Best practice requirements for large-scale wash bay screens

A practical guide for heavy industry

When washing down mining haul trucks or other large plant equipment, there is more than just dust and dirt to consider. High-pressure hoses, flying chunks of mud, corrosive runoff, and debris that can damage surrounding infrastructure – or worse, pose safety risks – are all common hazards.

That’s where a purpose-built wash bay screening solution from Flexshield comes in. Whether you’re setting up a permanent wash bay or retrofitting an existing one, getting the design right is crucial.

Here’s what your large-scale wash bay screens must include to perform reliably in a high-demand industrial environment.

1) Fixed panels that don’t give in – ever

• Heavy-duty 2mm thick SonicClear PVC panels

Our fixed panel solution uses 2mm SonicClear PVC – the thickest, toughest clear PVC in the Flexshield range. These panels are purpose-engineered to absorb the impact of flying mud, rocks, water spray, and debris without cracking, splitting or tearing.

• HF welded construction

Each panel is high-frequency welded, not stitched or glued. This gives the screen a seamless bond that won’t degrade over time – making them ideal for the punishing conditions of a mining or industrial wash bay.

• Visibility with protection

The clear nature of SonicClear means operators and safety observers can still see into the bay without being exposed to the splash zone.

Benefits

• Protects staff and infrastructure from debris
• Withstands high-volume, high-impact cleaning
• Low maintenance, long service life

2) Sliding panels for access – strong, smooth, and built to last

Access for large vehicles is non-negotiable – but the way the wash bay screens incorporate access panels makes all the difference.

Heavy-duty sliding track system

Our wash bay screens have a robust sliding panel system designed for repeated daily use. It includes:

• Heavy-duty track engineered for smooth gliding movement – even with heavy PVC panels.
• Anti-corrosive aluminium mounting angle that’s perfect for wet, chemical-prone environments.
• Industrial-rated sliding rollers that are built to handle weight and repetitive use without buckling or jamming.

Benefits

• Easy access to machinery and vehicles
• Strong enough to handle industrial use
• Resistant to corrosion and wear

Depending on how often you’ll open and close the bay, you’ll also have the option of manual or motorised operation.

3) Additional features to finish the job right

Don’t overlook the final touches that make a wash bay fully functional.

Anchor straps and chain weights

Without these, panels can blow around under pressure. Anchor straps and chain weights hold your screens in place so they don’t become a hazard or let dirty water escape the wash zone.

Hook & loop join strips

Designed to seal the joins between panels, these fasteners keep the screen continuous while allowing quick disconnection and reconfiguration when needed.

Built for mining and heavy industry, tailored to your site

If you’re operating a mining or heavy industrial site, Flexshield’s wash bay setup ticks all the boxes for performance, safety, and compliance. But before we finalise your design, we need a few critical details:

• What are the dimensions of your largest trucks or vehicles?

Height and width help us determine panel sizing and the required sliding sections.

• What materials are you washing off?

Some runoff may require specific chemical resistance – especially with oils, solvents, or acid-based materials.

• Do you prefer manual or motorised operation?

The manual option is simpler and more cost-effective, while motorised offers speed and convenience, especially for frequent use.

Ready to build a wash bay that works?

Because no two sites are identical, Flexshield wash bay screens are made to order. Whether you’re designing from scratch or improving an existing washdown area, we can help. Contact us today on 1300 799 969 or get in touch online to discuss your wash bay requirements with a Flexshield specialist. You can also explore some of our real-world wash bay case studies at flexshield.com.au