The HSE recommends using a wheel wash to prevent dirt and debris from getting onto public highways from commercial vehicles such as those on construction, landfill and quarry sites. But with many different types of wheel washes available, how do you choose the right one?  

At Wheelwash, you don’t need to choose. Our team work with you to make sure the wheel wash provided is suitable for the environment it is to be used in. 

Here we’ve asked two of our new business team experts, Karen and Alison, to share some of the information they need to get you the best wheel wash for your project.   

 

 

1. What type of site?  

Quarries don’t have the same amount of mud as a construction site, and construction sites don’t have dust like a quarry. The point is, the type of site is very important for getting the right wheel wash. For example, a quarry may need a drive-through bath as the smaller particles may get stuck in the tread of a wheel. Or, if you have an agricultural site, a spray may be more effective than a jet to disinfect the entire vehicle and prevent contamination.  

Wheel wash system by Wheelwash Ltd

2. Where is your site? 

As well as the type of site, we need to know where your site is. We’ve supplied wheel washes everywhere from Fort William to Trinidad. The location impacts the type of dirt and debris the wheel wash will need to clean. For example, if you’re in Devon or London, the soil is often clay which makes the wheels claggy, requiring an aggressive wheel wash. Areas such as Dorset are chalky which can create a lot of dust. Our team are experts and provide a consultative approach to help in ensuring you get the right wheel wash.  

Wheel wash system by Wheelwash Ltd

3. How much space is available?  

The location of your site is also important so we know how much space we have available. For example, construction sites in London are often very restricted of space, so we need to use shorter ramps or smaller settlement tanks. If space is an issue, we can also inset the wash base to reduce the footprint.  

Wheel wash infection prevention

4. What type of space is available? 

Our design engineers are experts at fitting wheel washes into even the most complex of terrains. 

5. How much vehicle traffic will there be?  

Most sites will have around 50 vehicles per day requiring their wheels washed. But when we manufactured the wheel wash for Hinkley power station, it needed to be able to wash hundreds of vehicles every day. Such a high volume of traffic requires more water for cleaning, and bigger tanks. 

6. How long will you need the wheel wash for?  

Is there an ongoing requirement or do you need one for just a few weeks / months? For many of our customers, hiring offers a flexible and cost-effective solution. Our team will provide you with costs for each if you are unsure.  

Ecowash Extreme

7. Do you have access to mains power and water?  

Remote locations don’t always have access to mains power and water, so non-powered options such as the Ecobath or Ecoramp systems are available. Our team can also work with you to source a generator.

8. What types of vehicles will be using it?  

It’s important that we know the specifications of the vehicles that will be using the wheel wash. Trucks, tippers and diggers are all different sizes and heights.  

9. Do you also need a boot wash?  

Placing one or more boot washes around a site, especially in winter when rain makes the mud slippery and particularly dangerous, promotes good safety and prevents slips. It also helps keep on site offices and welfare units clean.

 

 

What you should do now

The nine factors above are just the start of designing and building your bespoke wheel wash. No two projects are ever the same. Our team will work proactively with you to make sure your wheel wash is perfect for your project.  

 

Arrange a call back from one of our team to discuss your options and we will send you some example costs.  

Boot wash by Wheelwash Ltd