Page 45 - OHS, May 2021

tampering and other misuse by workers, leaving equipment vulnerable to contamination. While facility managers can avoid these issues by installing an eyewash alarm system, newer eyewash designs come equipped with either plastic or stainless steel dust covers that shield the entire bowl from misuse and contamination.
Some eyewash systems use a sturdy plastic see-through hinged dust cover. The see-through plastic allows for quick and easy visual inspection and the hinging mechanism provides a more secure hold. The covers open as the fixture is activated and may be installed on barrier-free fixtures.
Assess Hygiene Protocol
With COVID-19 still being a health and safety risk, it is important that procedures and protocols are updated and followed for reducing the risk of virus transmission in the workplace. For example, these protective measures may include properly disinfecting all PPE using CDC Guidelines. It is also helpful to post reminders for wearing PPE, social distancing, washing/sanitizing hands frequently and avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes or mouth.
Workers should wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or if handwashing is not feasible, use hand sanitizer throughout the workday. Providing both handwashing supplies and hand sanitizer stations throughout work sites can help encourage good hand hygiene practices.
Cleaning and disinfecting work areas are also important. According to the CDC, pathogens can remain viable on surfaces for days. Routine cleaning of workspaces and high-touch surfaces such as handles, levers, switches, doorknobs, faucets and equipment should be disinfected with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants approved for the type of surfaces. EPA provides a list of registered products for disinfection2 along with contact time and targeted pathogens. Employee training for using these powerful disinfectants is of utmost importance.
Retrain Employees
While emergency shower training is always important, it is now even more crucial since some employees may have been out of the workplace and should be refreshed and updated on current safety procedures. Facility safety managers should prioritize training employees to review and reinforce safety protocol, proper emergency safety equipment usage and proper use of PPE and hygiene protocol.
Some manufacturers offer safety shower and eyewash system site surveys to help ensure ANSI/ISEA compliance with special focus on COVID-19 shutdowns. Involving third party resources will provide peace of mind in efforts to optimize the facility’s safety program and safeguard employees from avoidable hazards and contamination.
Ryan Pfund serves as the Senior Product Manager, Emergency Fixtures, for Bradley Corporation.
REFERENCES
1. https://store.assp.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Store/Product-Details/ productId/13594147
2. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants- coronavirus-covid-19
EMERGENCY SAFETY SOLUTIONS
PERFORMANCE,
MEET SAFETY
Bradley provides an unparalleled variety of industrial solutions and depth of expertise. Our comprehensive line of tepid water products
for safety eye/face wash and drench shower applications ensure the 15 minute flush required by ANSI/ISEA Z358.1. With reliable, effective safety products that are available when and where you need them, Bradley is the name to trust. Emergency safety solutions brought to life.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT BRADLEYCORP.COM/HALO
VALVES | EMERGENCY SAFETY ELECTRIC TANKLESS HEATERS
Circle 5 on card.