Emergency and Safety Drench Showers

By: Patricia Holland

Emergency & Safety Drench Showers are needed in workplaces where people have potential exposure to hazardous materials. Generally hazardous materials are those that can cause damage to the skin or eyes or can be readily absorbed through the skin. These materials can be liquids, solids, gases, and vapors and mists. The most common hazardous materials are usually in the form of liquids and they can be common chemicals, very acidic liquids, or highly alkaline liquids. Battery acid contains sulfuric acid and is an example of a very acidic liquid. Ammonia is an example of a highly alkaline liquid. Chlorine, hydrogen peroxide (bleach), and cyanoacrylate adhesives (Super Glue) are examples of common chemicals that are hazardous.

Emergency & Safety Drench Showers are required when any potential exists for employee / student exposure. If the hazardous material has the potential to be splashed on the skin or into the eyes then drench showers are required. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and faceshields are frequently used in these workplaces but determinations of exposure should be made without regard to the use of these types of equipment.

There are a number of considerations for buyers of Emergency & Safety Drench Showers. In the past it was a simpler product and decision. However, today a great deal of time and money is spent on facility planning. Today’s considerations include visibility of the location, water containment and disposal, equipment protection, and the privacy and protection of the users. Circular shower curtains were used in the past in part because the equipment and requirements were simpler. Today emergency equipment enclosures have become more popular because of the options they offer in meeting facility and user needs.

Emergency & Safety Drench Showers that offer an enclosed area have a number of benefits for the user and facility owner. When the enclosed drench shower has a door or curtain the user has a certain degree of privacy and is more likely to shed his / her clothing and to remain in the shower for a full fifteen minute decontamination period. The enclosure also helps to contain and drain the contaminated water from the area. Another benefit is that the enclosure will provide protection to other equipment in the area.

Emergency & Safety Drench Showers should be tested on a weekly basis. The primary reason for frequent testing is to confirm that the equipment is working properly. The second reason is to flush out any sediment or debris that may be in the water supply line. Inspection tags should be attached to the equipment and used to document each test. Each test should last at least five minutes for both reasons mentioned earlier. In addition, all persons who have the potential to be exposed to hazardous materials should be trained on the proper use of the emergency equipment. The training should include the location of the drench showers, how they are operated, and under what conditions they should be used.

The location of drench showers is also very important. In general, these showers should be located on the same floor and within a 10 second walking time. For more dangerous materials, drench showers should be located immediately adjacent to the work site. Any installation of a drench shower should consider the path of travel and keep it straight and free of obstructions.