Page 43 - OHS, FebruaryMarch 2023

In an emergency, the eyewash is immediately activated when it is swung out 90 degrees over the sink. When the eyewash is activated, the swing-activated design ensures that the faucet moves out of the way, positioning the eyewash directly over the sink and allowing clear access to the fixture. Ensuring Steady On-Demand Tepid Water Temperature As mentioned earlier, it’s important to provide reliable on- demand tepid water for flushing fluid, which helps encourage a full 15-minute flush of the injured area. Both thermostatic mixing valves and electric tankless water heaters can deliver tepid water reliably and efficiently. According to the current revision of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, water supplied to eyewash and drench showers needs to be potable and tepid. Tepid water is defined as 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 to 38 degrees Celsius. This temperature will need to be consistent throughout the entire 15-minute drench. The cold supply may seem warm enough at first activation because the water in the supply line is at room temperature, but over the 15-minute drench, it will likely turn to a colder ground water temperature. Some may incorrectly expect that cold water will be sufficient for eyewash or drench shower fixtures, but the flushing fluid needs to be delivered at a comfortable lukewarm temperature that is not harmful to the user. If the water is too cold or hot, the user is much less likely to withstand the full 15-minute flush. Supplementary Equipment for Emergency Eyewashes and Showers To augment eyewash and shower safety, consider using an emergency signaling system, which helps to quickly alert and mobilize emergency response teams to affected personnel who are using emergency safety showers and eye and eye/face wash fixtures. Customizable alarm systems provide distinctive light and sound features that immediately alert safety personnel when an emergency occurs to improve response time. A final word: Emergency equipment manufacturers offer free job site evaluations to help with tplacement of fixtures, ANSI compliance, product selection, equipment maintenance and testing and employee training. It’s a good idea to get an outside expert’s perspective to help you stay on top of inevitable worksite changes that may impact the proper usage and effectiveness of your emergency equipment. Ryan Pfund is a Senior Product Manager at Bradley Fixtures Corporation, Menomonee Falls, Wis., a USGBC & ISEA member and manufacturer of locker room products, plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partitions and emergency fixtures. REFERENCES 1. www.osha.gov/chemical-hazards 2. injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/exposure-to-harmful-substances- or-environments/ 3. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/default.html#:~:text=Each%20day%20 about%202000%20U.S.,more%20days%20away%20from%20work. 4. www.asse.org/ansi/isea-z358-1-2014-american-national-standard-for- emergency-eyewash-and-shower-equipment-/ www.ohsonline.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 43 SAFETY & PERFORMANCE 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