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Emergency Response Equipment Training

January 13, 2023
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emergency-response-training.jpgAll personnel employed in the workplace must be instructed in emergency response including the location of and trained in the use of the emergency shower and/or eyewash station.

Emergency response equipment training

Written instructions should be made available to all personnel in the operation of the emergency shower and/or eyewash station. You should ensure that an emergency response instructional process includes a ‘hands-on’ drill to instruct employees on how to find and operate the emergency shower and eyewash station.

Simply installing emergency equipment does not mean you have assured worker safety.

It’s very important to develop an emergency response plan to be used in the event that an accident does occur. The focus of the emergency response plan should be to provide assistance to the injured worker as quickly as possible.

It should never be assumed that workers are already aware of the proper procedures. Written instructions should be made available to all workers and posted beside the emergency shower and eyewash station. Part of the instructional process should include a “hands-on” drill on how to find equipment.

The wearing of contact lenses can be dangerous because chemicals can become trapped under a contact lens. Any delays caused by removing contact lenses in order to rinse eyes could result in injury. Training should include instruction in contact lens removal.

There are a number of alarm systems on the market which can be installed in conjunction with emergency equipment and they serve to alert personnel and summon assistance if an eye wash or shower is activated.

It is recommended that alarm units be installed with any eye wash or emergency shower unit.

All workers/students who might be exposed to a chemical splash must be trained by their department or lab supervisor as part of their induction on the following:

• The specific location of the units serving that area.
• How to properly activate and use the specific type of system.
• Use of the eyewash station in the event of an eye injury.

Individuals should be instructed to hold the eyelids “open” and roll the eyeballs continuously so fluid will flow on all surfaces of the eye and under the eyelid and seek medical attention

emergency shower trainingEyewash and emergency shower equipment must be regularly maintained (including weekly inspection and activation of the equipment ) to ensure that it is in working order and inspected at least annually for compliance with the standard.

10 second rule Tip: If you were to ask any of your employees in your facility to locate the closest emergency shower or eye wash in their work area could they do so ?

Remember, employees change and people are forgetful so make it a point to periodically remind workers of nearby safety equipment. Even the best emergency products won’t be able to serve their purpose if employees are unaware of where they are or how to use them. Emergency equipment training is essential !

For more information on Emergency Shower Training please click HERE


NOTE: People may not always be able to flush their eyes on their own because of intense pain.

Nearby helpers should be prepared to assist with holding the eyelids open. Other helpers may need to assist with keeping the person under the flushing fluid for at least 15 minutes.

• Use of the safety shower in the event of a chemical spill onto their body. Individuals should be instructed to remove all contaminated clothing including footwear and socks/stockings while under the shower when cross contamination has occurred.

Have someone assist with clothing removal when possible. An assistant may use a fire blanket or uncontaminated article of clothing as a shield to provide privacy for someone who needs to remove their clothes while under an emergency shower, and for body coverage while seeking medical attention.

• Flush body for a minimum of 15 minutes, seek medical attention.

It should never be assumed that workers are already aware of the proper procedures. Written instructions should be made available to all workers and others and posted beside the emergency shower and eyewash station.

Part of the instructional process should include a “hands-on” drill on how to find equipment.
The wearing of contact lenses can be dangerous because chemicals can become trapped under a contact lens. Any delays caused by removing contact lenses in order to rinse eyes could result in injury. Training should includeinstruction in contact lens removal.

Signage:

The location of each emergency shower or eyewash station shall be well illuminated and be identified with a highly visible sign visible throughout the area served by the equipment. 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.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

All workers require instruction in the proper use and location of emergency showers or eyewash stations before any emergencies occur. It should never be assumed that workers are already aware of the proper procedures. Written instructions should be made available to all workers and posted beside the emergency shower and eyewash station. Part of the instructional process should include a “hands-on” drill on how to find equipment.

The wearing of contact lenses can be dangerous because chemicals can become trapped under a contact lens. Any delays caused by removing contact lenses in order to rinse eyes could result in injury. Training should include instruction in contact lens removal.

