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Obtain ” Peace of Mind ” when Choosing Reputable Emergency Eye Wash Manufacturers or Emergency Shower Manufacturers

October 19, 2022
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Emergency eye wash manufacturers

Compliance and Safety Guide

United States and Canada

Speakman ® Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Stations

Emergency Eye Wash ManufacturersThe time will come when you may have to choose an emergency eye wash manufacturer and/or an emergency shower equipment manufacturer. When that time does come then you’ll want a manufacturer whose products consistently meet ANSI Z358.1 2009 performance requirements. In this regard, we suggest you check out Speakman Emergency Showers. They manufacture a full range of emergency showers, eye washes and eye/face washes.

However, please remember that you must not, under any circumstances, settle for products that look like they may comply or claim to be certified. Some emergency shower and eye wash euipment fixtures may look similar but this doesn’t mean that their quality or performance are equal.

When it comes to meeting ANSI Standards, only an independent, third party organization can confirm that a manufacturer’s product is certified. Well known manufacturers like Speakman clearly document compliance with ANSI standards because the testing and requirements are very important. If you have any compliance concerns, enquire about them before purchasing a product so that your safety concerns are met.

Emergency Eye Wash manufacturersAlso click here for emergency eye wash manufacturers:

Speakman Eye and Face Wash Stations
or
Speakman Laboratory Safety Stations

Emergency Eye Wash Manufacturers in Australia:

Safetyman Pty Ltd is the Australian leader in this special area of emergency shower and eye wash safety technology.

Emergency Shower and Eye WashAll of its deluge equipment is designed and manufactured in its Sydney plant. Its deluge showers are internationally recognized with installations in France, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, China and in the Middle East, South America, West Africa and other places. They stand ready to perform their lifesaving services.

Please refer to all the Safetyman links under the heading ‘Australia’ in the Navigation Menu of this website.

The emergency safety shower and/or emergency eyewash station must be installed within 10 seconds walking time from the location of a hazard.

Safety Shower Requirements | How to Comply with ANSI Z358.1

October 19, 2022

Safety Shower Requirements – How to Comply

OSHA financial penalties for ANSI Z358.1 2014 non compliance of safety shower requirements have increased significantly.

Simply providing a safety shower and/or eye wash is not enough.

In fact, to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration law and be ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliant there are now three significant changes that are required.

  • Most companies have the wrong water temperature and therefore are not compliant.
  • If you have a combination shower and eye wash then you need to know the simultaneous use and the minimum flow rate requirements.
  • Testing requirements and how to stay compliant are now major considerations.
Safety-Shower-Requirements-Guide.jpg

You will be able to instantly download this guide in PDF format.

Most emergency shower and eye wash/face wash units across North America do not comply with these significant code provisions.

In North America, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) commonly refer to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014.

To be sure your business is compliant you should conduct a Safety Audit Survey. A Safety Audit Survey will save you money because if your business is not prepared a lawsuit could follow. 

A single workplace accident can be devastating. Someone can be injured… or even killed. Property, equipment or materials can be damaged or destroyed. And work could come to a complete standstill. All of these things can happen if efforts are not made to protect employees. One way to accomplish this is to conduct a safety audit.

Safety Audit Topics should cover:

  • A workplace analysis.
  • Administrative controls.
  • Engineering controls.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Emergency response procedures.
  • Regulatory compliance, safety and health training.
  • Accident investigation.
  • A safety self-assessment.

and more

Questions to Ask Relating to Osha Safety Shower Requirements:

  • Do you know who is responsible and who assigns responsibility ?
  • Are you prepared and, do you have an Emergency Action Plan ?
  • Are you aware and have a Hazardous Substance Control Program ?
  • There’s no price tag on the loss of vision or pain and suffering associated with eye and other corrosive splash injuries !
  • Every employer must organize the necessary staff training on how to use the Eye Wash and Emergency Shower facilities to ensure their employees are safe.

Remember, even if you have the equipment installed that does not mean they are safe.

The Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Guide provides a checklist to help you identify some of the significant ANSI shower requirements included in ANSI Z358.1.

The Guide explains what employers are required to provide in eye wash and safety shower stations by OSHA and how to comply with ANSI Z358.1 2014.

