Do you know the protocol to flushing hazardous chemicals off of your body in an emergency? It’s always a good rule of thumb to be knowledgeable on how to properly execute safety shower and eyewash performance in an emergency situation. Take the time to get to know the mechanics of the emergency equipment in your facility before an accident takes place. Casey Hayes, director of Haws Integrated™, recommends the following:
- Get a proper training session on emergency equipment. Be aware of the location of the unit and how long it takes to arrive at the unit from your work space.
- Confirm that it should not take more than 10 seconds to arrive to the emergency equipment.
- Upon arrival to the shower, pull lever and remain in shower for a full 15 minutes. This is to ensure the prevention of chemical absorption while it also helps to cool burns and prevent hypothermia.
- When using an eyewash or eye/face wash, hold eyes open during the entire 15 minute flushing period.
- In some cases, it may be appropriate to have a partner with you during the state of emergency. If you work alone, you may not have the opportunity to have someone assist you. We recommend that if you are in a state of shock, have a co-worker assist you to the emergency shower and or eyewash station. If you are saturated in chemicals, it is best not to expose anyone else and to proceed to the emergency station alone.
- Always go to the emergency room following the use of the emergency shower and/or eyewash.
Furthermore, it’s essential to have functional emergency showers and eyewashes throughout your facility. Refer to our previous blog post ANSI Z358.1 FAQ: What is the Weekly vs. Annual Test for a break down on when it is appropriate to perform each test. We also offer a free webinar on the requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers. Click here to watch.
Recent Haws® Product Sightings!
People from all over the world use Instagram to document some of life’s greatest moments to share with their followers. Haws is pleased to see that fans are posting pictures of their favorite Haws products. Thank you for letting us be a part of your day!
If you come across a Haws emergency eyewash, drinking fountain, Brita® Hydration Station® or any product, snap a photo, send it in and we’ll make you famous!
The Brita® Hydration Station® proves to be a great fit for colleges and universities that strive for a sustainable campus.
Staying hydrated on the beach is a must to sustain the fun throughout the day.
Atlanta Botanical Garden guests are thrilled with the placement of the Brita® Hydration Station®.
We’re delighted to see our users putting monthly safety audits as a top priority.
I wouldn’t do it if I were you. 20 GPM would make quite a mess.
Is your facility in need for new emergency equipment? Before investing the time and money in buying new equipment, it is critical that the correct product is sought after. Perhaps you work at a chemical plant and the risk of hazardous chemicals to be splashed in the facial area is high. The best solution in this case is an eye/face wash rather than just an eyewash that will only cleanse the eyes and not the face as well. Chemical reach may not only harm the eye area, which is why an eye/face wash is the best solution.
Once you have identified the proper type of equipment to invest in, refer to the ANSI Z358.1 standard for training, testing, installation, maintenance, location, and use. Here is a quick reference guide to what is expected out of each category of emergency equipment:
- Eyewash: Efficient to injuries affecting only the eyes. Must have a simultaneous, uninterrupted, and controlled flow to both eyes.
- Eye/face wash: Risk of injuries include the entire face as well as eyes. Must have a large enough dispensation of water to reach both the eyes and face.
- Emergency shower: Used when a greater area of the body is at risk of injury. Water must cover a larger portion of the body and can also be used simultaneously with an eye wash or eye/face wash.
Find the emergency equipment that best suits your workplace here!
Video of Art Project Featuring a Haws Showerhead in Minnesota Business Park!Check out the video and pictures from an art project created by Gita Ghei at Gita Patina.
The emergency showerheads are used in a storm water demonstration area which is part of an educational streetscape about engineered solutions and green energy. There are 3 and each shower points to a different type of pavement. The water bottle filling area is part of the idea for saving plastic bottles and re-filling and protecting water ways from more trash.
