Page 39 - OHS, May 2022

SAFETY & PERFORMANCE
Potable water may not be the best flflushing solution as it may contain rust and scale from the inside of pipes, as well as chemicals such as chlorine. Water lines should be flflushed periodically to remove contaminates. ThThe temperature of the water must be tepid (i.e., moderately warm, or lukewarm, in the temperature range of 60 to 100 Fahrenheit), unless a chemical reaction could be accelerated by the warm water. The column of water dispensed by the shower should be 82 to 96 inches above the floor, and at 60 inches above the floor the diameter of the shower should measure at least 20 inches, and unobstructed.
Consideration must be given to the disposal of the wastewater/ flushing fluid. If a drain is not close, self-contained wash stations can leave a pool of waste water that can become a slip hazard. Also take into consideration electrical equipment in the area and determine if it will make contact with the flushing fluid or wastewater, which could cause other potentially hazardous situations. Many pre-plumbed units are designed to be connected directly to drain piping. After the emergency shower has been used, the waste water may contain contaminates that cannot go into a sanitary sewer. In these cases, the drain should be piped to an acid waste disposal system or a neutralizing tank.
Inspection & Maintenance
You should designate one person in the work area and make them responsible for regularly inspecting, maintaining and or activating the emergency equipment, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The same person should be responsible for a signed and dated inspection log of the equipment. Weekly flushing of the emergency shower for at least three minutes is recommended. All workers need to be instructed in the location and proper use of the equipment before an emergency occurs. As a part of the training, give new workers a hands-on run-through of how to use the equipment, and give other employees a yearly review of the procedure. Keep a set of written instructions posted next to the emergency shower and eye/face wash station.
Keep copies of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials on the premises. All hazardous materials need to be positively identified. The SDS contains the chemical properties, environmental and physical health hazards, first aid, firefighting, safety precautions and protective measures for transporting, handling and storage of chemicals. When working with chemicals, dust, corrosives or any hazardous materials that may require the use of emergency equipment, remember that preparation plays a large role in worker safety. Being prepared is not a one-time consideration but an ongoing pursuit.
Jerry Schwarz is the Marketing/Advertising Manager at HEMCO Corporation.
REFERENCE
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_water www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/emer_showers.html http://www.gesafety.com/ansi/ansi.shtml
29 CFR 1910.151(c) ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014
International Plumbing Code 29 CFR 1910.1000 https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3514.pdf
DUAL PURPOSE X TWO
Bradley’s new combined faucet and Halo® eyewash is a space saver for any laboratory environment. Use the faucet for everyday washing and activate the built in eyewash when needed. Combine with the new duo Navigator® Thermostatic Mixing Valve that delivers tempered water to the faucet and tepid water to the Halo eyewash in an emergency.
Emergency safety solutions brought to life.
VISIT BRADLEYCORP.COM/INDUSTRIAL
www.ohsonline.com
Circle 7 on card.