What do I need to consider when choosing an emergency shower and/or eyebath/facewash unit?
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In identifying the correct model to suit the specific application and location of a shower/eyebath, you should consider the following points:
- The type of chemicals/hazardous materials being handled.
- Quantity and concentration of chemical/material.
- Solubility and viscosity of the chemical/material.
- What type of accidents are possible, e.g. spilling, splashing, spraying, ignition of clothing?
- Is the unit for indoor or outdoor use?
- Is the water pressure high or low?
- What are the ambient conditions on site?
- Is the area non-flameproof or Zone 1 and 2?
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Where can I obtain technical information for the product(s)?
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For each product you have the option to download a Technical Data Sheet. These contain information regarding flow rates, test pressure, dimensions and material details.
Click on the relevant product and select the Download button under Data Sheet – you will be required to log in or if you are not yet a registered user you will need to register first.
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What are the legislations/legal requirements governing Emergency Safety Equipment?
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You can obtain extensive information regarding the legislations governing emergency safety equipment and on operating and maintaining your equipment within the most recent legal requirements by requesting a free copy of our Definitive Guide to Emergency Safety Showers and Eyebaths.
Alternatively please visit the COSHH section of the HSE website for further information.
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What design standards exist for this type of equipment?
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There is one World Standard that is internationally recognised covering the design parameters for Emergency Safety Showers and Eye/Facewash Fountains used in industry, this is the American National Standard ANSI Z 358.1 2004. For those used in laboratories, a new European Standard DIN EN 15154 (1&2)was published in October 2006. Further information on the requirements set out by these standards can be obtained by visiting the ANSI website.
There is also a specific German standard relating to products within the scope of the gas and water industries, the DVGW accreditation.
Please also see the Standards section of our website for further detailed information on this subject.
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What quality standards does Hughes Safety Showers equipment meet?
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All our shower/eyebath units are manufactured to ISO 9001:2000. In addition, compliance with the internationally recognised American National Standard ANSI Z 358.1 2004 provides customers with the reassurance that products meet the most stringent requirements.
In addition we have a wide range of DVGW-approved products for our German and European markets.
Please click on the links to download our ISO certificate and DVGW certificate.
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How regularly should Emergency Safety Equipment be checked and tested?
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Routine checks
In addition to a routine service contract there are some simple checks you can carry out to ensure your safety equipment is working properly
It is vital that Emergency Safety Showers and Eye/Facewash Fountains be visually inspected every day to make certain that nothing has been placed around in or around them which may prevent quick and easy access.
Water flow should be checked at least once a week to ‘flush the line, and to verify proper operation’ and to ensure that the water supply line has not been inadvertently turned off.
Operate your emergency showers every week to make sure they:
o operate easily and in the way they are supposed to
o give a good spray pattern
o produce a good and consistent flow of the water
Check for:
o cracks and any other damage
o obstacles that would prevent easy access
For outdoor units:
o make sure they have adequate frost protection
o if there is an electrical supply connected make sure it is switched on
o ensure that the showers’ heating supply is working
Eyebaths and Eye/Facewash Fountains should also be tested daily and cleaned on a regular basis.
And finally …
Make sure that all staff who may need to use the equipment, know where it is and how to use it.
A good maintenance program is however also very important and a full site service should be carried out annually. See "How Can I arrange a Site Survey?" within this FAQ section or go to the Site Servicing section of this website for further advice on arranging a site service.
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How often does Emergency Safety Equipment need to be serviced?
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The COSHH Regulations require that safety equipment is “maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair”. A full service history including records of all examinations and tests carried must be kept for a period of at least five years.
The ANSI Standard also specifies annual inspections to ensure conformance with ANSI requirements.
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How can I arrange a site survey?
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Regular servicing ensures that Emergency Equipment continues to operate safely and effectively.
Free site surveys can be arranged so that companies can assess the conditions and suitability of their equipment and the cost of bringing facilities up to date.
Following this the Hughes Site Service Plan can be organised at regular intervals of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.
To discuss your service requirements please contact our Service Department on +44 (0)161 430 8070 or email service@hughes-safety-showers.co.uk.
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What accompanying documentation will be provided with my Emergency Shower/Eyebath?
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The following documents, where applicable, are included in the scope of supply:
1. Standard general arrangement drawing.
2. Standard wiring diagram supplied in junction box on unit.
3. Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions (IOMI).
4. Certificate of Conformity.
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How can I obtain details of Hughes Safety Showers representatives in my country/region?
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You can view details of our distributor network on the Distributor section of our website. Please use the clickable map or drop-down menu to select your country and view contact details for our partner(s).
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