Page 57 - OHS, JulyAugust 2023

Training someone on how to use an emergency shower or eyewash station is straightforward – but what happens when such a system is actually used? monitoring the systems from an office, that means knowing how to assess the situation quickly and effetely to make sure that the person using the station gets any help they might need, and if needed, the right first responders make it on-site as quickly as possible. While not always a 911-level emergency, using an eyewash station only happens when something has gone wrong. Everyone working onsite should be able to understand what to do not only in the event of an accident, but in the event of a specific type of accident. The response if someone gets a splinter in their eye or if flammable gas is leaking are different, and people need to know how to identify the difference — and act accordingly. In the case of an emergency in which first responders are called, those near the station and the incident should be able to identify the risk present and evacuate the area if needed. And for those impacted and using the eyewash station, they need to know — once the immediate danger has passed – what to do. Calling the facility emergency number, which hopefully has already alerted first responders, reaching out to colleagues for help and getting yourself to safety are all important steps. These are all things that people may assume they’ll know how to handle, but while emergency eyewash stations seem simple to use, constant maintenance to ensure they’re ready to go when needed is vital, the response afterward is crucial, and yet often overlooked given the simple appearance and functionality of an eye wash station. Training everyone on the job site regularly with signs, training sessions, and constant communication about the importance of maintenance and what to do in the event of an emergency is time well spent to help improve outcomes for both the individual and the work site at large in the event of an accident. While I always hope these devices won’t be used, they are safety-critical pieces of equipment that need to be properly maintained. But ultimately, having a workforce who knows what to do after an emergency shower or eyewash station is used is just as important as having a proper working station. Justin Wilson is the Group Manager of Safety and Industrial Hy- giene at T&M Associates, a leading national consulting, environ- mental, engineering, technical services, and construction manage- ment company. ELECTRIC TANKLESS WATER HEATERS www.ohsonline.com JULY/AUGUST 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 57 THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE. AT THE RIGHT TIME. Bradley’s Electric Tankless Water Heaters POWERED BY KELTECH are the industry’s most precise, durable and reliable products for emergency safety and other tankless heating applications. These tankless water heaters have the industry’s longest warranty and are the only ones with an ASME HLW stamp and to be recognized by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Bradley Tankless Water Heaters deliver performance, precision and safety. Tankless Water Heating Solutions. Brought to Life. TO LEARN MORE PLEASE VISIT BRADLEYCORP.COM/TANKLESS-WATER-HEATERS