Question:
Is there a inexpensive way to upgrade existing safety showers that do not have tepid water in such a way that they will comply with the tepid water requirements of ANSI Z358.1 (2009)?
Answer
This is a very good question because a rapidly increasing number of both federal level (OSHA) and state level health and safety inspectors are beginning to enforce the ANSI Z358.1 (2009) standard. This standard not only includes the requirement of providing 15 minutes of flow from safety showers and eyewashes, but with the 2009 revision, it also includes the requirement that the water coming from the shower and eyewash must be between 60°F and 100°F for the full 15 minutes.
Many companies have had the same safety showers and eyewashes for years. These older safety showers may be in perfect working condition, but if the water they are currently being supplied with has a temperature less than 60°F, then they are no longer compliant. While some larger companies may require a complete overhaul of a large recirculating system, what do you do if your company has a smaller number of safety shower and eyewash units that are individually connected directly to the main water system? In this case, we have the perfect solution.
The ATS-TWR is a small system that is specifically designed to bring tepid (60°F to 100°F) water to existing showers within your facility in order to bring them up to full compliance with ANSI Z358.1 (2009). This system is comprised of two components: an industrial 47-gallon electric water heater and a thermostatic mixing valve. The main cold water supply is connected to both the inlet on the water heater and to one of the two inlets on the mixing valve. The outlet on the water heater is connected to the second inlet on the mixing valve. Finally, the outlet on the mixing valve is connected to the shower/eyewash. This system can easily be installed by a local plumber. After installation, it is a simple matter to set the mixing valve at the appropriate temperature which will ensure that your safety shower/eyewash is compliant with the latest ANSI standards.
The ATS-TWR system is very reasonably priced and is available immediately. If you are looking for an upgrade to tepid water for your safety showers, the ATS-TWR is the perfect solution.