Why are Outdoor Safety Showers and Eyewashes so Important?
Emergency showers and eyewash stations play a crucial role in ensuring safety. When exposed to hazardous substances, especially corrosive ones, immediate action within the first 10 to 15 seconds is critical. Any delay, even if it’s just a few seconds, could lead to serious injuries.
These facilities provide a solution for decontamination right at the spot. They allow workers to promptly wash away hazardous substances that might otherwise cause harm. Even with effective engineering controls and safety measures in place, accidental exposures can still happen. Therefore, it is important to go beyond relying solely on safe work procedures and personal protective equipment. In such instances, emergency showers and eyewash stations act as essential backups, minimizing the potential effects of chemical exposure.
Furthermore, outdoor safety showers can also effectively assist in extinguishing clothing fires and flushing contaminants off clothing. Their versatility makes them an invaluable asset in emergencies.
What Type of Equipment Should be Installed?
Outdoor safety showers are designed to rinse off the user’s head and body. Eyewash stations are specifically designed to flush the eye and face area. There are combination units available that include both features: a shower and an eyewash station.
The necessity for outdoor safety showers and eyewash stations is determined by the characteristics of the chemicals used by workers and the tasks they perform in their workplaces.
In certain jobs or work areas, the impact of a hazard might be limited to the worker’s face and eyes. In such cases, an eyewash station would be a suitable device for ensuring worker safety. In other situations, workers may face the risk of chemical contact with specific body parts or their entire body. In these areas, an emergency shower would be more appropriate for protection.
A combination unit offers the advantage of being able to flush any part of the body or the entire body if necessary.
Where Should the Emergency Equipment be Placed?
To ensure effectiveness, the outdoor safety showers must be easily reachable. According to ANSI’s recommendation, it should take a person no more than 10 seconds to access the equipment. In practical terms, it should be taken into consideration that the individual in need of the equipment might be injured and blinded.
ANSI acknowledges that an average person can cover a distance of 16 to 17 meters (55 feet) within 10 seconds, but this estimation does not account for the physical and emotional state of the person in an emergency.
Therefore, the “10-second” rule may require adjustments depending on the potential impact of the chemical involved. If a highly corrosive chemical is being utilized, it may be necessary for the emergency shower and eyewash station to be positioned closer to the workstation.
Conduct a risk assessment and consult with a knowledgeable professional in this field to determine the appropriate placement. These stations should be installed in a manner that prevents them from being contaminated by corrosive chemicals used in their vicinity.
Each outdoor safety shower and eyewash ought to be visibly marked with a conspicuous sign. The sign should consist of a symbol that can be understood without requiring workers to have language skills. Additionally, the area should be well-lit to ensure easy identification.
Where May an Outdoor Safety Shower be Required?
Outdoor safety showers are typically required in locations where there is a potential for exposure to hazardous materials or substances that can pose a risk to the health and safety of people. Here are some common settings where outdoor safety showers may be necessary:
- Chemical and industrial facilities (manufacturing plants, laboratories, refineries).
- Construction sites. Workplaces where there is potential exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals.
- Research institutions. Laboratories conducting experiments with potentially harmful materials.
- Mining operations. Mines where workers may be exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Oil and gas facilities (oil drilling sites, gas processing plants).
- Agricultural settings. Farms where pesticides or fertilizers are handled.
Outdoor safety showers are a crucial element of emergency response systems, providing a quick means of rinsing off hazardous substances to minimize the potential for injury or long-term health effects.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Safety Shower and Eyewash?
Selecting the right outdoor safety shower or combination outdoor safety shower and eyewash is essential for ensuring workplace safety, especially in environments where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, contaminants, or extreme weather.
Understand Your Environment
The specific environmental conditions of your site will heavily influence your choice. Consider factors like:
- Weather Conditions: Ensure the shower system can withstand extreme temperatures, whether freezing winters or scorching summers. Heated or insulated options are critical for colder regions.
- Exposure to Elements: Opt for materials resistant to rust and corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity or saline air.
- Location Accessibility: Placement should allow rapid access during emergencies, adhering to OSHA and ANSI Z358.1 standards.
Evaluate Features for Outdoor Safety
Not all outdoor safety showers are created equal. Look for features that aim to improve performance and reliability:
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel or other weather-resistant materials ensure longevity.
- Freeze-Protection and Insulation: In colder climates, freeze-protected units with internal heating systems are essential to maintain functionality.
- Temperature Regulation: Some models include tepid water delivery systems, providing water between 60-100°F for user safety.
- UV-Resistant Coatings: Protect against degradation from prolonged sun exposure.
Incorporate Eyewash Stations
An outdoor safety shower and eyewash combination is often the most practical solution, ensuring both body and eye protection in one system. Features to consider include:
- Dual Functionality: Ensure the eyewash delivers a gentle, continuous flow of water without compromising shower performance.
- Ease of Activation: Simple activation mechanisms, like pull rods or push plates, are crucial for rapid response during emergencies.
- Drainage Solutions: Proper drainage is vital to prevent water pooling, especially in outdoor setups.
Prioritize Compliance and Standards
Ensure your chosen outdoor emergency shower complies with industry standards:
- OSHA Regulations: Mandates that safety showers and eyewash stations be available in environments with hazardous materials.
- ANSI Z358.1 Compliance: Requires specific flow rates, activation speeds, and water temperature controls.
Consider Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining your outdoor emergency safety shower is essential to ensure reliability:
- Routinely check for any signs of damage or wear resulting from environmental factors.
- Choose systems with easy-to-replace components for minimal downtime.
- Schedule periodic testing to confirm compliance and functionality.
Additional Features for Enhanced Safety
Depending on your workplace needs, additional options may include:
- Emergency Alarms: Sound or visual signals triggered when the shower or eyewash is in use.
- Portable Units: For temporary or remote worksites.
- Lighting: Integrated lighting for nighttime use or low-visibility conditions.
Our company’s consultants can help you choose an outdoor emergency safety shower in Alberta based on your preferences and other factors.
Where to Buy Outdoor Safety Showers in Alberta?
At SPS West you can order outdoor safety showers at an affordable price. Our managers will help you to choose the product according to various criteria:
- Temperature control. Outdoor safety showers should have features for controlling water temperature.
- Water flow rate. Verify that the safety shower and eyewash deliver an adequate and continuous flow of water to effectively rinse off hazardous substances.
- Duration of operation. The system should provide a sufficient duration of operation to ensure thorough rinsing.
- Activation mechanism. Choose models with easy and quick activation mechanisms to minimize response time during an emergency.
- Material and durability. Choose durable materials.
- Eyewash design. Eyewashes should have a design that allows hands-free operation, holding eyes open for effective rinsing. Some eyewashes also come with covers to protect against contamination.
- Freeze protection. In regions with cold temperatures, consider safety showers and eyewashes with features like insulation or heaters to prevent freezing.
By looking closely at these criteria, it is evident that outdoor safety showers and eyewash stations are effective in keeping people safe in emergencies.
Find detailed information about outdoor safety showers and eyewashes in Alberta by calling (587) 844-6743.
