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Mining, energy, and construction are physically demanding industries – that’s why at SFI we understand the real risk of dehydration and provide a hydration hub solution on site.
Whether it be underground or above ground, from Stawell Gold mine in Victoria to remote mines in the Pilbara, such as Karratha WA, where temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, dehydration can have severe impacts. To combat this, we provide efficient solutions to keep the water flowing and the hydration levels up – giving your workforce the best opportunity to perform efficiently and comfortably, while mitigating against the risk of dehydration.
It is important to understand and identify key risk factors that could lead to workers suffering from severe dehydration caused by heat and the solutions available to reduce risk.
Dehydration
Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down, and maintaining adequate hydration is critically important to ensure workers avoid becoming dehydrated and feeling the effects of heat illness and heat stress.
Dehydration is a common problem that can severely affect the performance and general well-being or your workers. When operating in physically demanding industries such as construction and mining, dehydration can affect an individuals’ reaction time, leading to the potential for hazards
and accidents.
To avoid dehydration, strategies are needed to adapt the workplace environment, including increasing water accessibility, and encouraging appropriate consumption of water at work.
At SFI we create hydration solutions via our on site hubs. In addition, it’s worth employing methods to mitigate the risk of incidences of dehydration. Firstly, sources of heat can be eliminated or
substituted by scheduling work during the cooler parts of the day. Secondly, engineering and isolation controls can be used to remove heat, like using fans to circulate the air or erecting barriers and shades to protect workers.
SFI’s hydration hub is a critical tool in maintaining adequate hydration.
Having a readily available and easily accessible supply of ice and water to workers is the key to successful hydration programs.
The SFI Hydration hub is fully air conditioned with insulated dual skinned walls to mitigate condensation and provide thermal insulation, featuring filtered water from the source and an ice dispenser inside a climate-controlled environment, helping to keep dust, insects, and wildlife out,
which can be prevalent in remote humid environments such as Western Australia’s Pilbara region or Central and North Queensland.
Location and climate – important factors
Whether a mine site is in a remote hot dry area, underground (e.g.Stawell Gold Mine) or above ground, hydration is important in any kind of environment, be it energy, mining, and construction. Remaining hydrated has several benefits – helping workers to perform for longer and with more clarity without fatigue.
However, the slightly cooler weather isn’t an excuse for mine operators to become complacent about the importance of keeping its workers adequately hydrated.
Hydration Hubs on site
It is important to ensure that Hydration Hubs are easy to be found onsite and are placed at regular intervals across a project. Workers who are required to walk long distances to and from Hydration Hubs reduce productivity, where SFI Hydration Hubs are small and portable, reducing downtime.
Ensure water is part of work kits and that hydration hubs are accessible on site. Sites need to supply cold drinking water; ice blocks and we recommend an electrolyte replacement solution which have less sugar and more electrolytes than sports drinks.
Depending on the conditions, aim to ensure hydration breaks are taken every hour for 10-15 minutes, if not possible, taken regularly.
Hydration Hubs can be stocked with cold drinking water, ice blocks, water bottles and electrolytes.
Meet SFI’s Hydration Hub solution
Designed to minimise contact on a work site, while reducing walking times to and from a main hub, SFI’s Hydration Hub keeps workers hydrated while on site.
SFI’s Hydration Hubs are:
Mobile:
These hubs are mobile and can be transferred to convenient lifting points and be placed both above ground and underground to specific site locations.
Efficient:
The Hydration Hub ensures staff have easy access to water and ice, helping them keep hydrated and continue the job.
Safe and Secure:
Our Hydration Hubs are practical and easy to operate with a fully air-conditioned construction, welded steel frame and dual-skinned walls for superior thermal performance. The door also has latches in the open position and is key lockable. The Hub is dust and water resistant and can be cleaned with water jet power washes if needed.
The standard SFI Hydration Hub measures 2300 x 2630 x 1146 and features an ice dispenser with an 81kg storage bin that is practical and easy to operate, and a water dispenser holding 80-95 litre storage (adjustable ball float setting) and a 40 litre per hour cooling capacity.
Electrical
Hydration Hubs feature LED lighting, safety switch, internal power outlets and optional thermal control for heating and cooling.
Hydration – of critical importance
The importance of hydration for any industry is highlighted by the real risk of dehydration, with mine and construction sites at higher risk than many other workplaces.
Having a hydration program and strategy including hydration hubs and stations that are adequately stocked is the most efficient way to mitigate against the risks of dehydration, ensuring workers are comfortable, hydrated and can perform at their best.
SFI’s Hydration Hubs are designed as a fully integrated turnkey solution to guard against dehydration on site. At SFI we go #beyondequipment, to help you achieve Zero Downtime.
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Since 1977, we have been delivering intelligent end-to-end solutions for the Australian mining, energy, construction, and manufacturing industries. We go beyond equipment, offering expertise across industrial supplies, tool hire and sales, shutdowns, and store facilities. But
above all else, we deliver outstanding service.
Our proud legacy has been built on consistency and innovation. We reduce downtime on sites and provide unmatched logistical efficiencies with our bespoke industry-leading software, Monitor.
Our team takes the time to listen and understand before working tirelessly to deliver successful outcomes. We have the strength and capacity to tackle every challenge. When you need a partner that won’t let you down — we’re up for it.
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