Its critical that you realise that compliance is essential for risk mitigation in today’s lawsuit business climate.

Here are some ANSI emergency showers requirements and eye wash questions that need answering:

  • What is considered a flushing liquid?
  • How long should contact area be rinsed/flushed ?
  • What type of equipment to install ?
  • What specifications should equipment meet ?
  • Where should emergency shower and eye wash station equipment be located?
  • What temperature should the water be?
  • When should emergency shower and eye wash station equipment be inspected ?

Many companies do not know these emergency shower requirements and, it could mean you’re at risk of huge financial penalties !

The first 10 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance are critical.

You must carry out a regular testing and maintenance program. Weekly activation is an important step in the maintenance of your safety shower and eyewashes. Activation is just another way to say “turn it on.” It’s important because it ensures that fluid doesn’t get stagnant and is available to the head of the unit – the part where the water comes out. It’s also helpful in clearing the water line of any build-up that could clog it

The ANSI safety shower requirements stipulate that where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

As an employer you have the important responsibility of understanding and complying with OSHA and ANSI guidelines for emergency shower requirements and eye washes. While selecting the right emergency shower and/or eye wash stations for your facility may appear difficult, it is really quite simple once you familiarize yourself with a few simple criteria.

Once you understand the safety shower requirements, you will be well on your way to developing an emergency eyewash and shower compliance program tailored to your facility’s needs. 

Types of Emergency Response Equipment:

1. Emergency Eye/Face Wash Equipment
2. Mobile Emergency Safety Showers
3. Indoor Emergency Safety Showers
4. Outdoor Emergency Safety Showers
5. Temperature Controlled Emergency Safety Showers
6. Emergency Tank Showers

The Emergency Shower Requirements and Eye Wash Guide should be a great start to keep you and your employees safe from harm – and your wallet safe from monetary citations.

 

 

 

Safety shower manufacturers

October 19, 2022
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In the
United States
and Canada

click here for

Speakman Emergency Showers


and here for

Speakman Eye and Face Wash Stations


In AUSTRALIA
Click here for
Safetyman Safety Shower and Eye Wash equipment

Outdoor Safety Shower Designed for Hot, Exposed Locations

October 19, 2022
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Safetyman

Safetyman Comfortcool™

Australian Patent No: 640275

Emergency Shower Banner Australia

Safetyman’s outdoor safety shower and eye wash systems comply with Australian Standard AS4775 and American Standard ANSI Z358.1 2014

Australian Design AwardThe Comfortcool™ Principle:

Safetyman ‘Comfortcool ™ range of safety showers are fabricated entirely from stainless steel using stainless ball valves, 200mm stainless deluge heads and specifically fabricated stainless basins. All pipework and valves in the Safetyman Comfortcool ™ range are 316 stainless. The permeable outer casing is also designed for the harsh environmental conditions likely to be encountered.

The Safetyman outdoor safety shower range is designed for hot, exposed locations where, by insolation (heating from solar radiation), the water in ordinary showers can be heated well beyond the limits of safety. The maximum safe water temperature is considered to be 35 degrees centigrade. Not only can scalding be a problem but hot water can open pores to allow greater contaminant ingress and, in some cases, it can accelerate reactions with adverse effects.

Emergency Shower

The principle is simple. It works like the old canvas water bag. The supply line is jacketed with a percolating hose which allows water, seeping through, to evaporate from the outer surface. The jacket and the water it contains insulate the supply of water and, at the same time, latent heat is removed, by evaporation, from the whole assembly. It is by these means that the supply water is kept cool and comfortable.

Safetyman Comfortcool Emergency Safety ShowersThe supply of water is held static in the supply tube (1). A needle valve (2) allows water from the supply tube to enter the jacket (3) from which it percolates to the outside surface and evaporates to the atmosphere. This avoids wastage of water when, to maintain cool conditions, it is allowed to trickle from the system or discharge regularly under temperature control. Also, this overcomes the dangerous and avoidable time delay encountered when dry pipe showers are employed.

For additional information on Safetyman Comfortcool outdoor Safety Showers, please phone, fax or email:

Alternatively. visit their website:

www.Safetyman.com.au

Phone:

In Australia: 1300 781 288

International: +61 2 9502 2300

Fax:

Australia: 1300 761 244

International: +61 2 9502 1045

For further information on an outdoor safety shower please contact Safetyman.

