Trends in ... eyewashes and showers

Eyewashes and showers, an important part of facilities’ safety plans, fall under the requirements of OSHA standard 1910.151(c).

In turn, OSHA points employers to the ANSI Z358.1 standard for details on flow rates, placement, testing and much more.

“In other words,” says Herbert Post, vice president at TradeSafe, “it’s not just purchasing an eyewash/safety shower. It’s a system, a process, that requires maintenance that can take no backseat to complacency as a critical piece of personal protection for people.”

What does that maintenance include?

“Safety showers should be tested regularly as part of a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure they are in proper working order should they be needed,” said Andy Reichlin, national sales manager – industrial, ThermOmegaTech. “It is essential to ensure that when they are needed, safety showers work correctly.”

Added Ryan Pfund, senior product manager at Bradley Corp.: “Weekly activation ensures that nothing is blocking the flow of the flushing fluid and eliminates any chance of contamination from stagnant water. It’s important that all heads of the device are activated, including the eyewash or eye/facewash head, as well as the showerhead.

“Take time to flush lines long enough to clear the line of sediment and debris buildup. Self-contained units should also be visually inspected weekly. Inspection tags are often included with fixtures to document testing and to satisfy a safety audit.”

Pfund highlighted another factor for employers to consider.

“The current revision of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 states that water supplied to eyewash and drench showers needs to be potable and tepid. Tepid water – defined as 60-100° F – must be maintained throughout the entire 15-minute drench to be effective. At first activation, the cold supply may seem warm enough because the water in the supply line is at room temperature, but eventually over the 15-minute drench, it will likely turn to a colder ground water temperature. Using a dependable delivery system of tepid flushing fluid … will encourage a full 15-minute flush of the injured area.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Hearing protection
• Protective clothing