Emergency Shower Checklist | Eye Wash Checklist

January 13, 2023
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Emergency Shower Checklist – Eye Wash Checklist

  • There must be an unobtructed travel path between the hazard and the emergency shower drench. The emergency shower drench must be installed with 10 seconds of the hazard and on the same level as the hazard.emergency-shower-checklist.jpg
  • The water delivered by the emergency shower drench unit must be tepid (lukewarm).
  • In this regard, see the Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Guide.
  • The emergency shower station should provide 20 gallons (75.7 liters) of water per minute for 15 minutes.
  • The “hands free” stay open valve has to activate in one second or less.
  • The water supply has to be sufficient to supply at least 20 gallons per minute in required pattern for 15 minutes.
  • There has to be an easily accessible actuator and not be higher than 69 inches (173.3cm) above the floor.
  • The emergency shower unit has to be identified with a highly visible sign and the area well lighted.
  • The emergency shower unit should be activated at least weekly.

The 15 minute flush tip: Don’t forget to install a floor drain or some other means of fluid disposal that complies with local, state and federal codes. There can be a lot of water to clean up if forgotten.

Consistent activation makes the difference between meeting minimum requirements for installed products, and having emergency equipment that is truly functional and provides the best performance in an emergency.

Eye wash checklist

  • The eye wash unit must be within 10 seconds of the hazard and on the same level as the hazard and within an unobstructed travel path.
  • The water delivered must be tepid (lukewarm) from the eye wash station. Again, please see the Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Guide.
  • The valve actuator must be easy to locate and readily accessible to the user.
  • The flushing fluid should be tepid and in the range of 60 degrees F to below 100 degrees F. The output flushing fluid must be within that range immediately at start-up of the equipment and remain there throughout the full 15-minute use cycle.
  • There should be a controlled, low velocity flow, which rinses both eyes and is not injurious to user.
  • The spray head should be protected from contaminants.
  • The eye wash unit must deliver at least 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water per minute for 15 minutes.
  • A ‘hands-free’ stay open valve must activate in one second or less.
  • The eye wash unit should be connected to an uninterruptible water supply delivering 0.4 GPM.
  • A highly visible sign should identify the eye wash and the unit should be well lighted.

emergency-shower-checklist-tag.jpgEmergency Shower Checklist Inspection Tag:

 

It’s a good idea to have an Inspection Tag attached to each emergency fixture noting activation as this log also serves as important documentation upon plant inspection.

Employees must be instructed in the location and receive training in the use of the emergency shower and/or eyewash station.

Current Emergency Shower Checklist Standards:

Current standards (ANSI Z358.1 sections 4.6.2 & 4.6.5) require weekly activation of emergency showers and eyewashes to confi rm proper operation, along with a thorough annual inspection.

While ANSI Z358.1 establishes many additional requirements, the standards identified above are commonly overlooked. Each month, OSHA publishes a recap of noted violations and related fines levied against companies; fi nancial penalties for non-compliance often begin at $100,000 and can exceed $1 million.

Costly Emergency Shower Checklist Errors:

In today’s “lawsuit lottery” business climate, even a rich imagination is no match for jury-based settlements.


ANSI Z358.1 – Emergency Shower Checklist and Eye Wash Checklist –  Frequently Asked Questions:

1. With the recent revisions to the ANSI standard, are existing eyewash, shower, and drench hose stations required to meet the guidelines?

Yes. There is no grandfather clause in the Z358.1 Standard that allows equipment to be exempt. As the standard changes, existing shower equipment needs to be updated.

2. Does OSHA use the ANSI standard?

OSHA requires the employer to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or fl ushing of the eyes. While OSHA has not formally adopted ANSI Z358.1, they refer employers to the standard as a source of guidance. It is the employer’s responsibility to assess the particular conditions related to the needs of the site to ensure the eye/face wash and shower unit(s) provide suitable protection for employees.

3. Does the annual testing require a full 15-minute flow?

Yes. The importance is to ensure tepid water throughout the full 15 minutes as well as maintaining the pressure and shower patterns.

4. What is the difference between an eye/face wash and just an eyewash?

An eyewash is specifi c to eyes, and the water fl ow rate is designed to hit only the eye surface, while an eye/face wash will cover the eyes and a portion of the face. In addition, an eyewash has a .4 GPM (1.5 LPM) minimum fl ow rate and an eye/face wash has a 3.0 GPM (11.4 LPM) minimum flow rate.

