Trends in ... facility safety

Keeping a facility and its workers safe doesn’t come down to a single element.

Safety+Health talked with three experts from safety product manufacturers about how they help employers maintain a safe environment for workers. Each discussed a different area of expertise. Here’s what they had to say.

Emergency eyewash and safety shower stations

A constant challenge in facilities with dangerous or caustic substances? “Ensuring safety showers and eyewash stations are in proper working order,” says Andy Reichlin, national sales manager for industrial at ThermOmegaTech.

He explains: “First, facilities must comply with ANSI Z358.1 standards, which stipulate that safety showers and eyewash stations provide water that meets specific pressure and temperature requirements.

“Facilities must also supply tepid water to their units. Tepid water in a washdown station is crucial for safety and comfort. Water that’s too hot can cause burns, while cold water can lead to shock or discomfort, especially in emergencies requiring prolonged exposure.”

It takes regular maintenance to keep this equipment in good working order.

“Second,” he added, “facilities must also ensure the equipment will work when an emergency does arise. That can be a challenge for outside equipment that is subject to freezing temperatures.”

Reichlin recommends that “equipment be turned on at least once per week to ensure it is within code. This will flush out contaminants that can significantly decrease operating life and prove the equipment will perform as expected when called upon.”

Passive protection systems

One of the key developments in facility safety, according to Wesley Doyle, marketing manager at Kee Safety, is the “emphasis on passive protection systems that don’t rely on human intervention to function properly.”

He said that because these solutions are designed to provide continuous protection, they help employers stay compliant with safety regulations “while reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.”

But as with any safety system, Doyle added, workers need to be trained on passive protection systems, and the systems need to be regularly inspected and properly maintained.

“Even the most effective solutions can be compromised if not used correctly or if neglected over time.”

Forklift safety

Have traditional forklift safety measures leveled off? Ram Kumar, chief revenue officer at SIERA.AI, says “yes.”

“New developments in forklift safety systems are using artificial intelligence. AI analytical solutions harness the power of telematics data that is collected on assets, operators, paths, incidents to suggest diagnostic, prescriptive and predictive analytics. They can be leveraged within facilities to optimize assets, workload, operators, pathways, etc.”

Final advice

Looking at the big picture when it comes to facility safety, Doyle said employers need to “prioritize customized solutions that are tailored to the specific risks of their facility, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches. Regular risk assessments, combined with flexible safety systems, can help them meet both regulatory requirements and their own operational needs.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Respiratory protection
• Training and education