Custom Consoles SteelBase Desks Chosen for Mining Control Room

Accompanying CAD graphic shows the main Custom Consoles SteelBase desk provided for the mining control room.

Custom Consoles announces the completion of a control room furniture installation for a globally active mining company. The facility is being used to ensure safe and efficient operation through a high-productivity mine in the north of England. The mine is almost entirely underground rather than opencast, both for environmental and geological reasons. Remote CCTV cameras are used to maintain safe and efficient process control throughout the active areas and transit tunnels.

“SteelBase was chosen for the main control desk as it offers heavy-duty build quality plus the ability to mount PCs within the desk,” comments Custom Consoles’ sales manager Gary Fuller. “SteelBase desks are also designed to minimise physical fatigue so that control room personnel can maintain full concentration throughout a shift. The project also included two ancillary desks matching the main control desk. KAB Controller chairs were specified for all three desks as these too are ideal for long shifts.”

The main control desk is a 7.8 metre wide C-shaped unit configured for use by two operators. It comprises a five-bay-wide straight central bridge connecting two four-bay-wide curved wings. Each of the 13 bays is fitted with 24 inch video display screens mounted as two horizontal rows of 12 on individually adjustable Ergotron LX desk mount stacking arms. Dimmable LED lights are incorporated on the underside of the desk, illuminating the adjacent floor area without distracting from the display screen images.

Each of the ancillary desks is a 1.8 metre wide by 80 cm front-to-back 4-bay-wide rectangular unit configured for a single administrator. An Ergotron adjustable support arm is attached to the rear centre of these desks.

Custom Consoles’ SteelBase continues to be a popular choice for a wide range of process control applications. It is a high-strength desking system developed to withstand the demands of heavy-industry. Careful attention has also been paid to styling with a choice of front, side and desktop finishes. In this case, all three desks are finished in grey CDF (Compact Density Fibreboard) with slate grey Marmoleum worktops.

Built around steel frames with hinged lockable front and rear doors, SteelBase can be configured for use by individual operators or teams of practically any number without the cost and long delivery time usually associated with project-specific furniture. Each bay can include an optional sliding shelf which gives easy access to internally stowed PCs. Predrilled monitor arm mounting points are positioned at the rear upper edge of each bay.

Cable management features include a removable worktop section with dual brush strips providing an uninterrupted cable exit for telephones, monitor cables and computer peripherals. Integral cableways allow heavy duty wiring to be fully concealed within the desk structure while retaining easy access for routine maintenance or adjustment. Cables can be routed laterally across and between bays as well as vertically to floor level. Internal 19 inch racking is available as a standard feature. Desktop equipment pods can be specified if required. SteelBase desktops are available in a choice of 120 cm (standard) or 100 cm (SteelBase Lite) front-to-back sizes with a choice of hard-wearing Marmoleum or laminate work surfaces. All elements are guaranteed against component failure for five years of normal use.

The KAB 24 hour controller chair is designed for use in high-grade office environments or during long shifts. Among its features are adjustable height and tilt, adjustable rocker tension, inflatable air lumbar, adjustable backrest angle and a height-and-tilt-adjustable headrest. Available finishes include all-leather or a variety of fabric/leather combinations. “We originally identified KAB seats for use at our own headquarters,” Gary Fuller details. “They proved greatly superior to other makes of office seating in terms of comfort and strength so we now stock them as recommended accessories for the Custom Consoles furniture range.”

About Custom Consoles

Custom Consoles Ltd (www.customconsoles.co.uk) is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of project-specific and modular broadcast, process-control and security furniture. Its product range includes motorised and fixed-height units plus fan-cooled sound-insulated equipment housings. The company operates from a UK-based production facility equipped with 3D computer-aided-design facilities, computer-controlled cutting machinery and a thermoform press. These resources provide the dual benefits of precise quality control and prompt delivery times, typically 21 days from receipt of order. Custom Consoles’ clients include governmental and corporate organisations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.