5. Does the simultaneous requirement for shower activation apply to multiple stations?

Those responsible for the health and safety of the area will determine what the potential is for an accident and how many people could be exposed. Once that number is determined, a system is designed for that number of showers and eyewashes to run simultaneously. Example: if a facility has ten showers within a specific area and are required to have two running at the same time, then two showers must be designed to simultaneously activate properly.

6. Are there guidelines for placement of eye/face wash stations within a building?

The ANSI standard states that the eye/face wash needs to be 10 seconds away from where an accident could occur and needs to be on the same level with no obstructions. For strong acid or
strong caustic, the emergency equipment should be immediately adjacent to the hazard.

7. Is there a distance conversion?

The current ANSI Standard states that the drench equipment must “be in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach.” The appendix of the ANSI Z358.1 Standard clarifi es bystating “that the average person covers a distance of approximately 55 feet (16.8 m) in 10 seconds.”

8.  Learn more at Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Guide.

You should refer to the American National Standard ANSI Z358.1-2014 ” Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment ” for a full list.

Critical Workplace Hazard Identification | Manage the Risks

The full ANSI Z358.1 2014 may be purchased HERE

Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Station Equipment

January 13, 2023
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Emergency shower and Eye Wash Station Equipment

 “Today’s safe workplaces demand advanced emergency shower and eyewash station requirements”

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was enacted to assure that workers are provided with “safe and healthful working conditions.” Under this law, the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) was created and authorized to adopt safety standards and regulations to fulfil the mandate of improving worker safety.


emergency-shower-and-eyewash-station-equipment.jpgOSHA has adopted several regulations that refer to the use of eye wash and safety shower equipment. The ­primary regulation is contained in 29 CFR 1910.151, which requires that “…where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”

The eye wash station and emergency safety shower…..

Employers should look for signs of hazardous materials. Look for areas where workers are using personal protective equipment such as goggles and liquid proof gloves and make sure the eye wash station and emergency shower drench are within the required distance as stated by:

Guide to the American National Standard for Emergency Shower and Emergency Eye Wash Equipment ANSI Z358.1-2014

eEmergency-shower-and-eyewash-guide.jpg

You will be able to instantly download this guide in PDF format

By not complying with the ANSI standard, OSHA may elect to impose penalties from warnings and fines to rare plant shutdowns.

It’s important to note that emergency shower and eye wash equipment are designed to deliver water to rinse contaminants from a user’s eyes, face or body. As such, they are a form of first aid equipment to be used in the event of an accident.

However, they are NOT a substitute for primary protective devices such as eye and face protection and protective clothing. Again, a safety shower is not an alternative to safe procedures for handling hazardous materials.

It is imperative that eye wash and safety shower units meeting ANSI Z358.1-2014 be within 10 seconds travel time from a hazard.

However, there are other considerations and, in this regard, please see Safety shower location Information.

This Standard also requires that safety shower valves be of a simple operation; that they turn off to on in one second or less, and provide hands free operation once activated. The Standard also requires that the flushing fluids be tepid.

 

Eye wash station signSafety shower and eyewash stations

 

These provide on-the-spot decontamination and allow personnel to flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury. Splashing accidents demand prompt and effective action. The affected body part should be flushed for a minimum of 15 minutes using a clean supply of flushing fluid under low pressure.

Emergency shower and eyewash stations are designed to flush the user’s head and body. They can also be used effectively in flushing contaminants from clothing. The safety showers should not be used to flush the user’s eyes because the high rate of water flow could cause damage.

Eye and face wash stations are designed to flush both eyes and face simultaneously at a velocity low enough to be non – injurious to the user. Medical help should be sought immediately after the first aid has been given.

Emergency showers should be used in all chemical and cryogenic handling areas, in battery rooms and in all situations where clothing, fires or impingement burns may occur.

Consideration should be given to the possible need for multiple emergency shower installations based upon access distance and the possibility that more than one person may be affected at the same time.

To identify hazards in your workplace please visit: Workplace Hazard Identification

The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c)

Requires emergency shower and eyewash equipment for emergency use where the eyes or body of any employee may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. For details on emergency eyewash and shower equipment we reference consensus standard ANSI Z358.

