Hot or Cold? The Modern Basics of Tempered Water for Emergency Showers and Eyewashes

Why Proper Water Temperature Is Essential for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to emergency showers and eyewash stations. But did you know that the temperature of the water they provide can mean the difference between effective first aid and further injury? Tempered water has become the gold standard for these systems—here’s what you need to know to keep your team protected.

Why Tepid Water Matters

While the thought of someone getting drenched with icy water may conjure up comedic images, in the event of a real emergency, cold water is no laughing matter. Industrial accidents involving hazardous materials require immediate and thorough rinsing, typically for at least 15 minutes. If the water is too cold, the risk of hypothermia is significant, especially when large volumes are required. On the flip side, water that’s too hot can cause tissue damage or even worsen chemical reactions.

Understanding the Standards

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) ANSI Z358.1 standard now mandates that emergency equipment must deliver water at a temperature between 60°F and 100°F. Most manufacturers and safety professionals recommend a target range of 80–85°F, but it’s always best to consult a medical advisor for your specific needs.

The Anatomy of a Tempered Water System

Upgrading to tempered water involves more than just adding a heater. A compliant system typically includes:

  • Hot water storage tank
  • Heater
  • Mixing valve (Blending System)
  • Booster pump (for low water pressure or multiple units)

It’s crucial that your system is properly sized for your emergency equipment. If the upstream components can’t deliver the required flow and pressure, even an ANSI-compliant shower or eyewash may not perform effectively during an actual emergency.

The Critical Role of the Mixing Valve

The mixing valve is the heart of any tempered water system, ensuring that water is delivered at a safe and consistent temperature, even when demand spikes or supply fluctuates. When designing your system, keep in mind:

  • Peak demand: How many showers or eyewashes might be in use simultaneously?
  • Pressure drop: Larger mixing valves may reduce pressure—make sure you have adequate supply.
  • Safety features: The valve should offer a full cold-water bypass if the hot water fails, and a complete hot-water shutoff if the cold water supply is lost. These features help prevent scalding and ensure continuous flow.

Best Practices for System Design

  1. Know your equipment: Partner with manufacturers who understand the specific flow and pressure needs of your showers and eyewashes.
  2. Plan for the worst: Build in safeguards and redundancies so your system remains functional even if a component fails.
  3. Size for reality: Don’t underestimate the volume of water or pressure required for your emergency equipment.

Consult experts: Always work with medical advisors and experienced safety equipment providers during planning.

Final Thoughts

Tempered water systems aren’t just a compliance requirement—they’re a vital part of your emergency response plan. By understanding safety standards, choosing the right equipment, and collaborating with knowledgeable partners, you can ensure your emergency showers and eyewashes are ready when you need them most.

Ready to Upgrade Your Safety Systems?

Don’t wait for an emergency to find gaps in your safety plan. Contact our team today for a free consultation on tempered water solutions, or visit our website to explore the latest products and resources. Protect your people—make tempered water a priority!

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Catching Up with Alex Spounias: A Look Inside Haws® Safety

Our very own Safety Specialist, Alex, shares what’s new, where we’re headed next, and what keeps her passionate about safety every day.

We had a chance to talk with Alex Spounias, our Safety Specialist, to see how Haws has grown this past year, what’s on the horizon, and get to know Alex a little better. Her perspective was full of insight… and a few fun surprises!

How did you begin working at Haws and how long have you worked there?

I have worked for Haws for 3 years.  My interest in health and safety started with a desire to make workplaces safer and prevent injuries before they happen. When the opportunity came up to join a manufacturing safety equipment company, it felt like the perfect fit — not only could I support employee safety but also contribute to the development and use of products that protect workers everywhere. Haws was specifically impressive due to their involvement with the SHARP program as well.

What have you seen Haws go through in the last year in regard to safety improvements?

Over the past year, the company has achieved a measurable reduction in the DART rate through a focused, employee-driven approach to safety. Increased employee involvement in hazard recognition, safety committees, and daily communication has strengthened overall awareness.

Enhanced training programs — including more frequent and repetitive sessions — have helped reinforce safe work practices and improve retention of critical procedures. In addition, upper management’s increased involvement and visible commitment to safety improvements and expectations have played a key role in driving accountability and sustaining progress.

What are some of the safety initiatives that have been implemented since you began working at Haws?

