Page 60 - OHS, June 2024

EMERGENCY SHOWERS & EYEWASH
Weekly Checkup: 5 Essential Tests for Emergency Safety Showers
and Eyewash Stations
This weekly inspection and testing regimen will promote workplace safety through regulatory adherence
BY JEFF JONES
In workplaces handling hazardous mate- rials, every second counts in the event of exposure. Emergency shower and eye- wash stations offer immediate on-the-
spot decontamination, crucial for minimiz- ing the effects of chemical exposure within the first 10-15 seconds.
To uphold safety standards, the Ameri- can National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets requirements for these emergency de- vices, mandating their accessibility within 10 seconds of an incident. Yet, many safety showers and eyewashes are currently out of compliance with ANSI regulations, cre- ating greater risk for worker injuries and leaving employers open to penalties and fines from OSHA. According to a study done by a large emergency equipment manufacturer, approximately 88 percent of emergency showers and eyewash stations are not in full compliance with standards detailed in ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014.
ANSI/ISEA Z358 mandates that weekly activations be done on a weekly basis to visually check that emergency showers and eyewashes are operating correctly, as well as to flush the plumbing so that wa- ter does not stagnate. It’s common to hear of employers struggling to meet these re- quirements, since testing emergency show- ers and eyewashes can be a painstakingly slow and messy process. However, there are certain testing tools that can expedite this process.
When conducting weekly activations, there are five important compliance re- quirements that are important to check if your safety showers and eyewash stations meet.
Mechanical Performance
Emergency safety showers and eyewash stations rely on various mechanical com- ponents to deliver water promptly and effectively during emergency situations. Valves, levers, and activation mechanisms
must be fully operational and free of ob- structions. Any malfunction in these parts can cause delays in water flow, compromis- ing decontamination efforts and potential- ly exacerbating injuries.
During weekly testing, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection of all mechanical components, ensuring their functionality and addressing any issues promptly.
Water Clarity
The clarity of the water flowing from emer- gency safety showers and eyewash stations is paramount to ensure proper decontami- nation. Contaminated water can worsen injuries and introduce additional hazards to the affected individual.
During weekly testing, activate the unit and observe the stream for any discolor- ation, cloudiness, or foreign particles. If the water appears murky or contaminated, im- mediate action must be taken to flush the system and address the underlying issues. Regular monitoring of water clarity helps maintain the effectiveness of emergency
decontamination procedures and ensures the safety of employees.
Spray Diameter
According to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014 standards, the spray pattern from emer- gency safety showers and eyewash stations must meet specific size requirements to ensure adequate coverage for the eyes, face, and body of the affected individual. At a height of 60 inches above the floor, the water pattern should have a diameter of at least 20 inches. This ensures comprehen- sive coverage, allowing for effective decon- tamination in emergency situations.
During weekly testing, it is essential to utilize a measuring device to confirm that the spray pattern meets this standard. Ad- justments may be necessary to ensure opti- mal coverage and compliance with regula- tory requirements.
Flow Rate
An adequate flow rate is essential to de- liver a sufficient volume of water for ef- fective irrigation and decontamination
58 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2024
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