ANSI Z358.1 was revised in 2009 to include the requirement that all safety shower and eyewash equipment provide flushing fluid in the “tepid” range. The 2014 revision of the ANSI standard did not modify this important requirement. The tepid range is defined in ANSI Z358.1 (2014) as between 60°F (15.56°C) and 100°F (37.78°C) inclusive. The ANSI standard is based on medical recommendations and specifies continuous and timely irrigation of affected tissues for a 15-minute recommended irrigation period.
Tepid flushing fluid temperatures are considered an integral part of appropriate medical treatment. Temperatures in excess of 100°F (37.78°C) have been proven to cause damage to eyes and can worsen the interaction between some chemicals and eye and skin tissue.
Cold flushing fluid temperatures can provide an immediate cooling relief upon initial contact, however, prolonged exposure to flushing fluid temperatures lower than 60°F (15.56°C) can reduce the body’s ability to regulate its body temperature to healthy levels and, in extreme cases, can result in hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
Another reason flushing fluid colder than 60°F is not desirable is that it discourages victims from receiving a full treatment. It is difficult to stand in a shower with very cold water for the required 15 minutes. Likewise, it is difficult to keep eyes in eyewash spray for very long if the spray is very cold. Most victims will likely move in and out of the drench or spray in an effort to both reduce the pain from the chemical burn and, in turn, escape the uncomfortable sensation of the cold water. Moving into and out of the shower drench or eyewash spray will not provide the recommended treatment for chemical burns.
It can be a significant challenge to upgrade shower and/or eyewash equipment from cold flushing fluid or from extremely hot flushing fluid to tepid temperatures. Alpine Technical Services can provide expert analysis and advice, as well as high quality industrial solutions for those who need to upgrade their cold-water safety showers and eyewashes to the tepid standard or who just need to start out fresh with new equipment that complies with ANSI Z358.1 (2014) and meets all OSHA or other regulatory agency requirements.