Emergency Eyewash & Shower Equipment

The AS 4775-2007 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment specifies 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 materials which may cause injuries. It covers the following types of equipment:

• Emergency shower equipment
• Eyewash equipment
• Eye/face wash equipment
• Combination shower and eyewash or eye/face wash equipment
• Facilities for disabled persons
• Drench hoses
• Self-contained (portable) equipment

The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance, especially a corrosive substance, are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may result in serious injury. Emergency showers and eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They allow workers to flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury.

Accidental chemical exposures can still occur even with good engineering controls and safety precautions. As a result, it is essential to look beyond the use of goggles, face shields, and procedures for using personal protective equipment. Emergency showers and eyewash stations are a necessary backup to minimize the effects of accident exposure to chemicals.

Emergency showers can also be used effectively in extinguishing clothing fires or for flushing contaminants off clothing. A chemical exposure accident may cause injuries to eyes, face and other parts of a human body. Eye injuries are always serious, and require immediate treatment. The emergency shower and/or eyewash station is a necessary first aid response to minimise the effects of a chemical exposure accident. The emergency shower and/or eyewash station is supplementary to recognised engineering controls, safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work areas and operations that may require emergency eyewash and shower stations may include, but are not limited to:

• Battery charging areas and workshops;
• Laboratories;
• Paint spraying and paint stripping operations areas;
• Hazardous substances preparation, storage and handling areas;
• Off-loading and dispensing areas for aviation fuel and naval fuel storage facilities;
• Fuel Quality Control Centres;
• Explosive Ordnance (EO) storage, manufacture and preparation facilities
• Cleaning and/or degreasing baths; and
• Other situations, in which it is reasonably likely for a worker to be splashed with a chemical/substance or being hit in the eye by a foreign object. i.e. debris.

Does your organisation require emergency eyewash and shower equipment? If you’re not sure, arrange a workplace inspection, with the SafetyZone team. With a wealth of experience, our compassionate consultants can develop the most practicable solution for your organisation.

If you would like more information or assistance, call us today to speak to one of our experienced, SIA Approved consultants: 1300 123 647 or email safety@safetyzone.net.au.