Standards and directives
Damages to body and eyes
Caustic acid and other dangerous substances can cause serious damage. When an accident occurs it is important that safety equipment is close at hand and it is of utmost importance that rinsing is done immediately after exposure to a dangerous substance. A delayed “first aid” treatment may cause serious damages. Examples of hazards for eyes and skin are chemical substances, acidic or alkaline fluids, mechanical damages, hot substances and fluids.
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How shall we then know in which environment and where emergency safety showers and emergency eyewashes should be located? Safety showers is to be installed in close range of persons working in a potentially hazardous area according to the EU standard and within no more than 10 seconds reach according to ANSI standard. With the help of recommendations issued by the European Committee for Standardization and American National Standard Institute we can receive information and knowledge. Also about responsibilities and demands which are relevant to the work environment where first aid and safety equipment is necessary.
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International directives and standards
New knowledge about risks and changes in work life as well as updated directives mean continuous work to develop existing directives. Our eye- and safety showers fulfil the demands in the European Standard for Emergency Safety Showers EN 15154 (European Committee for Standardization) and the American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment ANSI/ISEA Norm Z358.1-latest edition (American National Standard Institute). The ANSI/ISEA Norm Z358.1 establishes minimum performance and use requirements for eyewash and shower equipment for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been exposed to hazardous materials. It covers the following types of equipment: emergency showers, eyewashes, eye/face washes, and combination units. This standard also includes performance and use requirements for personal wash units and drench hoses, which are considered supplemental to emergency eyewash and shower equipment.​
Summary of laws and regulations for emergency safety showers and eyewashes in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Norm Z358.1
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Body shower capacity and requirements
Safety showers/ Emergency showers shall be capable of delivering flushing fluid at a minimum of 75.7 liters per minute for a minimum of 15 minutes.
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Eye- & facewash capacity and requirements
Eyewashes shall be capable of delivering flushing fluid to the eyes not less than 1.5 liters per minute for 15 minutes.
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Picture of water flow for body shower
The spray pattern shall have a minimum diameter of 50.8 cm at 152.4 cm above the surface on which the user stands, and the center of the spray pattern shall be located at least 40.6 cm from any obstruction. The flushing fluid shall be substantially dispersed throughout the pattern.
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Picture of water flow for eye- & facewash
A suitable eyewash pattern shall be a minimum 10.16 cm in length with two sets of parallel lines equidistant from the center. The water height from the top of the spray heads shall be maximum 20.32 cm. Height from floor to water height 83.8 cm to 134.62 cm. (For more information see illustration in standard).
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If you have any questions regarding regulations and directives, you are welcome to contact us at MEES on +46-(0)21 14 92 00. We will do our best to help you.
