Page 36 - Occupational Health & Safety, October 2017

EMERGENCY SHOWERS & EYEWASH
to ensure all stagnant water is flushed from the unit itself and all sections of piping that do not form part of a constant circulation system, also known as “dead leg” portions. (The duration is deter- mined by the length of piping where stagnant water could be sitting before it reaches the head(s) of the unit.)
In addition to the above weekly minimum performance checklist required by ANSI/ISEA, it is recommended as a best practice to conduct additional weekly functional checks. The pur- pose of these additional checks is to fully ensure the equipment is operating correctly and is capable of providing proper first aid in the event of an emergency.
Access
■ Path of travel to the safety station shall be free of obstruc- tions. This could include hoses, boxes, and doors. (Sections 4.5.2, 5.4.2, 6.4.2, 7.4.2)
Shower
■ Shower must deliver a minimum of 20 gallons (75.7 L) per minute. (Sec. 4.1.2, 4.1.4, 7.1)
■ The valve shall go from “off ” to “on” in one second or less, and flushing fluid shall remain on without the use of the operator’s hands. (Sec. 4.2, 7.1)
Eyewash/Eye/Face Wash
■ Outlets shall be protected from airborne contaminants. (Dust covers must be in place.) (Sec. 5.1.3, 6.1.3, 7.1)
and flushing fluid shall remain on without the use of the operator’s hands. (Sec. 5.2, 6.2, 7.2)
■ The flushing fluid of an eyewash or eye/face wash shall cover the areas between the interior and exterior lines of a gauge at some point less than 8 inches (20.3 cm) above the eyewash nozzle. (Sec. 5.1.8, 6.1.8, 7.1)
■ Must provide a means of a controlled flow to both eyes si- multaneously at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious. (Sec. 5.1.1, 6.1.1, 7.1)
Combination Unit
■ Combination unit components shall be capable of operating simultaneously. (When the eyewash or eye/face wash is activated, and then the shower is activated, there should be no “starvation” occurring to either of the heads.) (Sec. 7.3, 7.4.4)
Temperature
■ Deliver tepid flushing fluid. The required temperature range is 60° F - 100° F (16° C - 38° C). (Sec. 4.5.6, 5.4.6, 6.4.6, 7.4.5)
Plumbed Shower and Eyewash Equipment
As a general statement, all equipment needs to be inspected weekly to ensure that there is a flushing fluid supply and that the equip- ment is in good repair. If the equipment is of a plumbed design, then it should also be activated weekly to clear the supply line of any sedi- ment buildup and to minimize any microbial contamination due to stagnant water.
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■ The valve shall go from “off ” to “on” in one second or less, Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2017
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