Decontamination Equipment | You May Absolutely Be Held Responsible !

October 19, 2022
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Decontamination equipment in the event of an accident !

First responders, governments and the military have a duty to plan and prepare for the protection of the public in the event of an accident, disaster or attack using chemical, nuclear or biological agents.

decontamination equipment discussion image

Most Commonly Asked Decontamination Equipment Questions:

Why do I need a safety shower or eye/face wash unit?

Whatever industry you’re in, there’s nothing more important than keeping your workforce safe.

Emergency safety showers, eye/face wash units and decontamination equipment provide you with a safer working environment, greater protection against serious injury and peace of mind that you’re compliant with crucial safety standards.

They’re the first line of defense in the event of an accidental splash or spillage on site. Using them, you can quickly wash off potentially hazardous substances. Without them, you could risk serious injury, permanent disability or even death.

Have you consulted your site risk assessment to determine the specific requirements for emergency safety showers or eye/face wash decontamination equipment?

Site risk assessments will provide the information you need to understand the location, specification and quantity of equipment required.

How will location affect which safety shower I choose?

To ensure you select the right safety shower for your site, ask yourself:

What is the ambient temperature of the location of the hazard on your site? Do you have sufficient drainage to contain potentially contaminated water? Do you have a potable and reliable water supply with enough pressure at the site of the hazard? Is the shower being used in an explosive area?

How do I comply with European and International standards for emergency safety showers?

Both EN15154-2 & 5:2019 and ANSI Z358.1-2014 recommend performance requirements for safety showers and eye washes such as water temperature, flow rate, operation, location and testing.

How often should I test my emergency safety showers and eye/face washes?

It is  recommended that you perform a weekly activation of your emergency showers and eye washes in order to ensure the equipment is in full working order. The European standard, EN15154-5:2019 recommends safety showers should be tested at least every month.

This should include flow rate measurement and visual inspection of the spray pattern and water quality. All tests should be documented for audit purposes and to remain compliant.

Weekly activation of your emergency safety showers and eye/face wash units is paramount to ensure that all emergency equipment is operating properly. This process is stated as a requirement in European and International standards (EN15154 and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014)

Not only will performing this test give you peace of mind that your emergency equipment is in full working order, it will also ensure you remain compliant. If a shower fails to function correctly or further injures an employee you could face significant fines and/or imprisonment.

How often should I service my emergency safety showers and eye washes?

It is the duty of every employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of every employee and this includes the maintenance of safety equipment. Bear in mind that this is lifesaving equipment and must consistently be fit for purpose. It’s recommended that a weekly activation of safety showers and eye washes to remove any sediment build-up in the pipework and to ensure correct operation. International standards recommend an annual inspection.

How to Use Decontamination Showers

If you have been exposed to hazardous substances and require getting decontaminated you need to reach the decontamination shower as soon as possible or be escorted to the nearest one immediately. The decontamination process requires you to undress and strip before stepping into the shower zone and be under the shower for fifteen minutes in the least for optimum effect to take place.

The imperative for managements and their advisers is to ensure that all practical measures such as decontamination equipment in the form of eye wash units and emergency shower units are taken to make all operations safe for all concerned.

OSHA Fact Sheet

 

ANSI Z358.1 2014 Compliance | It’s Important ! | Emergency Shower and Eye Wash

October 19, 2022
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ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance is essential !

The American National Standard ANSI Z358.1 2014 Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment, when specifying emergency shower and eye wash equipment, is the only reference point.

ansi-z358.1-2014-compliance-guide.jpg

You will be able to instantly download this guide in PDF format

For the proper selection, installation and maintenance of emergency shower and eye wash stations this is the only Standard.

You should review the
ANSI Z358.1 2014 Compliance Standard in detail.

 

 

It’s very important to plan ahead.
In an emergency every second counts !

 

 

 

ANSI Z358 1 2014 ComplianceThe ANSI Z358.1 standard includes minimum performance, testing, installation, maintenance and training specifications for equipment and systems used for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been exposed to injurious materials.

