ANSI Requirements: Location of Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations
The first few seconds after a person is exposed to hazardous chemicals are critical. The longer the substance remains on the skin, the more damage occurs. To meet the ANSI Z358 requirements, the emergency shower and eyewash station must be within 10 seconds reach from where an accident occurs. That’s approximately 55 feet. The emergency safety equipment should also be installed on the same level as a potential hazard.
Keep the path to the emergency shower and eyewash station unobstructed, In case vision is affected. Locate the safety shower and eye wash equipment in a clearly visible, well-lit position.
ANSI Requirements: Flow Rates for Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations
Emergency showers must flow at a minimum rate of 20 US gallons (76 liters) of potable water per minute, for 15 minutes. This ensures enough time to remove contaminated clothing and rinse any chemical residue.
Likewise, emergency eyewashes must deliver at least 3 US gallons (11.4 liters) per minute, for 15 minutes. This ensures a thorough decontamination.
ANSI Requirements: Operation for Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations
Even with impaired vision, emergency shower and eyewash stations must be easy to access and operate. The control valves must switch from ‘off’ to ‘on’ in one second or less. These valves should be designed so the flushing flow remains on without the use of the operator’s hands.
ANSI Requirements: Water Temperature for Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations
ANSI Z358 requires emergency shower and eyewash stations to provide tepid water in the range of 60 F to 100 F (16 C to 38 C). Temperatures that exceed this range can scald the injured person and cause a higher rate of chemical absorption by the skin. Lower temperatures can lead to hypothermia or thermal shock. The affected person is less likely to remove their contaminated clothing in cold water, thus prolonging exposure to the chemical substance.
Meeting the ANSI Z358 temperature requirements is important to ensuring a worker’s safety. If the water temperature is uncomfortable, it’s natural human behavior to step out of the safety shower before the full 15 minutes is up. This reduces the rinsing effectiveness and increases the chance of injury due to hazardous chemical burns.
Marst Safety Equipment (Tianjin) Co.,Ltd
No. 36, Fagang South Road, Shuanggang Town, Jinnan District,
Tianjin, China
Tel: +86 22-28577599
Mob:86-18920760073
Post time: May-25-2023