Learn more about emergency response products

The ANSI standard states that a drench hose may be considered an eyewash or eye/face wash if the drench hose meets the performance requirements as listed in the standard. Eye irrigation is the process of using a sterile solution to flush the eyes of any foreign bodies. While it’s ok to use sterile, purified water, many physicians prefer a sterile saline solution thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Plumbed and self-contained eyewash stations, and those in combination units, must flow at a minimum of 1.5L/ min for 15 minutes; plumbed or self contained eye and face wash stations at 11.4L/ min for 15 minutes

Emergency showers and eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They are designed to flush away hazardous chemicals from a user’s eyes, face or body that can cause injury. As such, they are a form of first aid equipment to be used in the event of an accident.

Top selling safety showers and eyewash station products are essential for OHS in workplaces with hazardous chemicals or debris.  

 

As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. EmergencyShowerSystems.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Links on this emergency shower and eyewash station page are sponsored affiliate links and the owner makes commission if you buy after clicking these links. The owner is not a bona-fide user of these emergency shower and eyewash station products. However, we have thoroughly researched it and provided a personal opinion only. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Emergency Shower Requirements Canada | Eye Wash

January 13, 2023
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Emergency Shower Requirements Canada
Including Eye Wash

For emergency shower requirements Canada including eye wash stations you should consult your local occupational health and safety agency in your jurisdiction and check relevant legislation for any requirements to install emergency shower and eye wash equipment.

We understand there is currently no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eye wash stations or emergency showers. Provincial authorities in all jurisdictions in Canada refer to the ANSI
Z358.1-2014 standard for recommendations and enforcement regarding emergency eyewash and shower requirements.

Emergency drenching fixtures must be readily accessible for use in manufacturing, laboratories, refineries, mines, construction sites and wherever workers may be accidentally splashed or sprayed with injurious solvents, acids, harmful particulates and, in some cases, biological hazards.

emergency-shower-requirements-Canada-ebook.png

CLICK HERE and you’ll be able to instantly download this guide in PDF format

Therefore, as a result, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-2014 “Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” is generally used as a guide.

Discover what you MUST know !

Be aware of what’s required and Save Time searching for information

Please click on the link below….

GUIDE to ANSI Z358.1 2014 Compliance plus Checklist and Safety Survey – On Sale Now !

There are fourteen jurisdictions in Canada – one federal, ten provincial and three territorial each having its own occupational health and safety legislation. For most people in Canada, the agency that you would contact is the provincial or territorial agency in the area where you work.

There are some exceptions to this. Federal legislation covers employees of the federal government and Crown agencies and corporations across Canada. The Canada Labour Code also applies to employees of companies or sectors that operate across provincial or international borders.

We suggest you visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

The CCOHS also has an Emergency Response Planning Guide for sale which may be helpful in developing your emergency shower requirements Canada response plan.

AS4775 Australian Standard | Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Equipment

October 19, 2022
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AS4775 – Australian Standard for emergency eye wash and  emergency shower 

The objective of Australian Standard AS4775 is to provide uniform minimum requirements for equipment performance, installation, use maintenance and training of users, along with relevant test procedures.

AS4775 imageThis AS4775 specifies minimum performance for eye wash and safety shower equipment for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been exposed to materials which may cause injuries.It covers the following types of equipment:

 

 

 

  • Emergency shower equipment
  • Eyewash equipment
  • Eye/Face wash equipment
  • Combination shower and eyewash equipment
  • Facilities for disabled persons

AS4775 also includes performance and use requirments for the following supplemental equipment:

  • Drench hoses
  • Self-contained (portable) equipment

There are some 3000 dangerous goods scheduled in the Australian Code. Whether they be acids, alkalis, solvents, waxes, peroxides, poisons or hot materials, they represent a risk, not only in fire situations, but in everyday handling, packing, transporting and using.

Emergency showers are an essential adjunct to any handling or storing situation and they are called up in a number of Australian Standards. Safety showers are needed for decontamination, corrosive splash and burn victims. The examples are many.

 

 

Outdoor Emergency Shower | Exposed Outdoor Locations

October 19, 2022
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Outdoor emergency showers must comply
“Comfortcool™” outdoor emergency shower solves the problem.

Outdoor Emergency ShowerAn 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.

Emergency ShowerFor 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.:

www.Safetyman.com.au

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.

 

Emergency Shower Location | Including Eye Wash Location

October 19, 2022
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Emergency shower location and Eye Wash Location

Eye wash locationThe emergency shower location as well as any eye wash location must be installed within 10 seconds walking time from the location of a hazard.

