Emergency Equipment

When splashed with hazardous chemicals, the longest it should take anyone to reach an emergency shower and eyewash station is 10 seconds. That’s hardly any time - about as long as it takes to turn on the tap and fill a glass with water or tie your shoes.

When it comes to selecting the right emergency safety shower, there are several restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind if you want to be compliant with regulations. For example, in order to meet the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standard, an emergency safety shower must provide tepid water.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) keeps a record of incidents and lessons learned. Workplace incidents and injuries involving chemical splashes and burns cause severe reactions and could lead to permanent damage. Reasons for such accidents include carrying chemicals in unsafe containers, broken equipment or incorrect procedures.

No workplaces or industries are void of danger. Despite safety measures, exposure to potential workplace hazards such as chemical splash, welding sparks, metal shavings or fine particulates can occur. Receiving immediate and proper treatment in the first 10 seconds following exposure can be key to minimizing serious injury. Emergency shower and eyewash stations help protect workers when an incident occurs.

From violent volcanoes to terrifying twisters, you never know when disasters will strike. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) protects and serves Americans during emergencies. A significant part of their mission involves emergency preparedness.