For those who regularly work in jobs that include possible exposure to corrosive chemicals and whose well-being could depend upon the right choice of emergency shower, a closer look at what an effective emergency shower should do is warranted. There are many emergency showers available. It is important to look for a an emergency shower that complies with ANSI Z358.1 2009 Standards for Eyewashes and Safety Showers. This is the standard that is looked to by professionals, govenment officials, and the legal community when assessing whether proper precaution, in the form of an emergency shower and eyewash, has been taken to prepare for possible chemical exposure. A few highlights from ANSI Z358.1 2009 follows:
Emergency Shower Basic ANSI Requirements
- Emergency Shower must provide at least 15 minutes drench
- Emergency Shower must provide a flow of 20 U.S. gallons per minute (75.7 Liters/minute)
- Emergency Eyewash must provide a flow of .3 gallons per minute (1.14 Liters/minute)
- Emergency Shower & Eyewash must be usable simultaneously
- Water must be potable
- Water must be tepid (60°F – 100°F, 15.6°C – 37.8°C)
- Emergency Shower must be positioned within 10 seconds (55 feet, 16.8m) of potential chemical exposure
- Cannot be any impediments to reaching the shower (locked door considered an impediment)
- Emergency Shower must be on the same plane as the working area it’s designated to protect
- Water pressure should be about 30 p.s.i.
- Distance between standing surface under shower head and the shower head itself is within a specific range
- Spray pattern of shower is specified
Is ANSI Compliance Important?
ANSI Z358.1 2009 includes other standards, but these are the basics. Not being prepared with the proper equipment in areas where there is risk that personnel will be exposed to corrosive chemicals can lead to fines and to employee lawsuits. Additionally, providing equipment that does not meet commonly-accepted standards can also lead to disastrous employee lawsuits.
An example of emergency showers that meet or exceed ANSI Z358.1 2009 standards are the GFTS tank shower series by S&E and offered by Alpine Technical Services.