Since I’ve been with the company, several key safety initiatives have been implemented to strengthen our overall safety culture and align our programs more closely with our specific operations. We’ve focused on updating and refining our existing safety programs to better fit the needs of our manufacturing processes and warehouse environment — ensuring they’re practical, compliant, and effective for our team.

Another major improvement has been clearly defining the roles and responsibilities within the safety function, including setting clearer expectations for my position as a safety professional. This has helped streamline communication, accountability, and follow-through on safety initiatives.

We’ve also enhanced employee training, improved near-miss reporting participation, and increased management involvement in safety planning and performance tracking. These steps have all contributed to stronger engagement, lower incident rates, and a more proactive safety culture overall.

As Safety Specialist, what are you most excited about for Haws in 2026?

In 2026, I’m excited to focus on strengthening personal training programs and reducing repeated near misses. I also look forward to continuing my growth as a safety practitioner — expanding my knowledge and applying new approaches to make our workplace even safer.

What is your favorite extra-curricular activity and why?

My favorite extracurricular activity is spending time with my husband and our dogs. We enjoy working on home improvement projects and landscaping our yard together. It’s rewarding to see the progress we make and to create a space we’re proud of — it’s a great way to relax, stay active, and spend quality time together.

What is your favorite food and why?

My favorite foods are shrimp, crab, and lobster. I’ve always enjoyed seafood — it’s fresh, flavorful, and reminds me of relaxing times spent by the water with family. Plus, I love how versatile it is, whether it’s grilled, steamed, or in a great seafood dish.

Additional Closing Comments?

I am proud of the team for stepping up and showing genuine enthusiasm for our safety program. The high level of participation and engagement from everyone demonstrates not only their commitment to safety but also their dedication to supporting one another. It’s inspiring to see the team take ownership of our safety initiatives, contribute ideas, and actively work together to maintain a safe and proactive workplace.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

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🕸️ Safety Can Be Spooky, But It Doesn’t Have To Be: A Fright-Free Guide to Emergency Equipment Compliance 👻

When it comes to emergency equipment, few things are scarier than non-compliance. A neglected eyewash station or a forgotten safety shower can turn a real emergency into a horror story. But staying compliant with ANSI Z358.1-2014 doesn’t have to send shivers down your spine.

ANSI Z358.1-2014 sets the gold standard for emergency eyewash and shower equipment — from location and activation to water temperature, flow rate, and weekly testing. These aren’t just rules; they’re safeguards that make sure help is ready the second it’s needed.

Unfortunately, lurking in the shadows are some all-too-common compliance ghouls:

  • 🕷️ Creeping inspection gaps that let equipment fall out of compliance
  • 💀 Aging, unreliable units that can’t meet ANSI requirements
  • 🧾 Ghosted documentation that disappears when audits come calling
  • 🧟 Untrained employees who freeze up in an emergency

These aren’t just spooky—they’re dangerous. But the good news? You don’t need a magic spell to banish these compliance monsters.

 

🦇 Your Compliance Ghostbusters: Our FREE Site Survey Program + Haws® Services

 

Hunt Down Safety Nightmares Before They Strike

Through our FREE Site Survey Program, we uncover hidden equipment issues and compliance gaps, then provide fast, clear recommendations for repairs, replacements, and upgrades. If your equipment isn’t ANSI-compliant, we’ll help pinpoint the problem—and stake it down before it can rise from the grave.

Weekly & Annual ANSI Inspections (No Tricks, Just Tests)

Haws Services can ensure that your eyewash stations and safety showers get regular, documented inspections that meet ANSI Z358.1-2014 requirements. We check flow, temperature, accessibility, and activation—because nothing’s scarier than finding out equipment doesn’t work when you need it.

🧙 Turn Your Compliance Nightmares into Peace of Mind

ANSI Z358.1-2014 sets the rules. We make following them fright-free. With routine inspections, fast maintenance, and real documentation, you can keep your workplace safe and compliant all year long.

Don’t let safety skeletons rattle around in your closet.

👉 Contact us today to learn how our Survey Program and Haws Services can turn compliance from creepy to easy.

FREE Site Survey Program & Haws services

Click below for more information!

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Haws® Q3 Product Sightings Across the Nation

As Q3 wraps up, we’re excited to share where Haws hydration products have been making a splash! From bustling stadiums and serene parks to schools and museums, our drinking fountains and bottle fillers continue to support healthy hydration and sustainability across the country. Plus, a few of our emergency eyewash stations were spotted keeping safety top of mind in key locations.