How far is that ? According to the revised Appendix, ANSI Z358.1 2014, ten (10) seconds is aproximately 55 feet.

In the workplace, emergency showers and eyewash facilities are used to provide immediate decontamination if workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, flying particles, or are injured in a fire.

This emergency shower location page will help you decide on the most suitable location for your emergency decontamination station, because the first 10-15 seconds after a chemical exposure incident or burn is of critical importance. When making your decision you’ll need to consider where an injury could happen, and the condition of the worker. An injured worker may need to be carried by co-workers which will slow down the accessibility time.

The location of the your decontamination equipment could be the difference between complete recovery, permanent blindness or a fatal injury.

The emergency shower and eye wash equipment must be installed
on the same level as the hazard !

The emergency shower equipment must be installed on the same level as the hazard and accessing the emergency eye wash and/or emergency shower equipment should NOT require going up or down stairs or ramps.

The path of travel from the hazard to the equipment should be free of obstructions and as straight as possible. Remember, doors are a concern and may hinder a user accessing safety shower emergency equipment. All units to be highly visible and be signed with a warning placard. The entire area served by the equipment must be properly illuminated, so a power cut or damage to a light fitting could render the whole area unsafe and non-compliant.

In order to be compliant — a worker must NOT have to do any of the following to reach the emergency decontamination equipment:

Climb up or down a ladder
Open a cupboard, door, or gate
Get past a partition or barrier
Unlock something
Move items out of the way
Use stairs

Emergency eye wash location and emergency shower location equipment should be placed adjacent to Extreme Hazards

Emergency Shower locationOf course, there are circumstances where these guidelines may not be adequate such as where workers are handling particularly strong acids, caustics or other materials where the consequences of a spill would be very serious.

In these cases, emergency eye wash and/or emergency shower equipment should be installed immediately adjacent to the hazard.

 

Laboratory Situations:

Laboratory environments also require special consideration as it’s common in many laboratories to install emergency shower equipment in corridors or hallways outside of the lab room.

This may possibly satisfy the provisions of the Standard but still not provide workers with immediate access to emergency equipment. In these cases, it is recommended installing combination eyewash and drench hose units at lab sinks.

Here’s an emergency shower drench checklist and an emergency eyewash station checklist.

 

Emergency shower and Eye Wash Compliance image


The type of hazardous materials:

The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
The storage and handling of corrosive substances
The storage and handling of toxic substances
The storage and handling of oxidizing agents
The storage and handling of dangerous goods
The storage and handling of organic peroxides

Consider the nature of the job site, the profile of your workers and contractors, and the type of work you are undertaking.

IMPORTANT: Always consider the overall practicality of an emergency station. Is it easily accessible to emergency responders, ambulances, or rescue vehicles? Will work operations, vehicles, equipment interfere with ongoing treatment?

 

The Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Guide eBook focuses on emergency eyewash and shower equipment, and has been written to help you select and install an emergency wash station that will best serve the unique hazards present at your own worksite.

We’ve written this document so it’s easy-to-read and contains the practical information you need to understand your compliance obligations; more specifically: – the Importance of conducting a risk assessment before selecting and installing emergency wash equipment – Critical differences between eyewash equipment and emergency showers Installation essentials including the ’10 second rule’  – Mandatory signage, tagging, and testing specifications – Ongoing training recommendations for workers and site personnel.

It is important to remember that eyewash stations and emergency showers are first aid treatment facilities and NOT hazard control measures.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. EmergencyShowerSystems.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. It’s designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Links on this Emergency Shower Location page are sponsored affiliate links. The owner makes commission if you buy after clicking these links. The owner is not a bona-fide user of this product. However, he has thoroughly researched it and provided a personal opinion only. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Critical Workplace Hazard Identification | Manage the Risks

October 19, 2022
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Workplace Hazards are dangerous conditions

Workplace hazards are either potential or inherent, which can interfere with the expected, orderly progress of a given activity.

Workplace Hazard Assessment Risk: A measured or calculated chance of exposure to hazard(s) which may or may not result in loss.

Workplace hazardBoth the workplace hazard and risk should be managed

Where to look for workplace hazards:

Machines, lifting equipment, facility design, confined spaces, fire considerations, biological, ergonomic, energy, chemical, pressure vessels, electrical.

