PLUMBING
A New Generation of Eye/Facewashes New Technology Raises the Bar for Worker Protection BY HEATHER KOEHN
W
hether the work setting is a manufacturing plant, research lab or distribution
center, the inherent dangers of coming into personal contact with hazardous substances are a harsh business reality. Providing and maintaining a safe work environment is not only an employer’s moral and regulatory obligation it’s also in a company’s best interest from liability and reputation management standpoints. Being prepared with emergency
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eye/facewash and other shower equipment is an integral part of any company’s emergency response system. While many facilities use eye and facewash fixtures that may comply with ANSI requirements, the story shouldn’t end there. There are a number of factors that plumbing engineers, specifiers, contractors and building owners need to consider when selecting and evaluating the right equipment, including facility design, accessibility and product requirements, features and cost. While it’s important to know the
basic requirements of eye/facewash systems, it’s also key to stay current on the newest and most effective technologies available today, as the industry has taken major steps to enhance the efficacy of emergency products.
Basic ANSI requirements With respect to facility planning
and design, ANSI Z358.1 requires that facilities must be able to treat the maximum number of potential injuries possible in a given situation, keeping in mind the potential hazards, environment and number of people that could be exposed. To that end, eyewash equipment should be accessible within 10 seconds of the hazard. In addition, the approach to these safety stations should be clear of obstructions and should be on the same level as the hazard. The fixture must also deliver tepid flushing water. As for product requirements,
eyewashes and eye/facewash fixtures must provide a controlled, simultaneous flow to both eyes. While eye/facewash equipment must deliver a minimum of 3 gpm of flushing fluid for 15 minutes, eyewash-only equipment must deliver a minimum of 0.4 gpm for 15 minutes. In addition, outlets used for
While older models push the flow of water to the outside of the showerhead, new eye/facewashes have been redesigned to deliver a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution.
eye/facewashes should be protected from contaminants and be located between 33 and 45 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall. Finally, the actuation valve should be able to have the flushing fluid flow stay on without the use of the operator’s hands. The valve should be easy to operate and should be able to be turned on or off in one second or less.
New eye/facewash technologies Bearing in mind the basic
requirements will help guide selection for optimal eye/facewash equipment. In recent times, significant innovations have been applied to flow control, coverage and efficacy of eye/facewashes, creating a new market standard for ANSI- compliant safety solutions. Here are some selection
considerations on the key features of today’s emergency eye/facewashes: * Enhanced washdown coverage.
When hazardous and corrosive contaminants get into the eye area and spread to the outside of the face or come into contact with the body, it’s critical to have the best and quickest response ability available. This is why evaluating the amount of total face and body coverage provided by the eye/facewash and/or shower is key. Because traditional showers push
the flow of water to the showerhead’s outside rim, affected areas may be missed, due to the hollow space in the center of the spray pattern. The newest
eye/facewash fixtures, however, have been redesigned to deliver a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution. The new shower designs incorporate fluid dynamics technology and work in tandem with a pressure regulated flow control and the spinning motion of water. The result is a superior, all-inclusive spray pattern that quickly washes contaminants from the user’s eyes and face. Further, this showerhead has a new
contoured shape, with spinning water funnels to concentrate water into a gentle deluge, producing the most effective flush available. Some showerheads come in more compact models, which are a convenient choice for busy and confined industrial and work environments where more space is needed. Today’s newer eyewashes and
eye/facewashes utilize a much more accurate method of maintaining the flow of water over varied pressures. These flow controls utilize an O-ring that is pushed into position and forces the flow based on the pressure supplied to the fixture, allowing for minimal variance across a wide range of pressures. Due to advances in fluid dynamics
technology, one of the newest eye/facewashes available covers 85 percent of the user’s face, which is more than 20 percent better than other designs. * Improved cleanliness. It can be
extremely challenging to keep older eye/facewash systems clean and free of bacteria. Because these units are sitting out in the open and are not
phc may 2011
www.phcnews.com
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