How To Activate a Safety Shower
What is Safety Shower?
An emergency eyewash and safety shower station are essential equipment for every laboratory that uses chemicals and hazardous substances. Emergency eyewash and safety shower stations serve the purpose of reducing workplace injury and keeping workers away from various dangers.
How To Activate a Safety Shower
Safety showers are designed to be simple to use. Most are operated by means of a pull lever. Once the lever has been pulled, the shower will discharge water at a specific rate and volume for at least 15 minutes, in line with the ANSI regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a safety shower be turned off?
The pull valve is intended to operate the shower; turn it on or off.
Do you pull the safety shower?
Emergency Showers:
Immediately go to the nearest emergency shower and pull the activation handle. Once under the stream of water, begin removing your clothing to wash off all chemicals.
When and how to use a safety shower?
Use an emergency shower immediately if your skin is exposed to a hazardous chemical. The first few seconds after exposure to a hazardous chemical (especially a corrosive chemical) are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may result in irreparable tissue damage. Don’t hesitate!
How long should a safety shower run?
Safety showers (plumbed and self-contained) should provide a flow rate of at least 20 gallons per minute with a minimum of 15 minutes under all operating conditions.
What is the purpose of a safety shower?
A safety shower/eyewash is a device designed to wash chemicals off a person in the event of a chemical spill. One can find them separately or as a combined unit. Safety shower/eyewash stations can be located in rooms or in hallways. If a room has a shower it likely also has an eyewash.
What is the pressure for a safety shower?
30 PSI
Emergency drench showers come in many different forms, such as freestanding, ceiling mounted and wall mounted. Whatever the configuration, they must: Deliver water at a rate of 20 gallons per minute at 30 PSI for a full 15 minutes.
Why do we need safety shower?
Like fume hoods and Bunsen burners, eyewash/safety showers are an important part to any laboratory. These devices can help save a life in the event of gross chemical contamination. You should have a functioning eyewash and safety shower 10 seconds of clear travel from your workspace.
How often should safety showers be checked?
The ANSI Standard provides guidance by stating that plumbed emergency eyewash and safety showers should be activated weekly to verify proper operation and inspected annually.
What is the maximum distance to a safety shower?
55 feet
Emergency shower safety stations must be installed within 10 seconds or 55 feet from the hazard.
What is the temperature for a safety shower?
ANSI Z358. 1 (2014) requires that all safety shower and eyewash flushing fluid be between 60°F and 100°F.