Case Overview
Control Hire was engaged by a leading hay export processing facility in regional Victoria to address a critical air quality challenge within their enclosed bale handling and processing zones. The site required a compliant, robust solution to mitigate fume and airborne particulate hazards, with added consideration for explosion risks associated with static discharge in dusty environments.
Challenge
Hay processing environments generate significant volumes of organic dust and vapourised chemical compounds, particularly during mechanical handling, compaction, and treatment stages.
The client identified elevated concentrations of fine airborne particulates and fume-like odours in a partially enclosed work area—posing health risks to workers, potential non-compliance with WorkSafe Victoria guidelines, and a serious risk of static-induced ignition. The environment was classified as having potential explosive atmospheres due to fibre and dust accumulation.
solution & equipment
Control Hire supplied and commissioned a bespoke Anti-Static Fume Filtration Kit, designed for use in hazardous areas with explosive potential. The deployed system included:
- 337mm Centrifugal Fan with 2.2kW single-phase motor and IP66-rated Variable Speed Drive for precise airflow control.
- 5,000m³/hr Air Scrubber featuring a three-stage filtration setup to effectively remove both dust and odorous vapours.
- Anti-Static Ducting (305mm) rated for hazardous zones handling powders, fibres, and vapours.
The compact footprint (under 1100mm in any dimension) and modularity of the system allowed easy integration into the client’s existing processing line without interrupting production.
Outcome
The solution provided immediate improvements in indoor air quality, with post-installation air monitoring confirming compliance with recommended exposure limits. Dust and fume concentrations fell below critical thresholds, and the system’s anti-static properties provided essential risk mitigation in a high-dust setting.
The client also benefitted from Control Hire’s end-to-end service—encompassing hazard assessment, compliant system design, installation, and ongoing servicing support.