Safety Emergency eyewash and Shower Design
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Industrial worksites are complex and filled with variables that can change daily, presenting fluctuating serious risks for exposure to harmful chemicals, dusty conditions, and flammable materials. The importance of emergency eyewashes and shower devices in such settings cannot be underestimated. They can help prevent permanent eye and skin damage from chemical burns or foreign substances generated by various operations.
- Workplace Hazards: There are numerous potential hazards in industrial workspaces, from harmful chemicals to dusty conditions and flammable materials. These hazards vary and can change daily.
- Statistics on Exposure: There are alarming statistics on the risk of hazardous exposure. In 2020, exposure to harmful substances or environments resulted in over 424,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses and 672 fatalities, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).
- Types of Equipment: Emergency eyewash stations, emergency eye/face wash stations, drench showers, and non-plumbed, self-contained eyewash fixtures are all crucial pieces of safety equipment. Each type serves a different purpose, and the selection should be based on the specific hazards in the workplace.
- Time is of the Essence: Immediate access to an eyewash or drench shower within the first few seconds of exposure can prevent further or permanent damage. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014 recommends that these devices be located within 10 seconds of the hazard.
- New Models and Technologies: The latest generation of emergency fixtures uses advanced fluid dynamics to deliver uniform and complete spray patterns. Also, new eye/face wash designs ensure water is dispersed to all areas of the face, providing better protection.
- Tepid Water: Both thermostatic mixing valves and electric tankless water heaters can deliver tepid water reliably and efficiently, which is crucial for a full 15-minute flush of the affected area.
- Supplementary Equipment: Emergency signaling systems can enhance eyewash and shower safety by quickly alerting emergency response teams.
- Free Job Site Evaluations: Manufacturers can help with the selection, placement, maintenance, and testing of equipment, as well as training of employees.
Understanding Risks and Options
To select the appropriate emergency eyewash and shower equipment, start by identifying potential hazards in the workplace. Review the safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous substances to ensure the proper protection and safety plan is in place. The selection of plumbed equipment should be based on the type and level of potential exposure to people and how many individuals could be affected.
Equipment Types
- Emergency eyewash stations: These stations are effective for spills, splashes, dust, or debris likely to affect only the eyes. They provide a controlled flow of water to both eyes simultaneously, delivering an uninterrupted, 15-minute supply of tepid water.
- Emergency eye/face wash stations: These stations are used when the entire face is at risk from spills, splashes, dust, and debris. They irrigate the eyes and face simultaneously, providing a large distribution pattern of water.
- Drench showers: These are used when larger areas of the body are at risk. They can flush a larger portion of the body but are not appropriate for the eyes.
- Non-plumbed, self-contained eyewash fixtures: These are used when there is no access to a plumbed water source. These portable, gravity-fed systems can deliver water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
The Importance of Time in an Emergency
Immediate access to an emergency eyewash or shower within the first few seconds of eye or skin exposure is crucial. Eyewash or drench showers must be located within 10 seconds of the hazard, as per ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014 American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.
New Models Improve Washdown Coverage
The latest generation of emergency fixtures is designed to deliver a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution. Using the latest technology in fluid dynamics, these designs work with a pressure-regulated flow control and the spinning motion of water to create an optimal spray pattern.
Ensuring Steady On-Demand Tepid Water Temperature
It’s important to provide reliable on-demand tepid water for flushing fluid, which helps encourage a full 15-minute flush of the injured area. Both thermostatic mixing valves and electric tankless water heaters can deliver tepid water reliably and efficiently.
Supplementary Equipment for Emergency Eyewashes and Showers
Consider using an emergency signaling system, which helps to quickly alert and mobilize emergency response teams to affected personnel who are using emergency safety showers and eye and eye/face wash fixtures.
Remember, emergency equipment manufacturers offer free job site evaluations to help with the placement of fixtures, ANSI compliance, product selection, equipment maintenance, and testing, and employee training. It’s a good idea to get an outside expert’s perspective to help you stay on top of inevitable worksite changes that may impact the proper usage and effectiveness of your emergency equipment.
