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What is a Mobile Welfare Unit?

A mobile welfare unit provides workers with essential facilities when working on site, such as a toilet and washroom area, a cooking area, and a resting area. Employers must meet the legal duty of care requirements for their employees by providing these units. In this article, we go into more detail about what welfare units are, what they contain, and why they’re important to site staff.

So, what is a mobile welfare unit ? A mobile welfare unit is a term used to describe a general amenities unit. The unit essentially provides the facilities you would expect to find in the workplace, but mobile. Welfare units are found in industries like construction, utilities and infrastructure.

You might be asking yourself what specifically a mobile welfare unit is used for and the importance of the unit. Keep reading to find out more information.

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What Is a Welfare Unit Used For?

A mobile welfare unit is used to help keep workers equipped with essential amenities and a safe place to relax whilst working onsite. These amenities include a range of different equipment that you wouldn’t normally find in a standard unit or other vehicle.

You can expect to find as a minimum in the welfare unit ; hot running water, a toilet, a microwave and space to eat/rest/get changed and shower facilities. Workers in these industries could be far away from a nearby toilet or welfare provision, which is why mobile welfare units are so important. At Thermac, we understand the importance of your employees’ welfare – these units provide workers with a comfortable and safe working environment. 

How Many People Can Use a Mobile Welfare Unit?

How many people can use a mobile welfare unit depends on its intended capacity. For example, if a unit is intended for 4 people, a maximum of 4 people can use it at any one time. Any more than this and you risk their safety. Welfare unit capacity will usually depend on the size of the unit, with larger units accommodating more workers at once. 

That being said, there is nothing stopping 10 people using a welfare unit intended for 7 people, provided that only 7 people use it at once. 

The Differences Between a Decontamination Unit and a Welfare Unit

So, you’ve now got an understanding of what a welfare unit is, but do you know what a decontamination unit is? Workers often need a decontamination unit when onsite to ensure their safety from contaminants. Contaminated water, plant toxins and asbestos are all examples of toxic substances which you could potentially come into contact with on site, in which case a decontamination unit is highly essential.

A decontamination unit is an area or an arrangement of rooms that separate the work area from the contaminated area. Within the unit, systems are put in place to remove toxic and non toxic substances from people, their clothing and equipment. The unit is usually split into 3 sections, a dirty end, shower end and clean end where workers typically remove all clothing, shower, and re-dress in clean clothing in a separate clean chamber before exiting the unit. 

In contrast, a mobile welfare unit  is used as a portable work site or rest room – contaminants should be dealt with in the decontamination unit/section before workers enter the welfare unit. 

What Are The Benefits of a Mobile Welfare Unit?

With a welfare unit, you can benefit from the following facilities:

  • W/C facilities – W/C Facilities will consist of a toilet and wash basin. They will become useful especially if there are no toilet facilities nearby when working onsite.
  • Washing facilities – These facilities most of the time consist of hot and cold running water and cleaning products such as soap and towels. This takes the stress away of wondering where to clean up after work, as it’s all conveniently found in the welfare unit.
  • Cooking facilities – A common occurrence whilst working onsite is that there are no hot food facilities  nearby, which results in workers having to go in search for places to eat, which is inconvenient and time consuming. The units are well equipped with the essential kitchen appliances such as microwaves and kettles, so workers can prepare meals.
  • Resting and seating area – When it comes to working onsite, workers are often required to have rest areas .Having an area specifically designed for rest will help reduce cross contamination and is more hygienic, as well as giving workers the appropriate amount of rest  to proceed with their job.
  • Changing rooms and storage areas. Particularly with jobs in construction, workers must be wearing protective clothing and will need to clean up after work. Introducing changing rooms and storage areas makes processes hygienic and more private.

When hiring a welfare unit, bear in mind that some of the amenities mentioned above require proper maintenance, such as the toilets – this is essential for maintaining cleanliness and proper working facilities when facilities are scarce. 

Thermac has published a step by step guide to show you how to empty your welfare unit toilet for your ease.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Mobile Welfare Unit?

The price of a mobile welfare unit will differ for each hire as it depends on the maximum capacity, type of unit and how long you hire it for. Learn more about our range of welfare units below to decide which unit is right for you, before submitting a quote request. 

Available Welfare Unit Hires:

Thermac supplies a range of Welfare Cabins, Towable Welfare Units, Open Plan Cabins, Canteens, Showers and Toilet Blocks.

Welfare Cabins, Trailers and Toilets – There are different options available for hire:

  • Toilet blocks with capacity from 3 up to 6 people. 
  • Towable units for up to a maximum of 12 people.
  • Static welfare unit cabins for up to a maximum of 24 people.
  • Combination units which includes canteen.
  • Toilets, sinks and offices.
  • Open plan cabins with sinks and shower blocks.

Sealed Box Trailer – The transport trailer is versatile for any project and includes a rear tail ramp for your ease with unloading. It has been designed in mind to reduce risk of decontamination.

Electric Decontamination Welfare unit – The electric unit consists of 4 key sections –  decontamination/hygiene area, welfare facilities, toilet facilities and technical room. The unit will help to keep worksites greener and cleaner.

Dual Fuel Twin Shower Decontamination Unit – The unit is made of three sections –  the Dirty End, the Shower Area and the Clean End. There’s a self-closing, gravity-vented door which leads from the Dirty Area to keep the decontamination unit as hygienic as possible.

Mobile Welfare Unit  Hire at Thermac

If welfare units are something which your business would benefit from, or if you would like further information on hiring our products, our experienced team will be happy to speak with you and help you find the right product for your requirements. 

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