Engineered Systems

Reverse Tempering Systems

Haws ColdTech™

Supplying emergency showers with tempered water protects both the employee and employer. Drench showers with very cold water pose a health hazard to employees and a liability problem to employers. Cold water lines in cold climates can run from 35°F - 45°F (2°C - 7°C). In order to completely flush away hazardous chemicals, it is recommended that contaminated body parts be flushed for a minimum of 15 minutes, and that contaminated clothing be removed.

In shower areas exposed to cold air and wind, showering with very cold water discourages proper flushing. Even in a warm environment, cold water discourages victims from meeting the minimum requirements.

Tempered water and heated enclosures, using Haws ColdTech™ technologies, address these problems. Tempered water encourages the proper use of drench showers during emergency situations, and also helps prevent excessive body heat loss which could lead to hypothermia. Heated shower enclosures create a sheltered, warm environment that can shield a wet or injured worker from the elements until help arrives.

Tempered water not only provides physical relief from pain caused by heat and corrosive material burns, but also contributes to emotional relief. A worker who has incurred some sort of hazardous exposure is likely to be distraught and agitated. The soothing effect of tempered water will help calm the individual down and make initial first aid treatment more effective.

To determine the need for tempered water, the following should be evaluated: anticipated cold water supply temperatures; local environmental conditions; shower location; and the type of hazard. The U.S. based American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in its voluntary Standard Z358.1-2004, American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, specifies tempered water. This should be a comfortable water temperature range that will encourage the worker to use the shower/eyewash units. The desirable and generally accepted range for tempered water is 60°F - 100°F (15°C - 35°C). In circumstances where a chemical reaction may be accelerated by water temperature, a medical adviser should be consulted to determine the optimum temperature for each application. Even sub-tropical locations may have cold water supply temperatures that warrant the installation of tempered water systems. Shower temperatures in the 80°F (27°C) range help keep users comfortable in colder climates where even 60°F (15°C) showers may not be adequate.

Emergency drench showers consume large quantities of water, typically 20-30 gallons (76-114 liters) per minute. Residential showers use in the range of 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute. Tempered water systems must safely and reliably provide for these large volume flows. In all cases, scalding water temperatures and flow loss must be prevented. Emergency wash users do not have the luxury of adjustable wash temperatures.

As a leader in emergency equipment for over 50 years, Haws Corporation is ready to work with your plant engineering personnel to help select the correct ColdTech™ system to meet your requirements.

View ColdTech™ Models

For more information on the entire tempered water product line, click on the Tempered Water Questionnairelink under the Emergency Equipment drop-down menu at the top of the page.

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