Permanent wash bays are fixed areas within an operation for the express purpose of washing vehicles, machines and/or heavy equipment. Permanent bays, like the name suggests, can’t be dismantled or moved on a regular basis and are permanent structures which offer on-going service to the site. It is imperative businesses adhere to the requirements of all regulatory bodies in their area to ensure compliance and avoid costly fines or business closure for failing to meet the size, function and processing of wastewater.
Compliance requirements differ between states, territories and local councils, however in a broad sense permanent washbays require the following components;
- Pre-treatment device
- Oil seperator
- Silt trap
- Perimeter bunding
- Holding pit
In the event a wash bay does not require a roof a first flush system is generally required to comply with local water authorities.
Mackie Plumbing and Gas installed wash bays will collect and isolate wash water effectively, and when combined with storm water diversion systems for unroofed bays will ensure authority compliance. We will work with your business and site to accommodate size and weight requirements of your business.
Benefits of Permanent Wash bays
- Long lasting performance
- Best install option for fixed business locations
- Long term and on-going solution
- Provide many years of service
- Compliance Requirements
- Can provide new revenue streams from quarantine/AQIS wash down
Uses and applications
- Wash down
- Garages
- Mine sites
- Workshops
- Car washes
- Industrial equipment
- AQIS facilities
- ISO container wash-down
- Export yards
- Construction sites
Roofed vs Unroofed Wash bays
Roofed Wash Bay
Roofed wash bays are wash bays with an overhead roof feature. Roofing can be both permanent; generally steel or aluminium, or temporary structures, inevitably steel framed with polyethylene fabric covered. In certain locals if a wash bay exceeds 20m² a roof may be required.
Roofed Wash bay Benefits
- Capacity for all weather cleaning
- Generally don’t require a first flush system, as stormwater runs off roof so in most cases extra equipment is not required to manage stormwater combining with wastewater
Applicable Industries
- Automotive Industry
- Car retailers
- Car Washes
- Repair shops
Treatment of Waste Water from Roofed Wash Bays Waste water must be treated before discharge. Required devices for treatment include;
- Oil Separator
- In-ground collection pit
- Silt trap
Companies requiring cleaning facilities for cranes or oversized machinery/vehicles should opt for unroofed wash bays which are unrestricted by height size. Trade waste permits are required for the install of all wash bays, which will allow connection to sewer systems. Contact Mackie Plumbing and Gas to enquire about trade permits and your wash bay requirements.
Unroofed Wash Bay
Unroofed wash bays are bays without a roof structure, and are open. Unroofed Wash Bay Benefits
- Cheaper to install and erected faster
- Unrestricted sizing for cleaning over-sized vehicles/machinery, including cranes and heavy equipment
- Permits associated with roofed structures don’t apply
- In some cases negate requirement for first flush system providing savings
Treatment of Waste Water from Unroofed Wash Bays Waste water must be treated before discharge. Due to the open nature of unroofed bays they require additional equipment for diverting stormwater and preventing sewerage flooding. Required devices for treatment include;
- Oil separator
- Interceptor pit
- Diversion system
Due to their open nature unroofed bays provide little protection from the elements making cleaning in harsh conditions more difficult or restrictive. Contact Mackie Plumbing and Gas to discuss your wash bay requirements. CONTACT US NOW