Emergency showers and eyewash

What are the different types of emergency shower and eyewash stations?

When it comes to safety in environments where hazardous materials are present, having the right shower and eyewash equipment is crucial. There are several types of equipment designed to provide immediate decontamination for individuals exposed to harmful substances:

1. Combination safety shower with eye/face wash: This system integrates a full-body deluge shower with an eye/face wash station, allowing for simultaneous rinsing of both the body and face. This unit can be fitted with a drain bowl, a foot treadle activation or a combination of both.

2. Combination safety shower with eyewash: This system integrates a full-body deluge shower with an eyewash station, allowing for simultaneous rinsing of both the body and eyes. This unit can be fitted with a drain bowl, a foot treadle activation or a combination of both.

3. Deluge showers: Deluge showers provide a large deluge of water to decontaminate the body. They are pull rod activated.

4. Eye/face wash stations: These units feature two spray heads with flow regulators and self opening covers. They deliver a gentle stream of water, ensuring flushing contaminants from the eyes and face.

5. Eyewash stations: These units feature two spray heads with flow regulators and self opening covers. They deliver a gentle stream of water, ensuring flushing contaminants from the eyes.

6. Portable eyewash unit: Portable eyewash units use a gravity fed system to provide a flow of water to flush the eyes. They are perfect for areas with limited plumbed water.

What is the Australian Standard for safety shower eyewash equipment in Australia?

The Australian Standard AS4775 outlines the requirements for safety shower and eyewash equipment, ensuring that workplaces across Australia maintain a high level of safety for employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances. This standard specifies the design, performance, and installation criteria for both safety showers and eyewash stations, which are critical in providing immediate decontamination in case of chemical exposure.

According to AS4775, safety showers must deliver a sufficient flow of water to effectively rinse contaminants from the body, while eyewash stations are required to provide a gentle flow of water or solution to flush the eyes without causing further injury. The standard also emphasises the importance of accessibility; these units should be located within a 10-second travel distance from potential hazards.

All of our Spill Crew safety shower and eyewash units are certified to meet the requirements outlined by this standard. By following AS4775 guidelines, employers can ensure that their safety shower and eyewash equipment is properly maintained and ready for use when needed, ultimately protecting their workforce from serious injuries.