 Workplace Hazard Reduction Measures:

Design feature, safety device or feature, warning device, procedure and training. It may take some serious thinking before the best approach is determined.

You must assess the risk of hazard exposure and determine the pratical methods to best eliminate or reduce that risk to the lowest possible or acceptable levels.

System Safety Criteria:

Workplace Hazard severity (“qualitative” assessment “):

– A categorical description of hazard level
– Based on real/perceived potential for causing harm/damage

Hazard probability (“quantitative” assessment “):

– The calculated likelihood that a condition(s) will exist.

What do you do if a risk is unacceptable ?

1. Design feature
2. Safety device
3. Warning devices
4. Procedures and training

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers. The employer must assess the workplace and determine if hazards that necessitate the use of eye and face protection are present or are likely to be present before assigning PPE to workers.

A hazard assessment should determine the risk of exposure to eye and face hazards, including those which may be encountered in an emergency. Employers should be aware of the possibility of multiple and simultaneous hazard exposures and be prepared to protect against the highest level of each hazard.

Impact Hazards:

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions.

While working in a hazardous area where the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn. Secondary protective devices such as face shields are required in conjunction with primary protective devices during severe exposure to impact hazards.

Heat injuries:

These may occur to the eye and face when workers are exposed to high  temperatures, splashes of molten metal, or hot sparks. Protect your eyes from heat when workplace operations involve pouring, casting, hot dipping, furnace operations, and other similar activities. Burns to eye and face tissue are the main concern when working with heat hazards.

Working with heat hazards requires eye protection such as goggles or safety spectacles with special-purpose lenses and side shields. However, many heat hazard exposures require the use of a face shield in addition to safety spectacles or goggles. When selecting PPE, consider the source and intensity of the heat and the type of splashes that may occur in the workplace.

Chemicals:

A large percentage of eye injuries are caused by direct contact with chemicals. These injuries often result from an inappropriate choice of PPE, that allows a chemical substance to enter from around or under protective eye equipment. Serious and irreversible damage can occur when chemical substances contact the eyes in the form of splash, mists, vapors, or fumes. When working with or around chemicals, it is important to know the location emergency eye wash stations and how to access them with restricted vision.

When fitted and worn correctly, goggles protect your eyes from hazardous substances. A face shield may be required in areas where workers are exposed to severe chemical hazards.

Dust:

Dust is present in the workplace during operations such as woodworking and buffing. Working in a dusty environment can causes eye injuries and presents additional hazards to contact lens wearers.

Either eyecup or cover-type safety goggles should be worn when dust is present. Safety goggles are the only effective type of eye protection from nuisance dust because they create a protective seal around the eyes.

Optical Radiation:

Laser work and similar operations create intense concentrations of heat, ultraviolet, infrared, and reflected light radiation. A laser beam, of sufficient power, can produce intensities greater than those experienced when looking directly at the sun.

Unprotected laser exposure may result in eye injuries including retinal burns, cataracts, and permanent blindness. When lasers produce invisible ultraviolet, or other radiation, both employees and visitors should use appropriate eye protection at all times.

Determine the maximum power density, or intensity, lasers produce when workers are exposed to laser beams. Based on this knowledge, select lenses that protect against the maximum intensity. The selection of laser protection should depend upon the lasers in use and the operating conditions. Workers with exposure to laser beams must be furnished suitable laser protection.

Workplace Hazard Assessment
Workplace Hazard type

Workplace Hazard Safety – Examples of Hazard Common Related Tasks Impact

Flying objects – such as large chips, fragments, particles, sand, and dirt. Chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, wood working, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, and sanding.

Heat – Anything emitting extreme heat. Furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, and welding.

Chemicals – Splash, fumes, vapors, and irritating mists. Acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, and working with blood.

Other Workplace Hazards include: 

Dust – Harmful Dust. Woodworking, buffing, and general dusty conditions.

Optical Radiation – Radiant energy, glare, and intense light.

Welding, torch-cutting, brazing, soldering, and laser work.

When specifying emergency shower and eye wash equipment you should refer to the American National Standard ANSI Z358.1 2014 “Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment”.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. Congress established the agency under the Occupational Safety and Health Act,