A robust acoustic solution to keep students and educators safe

PROJECT:

Sonic Acoustic welding and grinding bays for TAFE training facilities

INDUSTRY TYPE:

Construction/Education

CLIENT:

SJ Higgins Group Pty Ltd

LOCATION:

Chadston,VIC

Initial project requirements:

When Holmesglen TAFE set out to upgrade its Chadstone training facility, they engaged Spowers Architects to design the project. In their original documentation, the architects specified Flexshield to deliver engineered acoustic and screening systems that would suit the needs of a busy educational welding environment.

Following SJ Higgins Group’s successful tender, Flexshield was engaged to deliver a full supply-and-install package, including acoustic welding bays, grinding rooms, quench tank screening, and clear access separation. The solution needed to be robust, compliant, and safe for student use, while supporting supervision and long-term performance.

Key requirements included:

Enclosed welding and grinding bays
Screening for quench tanks and adjacent areas
Spark and fume control
Clear sightlines for trainers
Safe and durable equipment suited for constant student use

Flexshield solution:

The Flexshield team delivered a complete package engineered for education, with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and ease of supervision.

Sonic Acoustic Welding Bays

17 bays across three modular banks
Each bay: 1300mm wide x 1935mm deep x 2400mm high
Constructed using 50mm Sonic Acoustic Panels
- Pre-coated Dulux Grey Nurse finish
- Galvanised steel capping and receiving channels
Weldflex™ 300mm x 2mm spark-resistant PVC strips
Divider walls raised 150mm above ground level to aid fume extraction

Sonic Acoustic Grinding Rooms

4 fully enclosed bays: 1290mm x 2488mm x 2400mm
Glazed windows for safe supervision
Acoustic separation maintained across all areas
Access via Sonic Access acoustic doors

SonicClear Strip Curtains

Supplied to cover clear entry zones, including access to the quench tanks
300mm clear strips with 50mm overlap
Delivered in kit form with anodised tracks
UV-stabilised, food-safe, and suitable for ongoing workshop use

Student Work Bays

1000mm x 500mm x 900mm steel benches with 6mm mild steel tops
FlexWeld safety mats, 900mm x 900mm, with:
- Electrical insulation to 30,000 volts
- Heat resistance up to 1500°C
- Ramped edges for safety
- Compliant with AS/NZS 2978:1995 and ASTM D-178

Technical Support and Coordination

CAD drawings provided, including as-built documentation
On-site consultation conducted to verify bay dimensions, access logistics, and final install timeline

Results achieved:

The completed solution met all performance and compliance targets, delivering safety, functionality, and longevity for Holmesglen’s student training program.

A Holmesglen representative commented,

“Working with Michael and the Flexshield install team during the Holmesglen TAFE project was a smooth process. We had no issues throughout the job, and I’d be happy to work with them again.”

From noise compliance to spark and fume containment, Flexshield delivered a fit-for-purpose acoustic and safety solution tailored to the education sector. Engineered to last, built to protect.

For a detailed assessment and consultation, call Flexshield on 1300 799 969 or contact us online.