 

🌟 Where We Were Spotted This Quarter

Here’s a roundup of some standout locations where Haws products were installed or spotted in action:

  • Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA : Hydration meets high performance—our bottle fillers kept fans refreshed during game days.
  • Idewild Park – Reno, NV : Outdoor fun and clean water go hand-in-hand with our vandal-resistant fountains.
  • Fort Bragg Campground – CA Coast : Rugged hydration stations supported campers and hikers in remote, scenic terrain.
  • Nevada State Museum – Carson City, NV : A blend of history and modern convenience with our ADA-compliant drinking fountains.
  • McQueen High School – Reno, NV : Students stayed hydrated between classes with our touchless bottle fillers.
  • UNR Business Building – Reno, NV : Future professionals refilled sustainably with our sleek hydration stations.
  • Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – NY : Eco-friendly hydration nestled among nature’s beauty.
  • Merrifield, MN : Our products supported hydration in community spaces across town.
  • Royal Caribbean Port – Galveston, TX : Travelers refreshed before boarding with high-efficiency bottle fillers.
  • North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, NC : Guests stayed cool and hydrated while exploring the expansive zoo grounds.

 


 

📸 Seen a Haws Product? Share It!

We love seeing our products in the wild. If you’ve spotted a Haws hydration station or safety solution, tag us on social media or send us a photo. You could be featured in our next quarterly roundup!

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Innovation on Display: A Look Back at Haws’ 2025 Tradeshow Journey
2025 Tradeshow Recap

A Year of Innovation, Connection, and Excellence in Keeping People Safe and Hydrated.

This year, the Haws team hit the road for a full schedule of tradeshows across North America, connecting with customers, partners, and industry leaders. From safety and compliance to facilities and hydration solutions, these shows gave us the chance to showcase innovation, listen to feedback, and strengthen partnerships.

 

📍 Where We Traveled in 2025

 

  • Grainger Tradeshow – January 29-30 | Nashville, TN
  • Fisher Scientific – February 18-19 | Orlando, FL
  • NFMT (National Facilities Management & Technology) – March 25-27 | Baltimore, MD
  • Fastenal Expo – April 8-9 | Nashville, TN
  • MCEE Expo – April 24-25 | Montreal, Canada
  • SAFETY 2025 – July 22-24 | Orlando, FL
  • VPPPA+ Safety Symposium – August 11-15 | St. Louis, MO
  • Facilities Expo – August 20-21 | Reno, NV
  • Global Industrial Tradeshow – September 16-17 | Orlando, FL
  • IFMA World Workplace – September 17-18 | Minneapolis, MN

 

Event Highlights

 

🚀 Showcasing Innovation

Across every tradeshow, we highlighted how Haws products support compliance, safety, and hydration—from our trusted AXION® eye/face wash technology to our durable drinking fountain and bottle filler solutions.

👥 Engaging with Customers

One of the best parts of tradeshows? The conversations. Hearing real-world feedback from customers and end-users helps us understand needs and continue building solutions that matter.

🤝 Building Partnerships

From Nashville to Montreal, Orlando to St. Louis, the connections we made this year will spark new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

🔮 Looking Ahead

We’re thankful to everyone who visited our booths and engaged with our team in 2025. These conversations inspire us to keep raising the bar in safety, compliance, and hydration solutions.

We’re already looking forward to 2026—see you at the next event!

want to see us in 2026?

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How to Keep Your Emergency Eyewash Station Clean, Compliant, and Ready for Use
Keep Your eye/face wash station ready

Quick Tips for Clean, Compliant Performance

An emergency eye/face wash station is only effective if it’s functioning properly at the moment it’s needed. To meet ANSI compliance and ensure reliable performance, your station must be kept clean, clear of obstructions, and routinely inspected for sediment or calcium buildup that can restrict water flow.

Here’s a straightforward maintenance guide to help you keep your AXION® eye/face wash station in peak condition.

1. Weekly Visual Inspection & Cleaning

  • Inspect the eye/face wash head for dirt, dust, sediment, or calcium buildup.
  • Gently wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth or sponge.
  • Use mild soap and water—never abrasive cleaners that could damage the unit.
  • Remove AXION dust covers and confirm there is no blockage.

2. Weekly Activation & Flushing

  • Run the eye/face wash for at least one full minute to ensure proper flow and flush out stagnant water.
  • Observe the water stream:
    • Streams should be even and continuous.
    • If weak or uneven, check for sediment or calcium deposits.

