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Outdoor emergency showers must comply
“Comfortcool™” outdoor emergency shower solves the problem.
An outdoor emergency shower, in an exposed location, is subjected to solar radiation and therefore, will compound the hazard of a chemical splash.
After a few hours in the sun, the water in the shower is heated to dangerous levels so that a person seeking relief from an acid splash can be scalded as well.
Hot water can open the pores of the skin to allow greater contaminant ingress and, in some circumstances, it can accelerate adverse chemical reactions, to the detriment of the patient.
Tip: 15 minutes may feel like forever in extreme heat. Put yourself in the user’s place. Could you shower for 15 minutes at the current water temperature?
Today, there is an extensive range of outdoor showers designed for use where there is a possibility of the water inside the shower freezing or overheating due to extremes in the ambient temperature. For cold climates, freeze-protected showers stop the water inside the shower from freezing. Freeze Resistant Units offer reliable protection in extreme environments.
From self-draining models for tropical climates to jacketed and heated models suitable for extremely cold climates, there are solutions for all challenging environments.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) focuses on emergency showers and eye wash stations specifically by addressing the need for facilities to enable workers to flush themselves of corrosive materials.
To be effective, the equipment has to be accessible. ANSI recommends that a person be able to reach the equipment in no more than 10 seconds. In practical terms, consider that the person who needs the equipment will be injured, and may not have use of their vision. ANSI notes that the average person can walk 16 to 17 metres (55 feet) in 10 seconds, but this does not account for the physical and emotional state of the person in an emergency.
As such, the “10-second” rule may be modified depending on the potential effect of the chemical. Where a highly corrosive chemical is used, an emergency shower and eyewash station may be required to be closer to the workstation. Check with a professional with knowledge in this area. These units should be installed in such a way that they do not become contaminated from corrosive chemicals used nearby.
The location of each emergency shower or eyewash station should be identified with a highly visible sign. The sign should be in the form of a symbol that does not require workers to have language skills to understand it. The location should be well lit.
“Comfortcool™” outdoor emergency shower solved the problem.
With no moving parts and no energy consumption, it keeps the contained water cool, even in the most extreme climatic conditions. Because shower water heating represented such an acute industrial problem, this unique, patented solution was accorded the Australian Design Award and taken into the permanent collection of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
Comfortcool ™ outdoor emergency shower units are now giving valuable service in many countries throughout the world.
For a detailed explanation of the Safetyman Comfortcool system; ask for a brochure by phoning 1300 781 288.
Alternatively, for the full range of Safetyman Comfortcool safety showers suitable for exposed locations please contact Safetyman.:
Phone: In Australia: 1300 781 288
International: +61 2 9502 2300
Other Outdoor Emergency Shower Manufacturers Include:
Haws Corporation
Haws Corp. also provides emergency showers for protection when needed most whether it be sun, rain, and wind protection. Easy to install, compact solutions ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Bradley Corp.
Bradley’s innovative and dependable tepid water solutions, supply dependable on-demand ANSI-required tepid water to emergency safety showers and eye/face washes. Designed to deliver safe performance, reliability and compliance, Bradley’s tepid water products ensure the complete 15-minute flush required by ANSI/ISEA Z358.1.
Guardian Equipment Co.
Guardian offers a variety of mixing valves and turnkey, recirculating tempering systems to provide tempered water. All Guardian emergency showers are third-party certified to meet or exceed the provisions of ANSI Z358.1-2014.
