Safety shower heads are necessary for the well-being of employees in the working areas where they work in an environment full of chemicals. Safety of the workers is the top priority of any industry. In industrial areas accidents are common and it’s important to prepare for those emergency incidents. There are several safety equipment for the safety of workers. Safety showers or emergency showers also known as nödduschar in Swedish head is one of the crucial equipment for saving the employees from hazards. Shower heads have a critical role in prevention from hazardous chemicals or other materials.
These devices are especially designed for fast and effective water flow in cases of emergency. And help in decontamination of harmful chemicals or materials. In this article we discuss the safety shower heads significance, types, installation & maintenance, and their role in reducing the risks at working places.
The significance of safety shower heads
Safety shower heads or emergency shower heads are an essential equipment of any work area. They are the requirement for safety of employees from chemicals, hazardous materials, or other substances. As they could be dangerous for skin or eyes after contact. Their immediate effect helps to relieve the victims from dangerous chemicals or substances by rinsing them off. Hence, prevent serious injury and minimize the damage.
Available types of safety shower heads
There are four main types of shower heads. Let’s discuss them one by one:
1. Wall mounted shower head
These are the most common available types of shower heads. They are simply installed on the walls near working areas. Installing various places on the wall ensures easy and fast access to them in an emergency case.
2. Ceiling mounted shower heads
These devices are suitable for larger places. They are installed on the ceiling of buildings and cover a broad area. Their design helps to cover the broad working areas. You can install them at manufacturing industries and laboratories.
3. Combination unit
As the name suggests, it is the combination unit including shower head and in addition an eyewash station. They can be used to wash eyes and body parts exposed to dangerous materials at the same time. This feature makes them unique, versatile, and useful for working places.
4. Recessed safety shower heads
Recessed safety showers are installed in the wall or ceiling for providing a continuous flow of water in case of chemical splash.They can be activated instantly and wash out the chemicals from the body with their consistent water flow. They are commonly found in clean rooms or areas with limited space where maintaining aesthetics is important. Mostly used in laboratories, industries and other working places where employees handle the hazardous agents.
Installation and maintenance of safety shower heads
The function and effectiveness of the equipment is of course very important. To maintain the effective function proper installation and regular maintenance is crucial. Let’s move to the key factors for installation and maintenance.
The first factor to consider for installation is the location of the shower head. They should be installed strategically according to the working space. They must be installed at the places where chemicals or hazardous materials are kept. Along with installation proper labeling should be done to make them more accessible.
Another factor to consider is plumbing requirements. When installing the shower head, make sure there is a sufficient supply of water flow available. The water temperature also should be maintained under regulatory recommendation. This will help in preventing hypothermia or scalding.
When combination units are used make sure eyewash stations are compliant with standards specified by ANSI or ISEA Z358.1. These standards recommend the spray pattern, water flow, etc for eyewash stations. Additionally, testing and maintenance is important. Regular weekly inspection should be done for assuring that the water flow is proper and that there is no obstruction to the water flow. Regularly the shower heads should be flushed to prevent any obstruction in water flow.
In the end, employees training should be ensured, they know what shower heads are and how to use them. If the employees are familiar with the shower heads and their uses, it will be good for emergency conditions. More information on safety showers, also known as hätäsuihkut, is available at hatasuihkut.com.
Safety shower heads role
Using safety shower heads minimize the risks at workplaces. Especially where employees are prone to exposure to chemicals or any other hazardous materials. Let’s see a few roles of these devices:
- Safety shower heads help in emergency decontamination by providing immediate water flow for rinsing off hazardous materials from the body in accidental exposure. This quick rinsing helps prevent a serious injury.
- Also, shower heads are helpful as first aid against chemical contact. They help quickly contaminate the affected areas by efficient water flow and stop the further damage.
- Shower heads are recommended for workplaces where chemicals are kept. There are some guidelines set by regulatory authorities. Any industry should follow such guidelines for the safety of employees. These are in compliance with these standards and guidelines, hence, help to avoid legal repercussions.
- With their quick response shower heads minimize the injuries and prevent serious complications due to chemicals exposure. This reduces the recovery time resulting in low medical expenditure.
- The combination units for shower heads have an eyewash station connected. Eye wash stations help in eye emergencies resulting from irritants or chemicals. As a result, they provide protection of eyes and skin.
- Presence of safety equipment at working environments like shower heads or eyewash stations definitely boost the confidence of workers. Also, it will reduce the chances of accidents in compliance with safety rules.
- Shower heads provide fast response, as it is important to stop the harmful agents absorption into the body. Quick response contaminated the hazardous elements and stopped the further damage to affected areas of the body.
By understanding the safety roles of shower heads we come to know the importance of these devices at working places. They must be installed at labor working spaces and their proper use limits the risks that help the wellbeing of employees.
Best practices for using safety shower heads
Safety protocols should be developed and implemented including the use of safe shower heads. They should be used properly in cases of exposure to chemicals or hazards. Next regular emergency exercise should be done for the training of workers. They must know how to use emergency shower heads and how to react immediately after exposure to chemicals or the hazardous materials.
Appropriate eye protection equipment should be used. The eye safety tools include face shields and goggles which should be used at a workplace where chemicals or dangerous materials are kept. Wearing these safety tools prevents serious eye injuries. Furthermore, proper training should be given to the workers who handle dangerous substances such as chemicals. They must be trained to handle the chemicals safely. And they should also be aware of the use of safety equipment like safety shower heads.
Lastly, first aid kits should be easily accessible to the employees working in chemicals. The kit must equipped with necessary things useful for treating the injuries.
Conclusion
When the exposure to hazardous substances are concerned, use of safety shower heads is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment. Their presence, maintenance, and effective use will help to convert serious injuries to minor ones. Workers safety is the first priority of any organization. Workers must be supplied with all the safety equipment also, know the use of these emergency equipment in emergency conditions. A proper training should be given to employees for using them efficiently. By doing this, there will be minimal chances or risk related to chemicals or other harmful substances. In addition, it guarantees a safer and much more secure environment for workers.