3. Monthly Eye/Face Wash Head Check

  • Remove the AXION head and rinse under clean running water.
  • Inspect for lime scale or mineral deposits.
  • If buildup is present, soak in a 50/50 vinegar-water solution or use an approved descaling agent. 
  • Rinse thoroughly, reattach securely, and test the water flow.

4. General Cleanliness Practices

  • Keep the area around the eyewash clear of obstructions, dirt, and chemicals.
  • Never store items on or above the unit.
  • Ensure nearby maintenance or construction does not introduce dust, debris, or particulates into the system.

Pro Tip: Document your weekly and monthly checks. Not only does this help you stay on schedule, but it also provides a record of compliance should you need it.

By making these inspections part of your regular routine, you’re not only ensuring ANSI compliance—you’re safeguarding your workplace and the people in it.

NEED TO REPLACE EXISTING EQUIPMENT?

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July is National Pet Hydration Month!

Keeping Pets Hydrated: Why Outdoor Drinking Fountains Matter

When temperatures rise, hydration becomes crucial—not just for people, but for pets, too. Whether you’re exploring a hiking trail, relaxing in a community park, or strolling through a pet-friendly campus, ensuring dogs have access to fresh, clean water is essential to their health and safety.

Why Pet Hydration Matters

Like humans, dogs rely on water to regulate their body temperature, aid digestion, cushion joints, and eliminate toxins. Dehydration can quickly become dangerous, especially in active or hot environments. Signs of dehydration in dogs include excessive panting, dry gums, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity.

That’s why access to outdoor hydration is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Built for Everyone: Outdoor Drinking Fountains with Dog Bowl Attachment

At Haws, we believe hydration should be accessible for every park-goer, no matter how many legs they have. Our outdoor drinking fountains with the optional dog bowl attachment offer a simple, hygienic solution for pets and their people.

Designed with durable, weather-resistant materials and intuitive functionality, these fountains feature:

  • Low-mounted pet bowls to allow easy access for dogs of all sizes.
  • Hands-free operation with push-button or sensor-activated bottle fillers and drinking bubblers for people.
  • Separate drainage to keep pet and human water supplies clean and sanitary.
  • Vandal-resistant construction that stands up to the elements and high-traffic areas.
  • Color and customization options to blend seamlessly with any environment.

 

Community Spaces That Care

Installing pet-friendly hydration stations shows your commitment to inclusive, healthy public spaces. Whether you're designing for municipalities, campuses, recreational areas, or mixed-use developments, this simple feature creates a big impact—supporting pet wellness, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and enhancing the user experience.

Let’s Build a More Hydrated World—One Tail Wag at a Time

Give pets and their owners something to smile about with an outdoor hydration solution that’s built for both. Explore our line of outdoor drinking fountains with dog bowl attachments and see how small additions can lead to lasting benefits.

Beat the Heat: The Role of Bottle Fillers in Preventing Heat-Related Illness

As summer temperatures climb, so does the danger of heat-related illnesses. In recognition of Heat Awareness Day, it’s important to highlight how simple tools—like bottle fillers—can make a big difference in keeping people safe, healthy, and hydrated.

Understanding Heat Stress

Heat stress happens when the body is no longer able to cool itself effectively, often caused by a combination of high temperatures, strenuous activity, and dehydration. Left unaddressed, it can lead to serious conditions like heat exhaustion or even heat stroke—both of which can be life-threatening.

One of the most effective and straightforward ways to prevent heat stress is consistent hydration.

The Role of Bottle Fillers

This is where bottle fillers come in.

Modern bottle fillers are touch-free, fast, and easily accessible, making it convenient for people to refill reusable water bottles with clean, cool drinking water throughout the day. Whether installed in schools, offices, parks, factories, or public transit stations, these hydration stations are essential—especially in high-temperature environments or areas where traditional drinking fountains may be scarce or unsanitary.

More than just hydration

Beyond combating heat stress, bottle fillers also support broader health and sustainability goals:

  • Reduce reliance on single-use plastics
  • Encourage eco-friendly habits
  • Promote equitable access to clean water
  • Support public safety during heat waves

Stay Cool, Stay Safe

On this Heat Awareness Day, let’s remember: staying cool starts with staying hydrated. Investing in solutions like bottle fillers isn’t just a convenience—it’s a proactive step toward protecting health and enhancing safety in our communities.

Hydration Solutions

Indoor & Outdoor Drinking Water Fountains and Bottle Fillers

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