10-Seconds Away
Caustic Chemicals Require Access to Emergency Wash Stations
BY JERRY SHWARZ

Work environments that expose workers to caustic chemicals, hazardous materials and other irritants are required to provide emergency showers and eye wash stations that are accessible to any employee who may become exposed.

ANSI standards specify that emergency equipment be installed within a 10-second walking distance of the hazard. Equipment must be installed at the same level as the hazard, and the pathway to the equipment must be straight and free of obstructions.

In laboratory settings, emergency equipment is often installed in hallways or corridors outside of the lab. In these situations it is good to install combination drench hoses/ eyewash units near lab sinks, to provide for immediate response.

The Americans with disabilities act requires that all employers provide accessible workplaces for all employees. In some cases workplaces may require barrier free safety showers and eyewash stations that are designed to provide access to handicapped persons.

Emergency equipment should be easy to identify via high visibility signage, and space near that equipment needs to be well lighted. The water that is delivered by the showers and eyewash should be tepid (lukewarm), and from an uninterruptible water supply. In most cases this means that both hot and cold water must be supplied.

For eyewash stations the water needs to have a low velocity flow, to rinse the eyes and face of an injured worker, without causing harm. Drench hose units may be used as a supplement to, but not instead of eyewash units. Drench units are most useful in situations where the worker is in a prone or lying down position and the affected body area is inaccessible to either the eyewash or the safety shower.

Familiarity and Usage

Employees must be trained in the location and proper usage of Safety equipment. A written response plan should be followed; in an accident situation workers need to know how to assist the injured worker by seeking help and/or providing first aid.

In the event of an emergency, the area affected should be rinsed down for at least 15 minutes, ensuring that all containments have been thoroughly rinsed away. Where floor drains are the means of removal, it is important that they also be properly maintained. Emergency showers can deliver a very high volume of water. Floor drains that are blocked may cause flooding and damage. If the activation of an emergency shower creates a pool of water, it becomes another hazard.

After use, the water exiting may contain hazardous materials that cannot be introduced into a sanitary sewer system. In these cases it is necessary to drain the contents of the equipment to a containment tank. Showers can be equipped with an optional pump and tank to keep waste water from leaking into outside sources.

Technology Involved

The emergency shower booth should be constructed of molded, seamless fiberglass, adds to strength, lowers the risk of leakage, and is resistant to chemicals. Non-skid treads should be located on the floor to lower the risk of slips and falls.

An air curtain will reduce the amount of wastewater that is leaked to the surrounding area. An optional alarm sounds when the emergency equipment is activated to alert others that an accident has occurred. Alarms are particularly necessary in remote areas where one worker may be located away from others. Alarms can also send a signal to a monitoring station.

Proper maintenance and use of emergency wash equipment is extremely important. By following applicable standards, having a safety procedure in place, and training employees, potentially dangerous work environments will be on their way to becoming safer places. FSM

Jerry Shwarz is a marketing and advertising associate for Hemco Corp. He can be reached at Jerry@hemcocorp.com References: ANSI 117.1-1-1992, ANSI Z358.1, ANSI 535.1, ANSI Z358.1-2004, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.15, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.261, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.111, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)