Each section of the ANSI Z358.1 Standard addresses how the equipment should perform, as well as the testing procedures to ensure proper operation, installation, maintenance and training.

ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance covers plumbed and self-contained emergency showers and emergency eye wash equipment, eye and face wash equipment, combination units, personal wash units and hand-held drench hoses. These systems are found in manufacturing facilities, construction sites, laboratories, medical offices and other workplaces.

Separate guidelines within the ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance

There are separate guidelines within the ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance Standard for eye washes and eye/face washes. An eye wash only flushes the person’s eyes whereas an eye/face wash flushes the person’s eyes and face simultaneously.

In addition, although drench hoses are not allowed to replace a drench shower, the 2009 version does allow these hoses as a replacement for an eye wash or combination eye/face wash as long as the drench hose meets the appropriate requirements.

Non-Compliance with ANSI Z358.1 2014
Fines and Litigation

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has specific guidelines, which cover emergency response equipment including emergency showers and eye washes. This body has, in the form of operating standards, regulatory safeguards and procedures.

To comply with the law and be ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliant, three significant changes are now immediately required….

Most companies have the wrong water temperature and are not compliant.

If you have a combination shower and eye wash then you need to know the simultaneous use and the minimum flow rate requirements.

Testing requirements and how to stay compliant are now major consideration.

 

For example, ANSI Z358.1 2004 compliance revision had a general requirement that flushing fluid be “tepid” which was a bit vague and which led to individual interpretations of the term.

However, in its revised ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance standard, ANSI clarified the definition of the word “tepid” ” to be in the range of 60 degrees F to below 100 degrees F.  

The output flushing fluid must be within that range immediately at start-up of the equipment and remain there throughout the full 15-minute use cycle. Generally, temperatures higher than 100 degrees F may cause chemical interactions with the skin and result in further damage. At 60 degrees F and below hypothermia becomes a concern.

It is important to realise that a very specific requirement is now in place. If ANSI Z358.1 2014 compliance is delayed you may have fines levied by OSHA for non-compliance to ANSI and other standards. It’s possible that these fines could be substantial.

Not only that, it’s also possible that the temperature range requirement could result in a case of negligence in a lawsuit filed by an injured employee. For example, if the emergency shower water was too cold. The employee may be unable to stand under the shower for the full required period which resulted in the employee receiving a greater injury.

DISCOVER Critical Information on WHAT’S REQUIRED for emergency shower and eye wash compliance HERE

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Will your mine safety shower work in an emergency ?

October 19, 2022

Mine safety showers

Employers must maintain, as far as is practicable, a workplace in which employees are not exposed to hazards. Measures must be taken to ensure persons at the mine are not exposed to hazards.

mine safety showerMine Safety Auditing is a recognized systematic method to monitor, review and check whether a safe working environment is provided and maintained.

There are two main types of mine safety audit:

• management system
• high impact function (HIF).

A management system audit is “horizontal” in that it looks across the whole organization structure and considers the broad scope of management policies and procedures that are in place to manage the organization’s safety and health at the site.

HIF audits are “vertical” in that they look at the detail of a specific activity through a vertical slice of the organization’s structure, from senior management to the workplace

Site visits by Australian  mine safety inspectors and dangerous goods officers over the past year have revealed that far too many safety shower and face or eye wash combination units do not comply with clause 9.5(b) of the current Australian Standard AS 4775:2007 Emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

That is, the shower and wash components do not perform efficiently when used simultaneously.

The safety inspections carried out by the regulator have identified the most common fault as water supply pressures that are low and do not meet the manufacturers’ minimum requirements.

Not only do showers and face or eye washes need to be regularly checked by the mine operator, they must also be maintained in good condition — no-one wants to discover there is a problem when they already have a hazardous substance on their skin or in their eyes.

To raise awareness of this issue, Resources Safety has produced a poster that summarizes the requirements of the Standard, and can be used as a prompt when checking these emergency installations.

The poster can be downloaded here:  SAFETY SHOWER POSTER

Safety showers for corrosive and other splashing accidents including the famous Comfortcool for outdoor, sun exposed situations. AS4775 and ANSI Z358.1 compliant.

Emergency Shower and Eyewash Guide | How to Comply