator timed shut off limits unnecessary fuel usage, and features such as low energy LED road lights are designed for reducing pollution whilst economising on energy consumption.

At Welfare 4 Hire most of our fleet includes Ecosmart and hybrid technology.

Why the construction industry is turning towards solar welfare units

As with other industries and business areas, the modern construction site is increasingly oriented towards replacing traditional fuel sources with renewable energies.

The demand for sustainable welfare facilities is encouraging welfare unit providers to consider solar power and compatible technologies as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Solar panels and battery banks offer construction site welfare facilities numerous benefits, including:

Environmental sustainability - lowering your carbon footprint
Cost-effectiveness - long-term savings on energy bills
Reduced dependency on traditional power sources - up to 100% of power demands can be met by solar panels (on sunny days)
Reliability - solar ensures continuous power supply, even in remote locations
A backup diesel generator can be retained just in case

Welfare Units with Hybrid Technology

Replacing traditional diesel-powered generators with hybrid technology is another modern development for welfare units. Hybrid power solutions, such as solar panels and a hydrogen fuel cell, can be used to operate heating and electrical plug sockets as well as the kettle and microwave. The battery bank is constantly fed by the integrated hydrogen fuel cell and solar panels.

Opting for hybrid-powered welfare units means that - once on site - your welfare facilities have zero local carbon emissions. Other benefits of hybrid technology include:

Enhanced energy efficiency
Fuel-saving - no need for a diesel generator
Flexibility in power generation
Reliability - maintains a continuous on-demand power and heat supplied in various conditions
Reduced noise pollution - quiet operation with no vibrations
Lower maintenance - only air filters need replacing
Safe and easy to use - hydrogen gas bottles are readily available

As time goes on, the modern construction site will see emerging technologies in welfare facilities. As well as innovations in energy storage solutions, we’re likely to see the integration of smart technologies to monitor and control. This will represent further gains in sustainability and efficiency.

At Welfare 4 Hire we keep our finger on the pulse of technological advancements in the construction and site welfare industries. We regularly update our fleet with the latest welfare units and strive to incorporate additional technologies to benefit our clients. Watch this space to find out more about new additions to our environmentally friendly product offering.

Get In Touch

If you are interested in a modern towable welfare unit hire for your next project, or you would like information on our added value product range, speak to Welfare 4 Hire today. We offer nationwide service from our branches throughout the country. Get in touch with your nearest branch on:

London Depot: 020 3846 1111
Midlands Depot: 0121 272 7766
North West Depot: 0161 507 3700
Gloucester Depot: 01452 689 500
North East Depot: 0191 486 2576

Email us on: hire@welfare4hire.co.uk

Or submit an enquiry through our enquiry bot or form on our homepage.