Worker protection safety showers

Decision as to possible health hazards in mass production preliminary information on type of hazard which might exist in mass manufacture Safety of equipment necessity for ventilation, safe atmospheric concentration selection of suitable physical protective devices for workers (respirators, protective clothing, showers) procedure for medical treatment in emergency if this requires special equipment Decision as to health services needed at plant plan of preventive medicine (including selection of workers according to expected degree of exposure and methods of periodic check on health)... 

Since the safety of our laboratory personnel and visitors to the laboratory is always a primary concern, I would like all our laboratory workers to participate in this exercise in order to increase their awareness of the proper use and testing of our protective and emergency equipment while at the same time determining if this equipment is working properly. The items to be tested are the fume hoods, the eyewash stations, and the safety showers. 

Periodically test and inspect emergency devices (e.g., safety showers and eyewash stations) and safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and first aid and spill control kits) to make sure they are functional. Inspectors need to verify that workers are using personal protection and safety equipment appropriately in their day-to-day work. 

Eye wash fountains and safety showers for emergency use must be installed in all work areas where chemicals are handled. The locations, types, and operation of these safety devices are controlled by OSHA regulations. Immersion of the eye or full body in water for a full 15 min is critical when a chemical splash on the individual occurs. Treatment by a physician for any residual effects of the chemical is then necessary. The protection of the eyes with safety glasses equipped with side shields or better chemical worker goggles is very important for all workers around or handling any chemical. Protective clothing as recommended by the MSDS is important for the worker exposed to large quantities of the solvent. 

The safety shower is located outside the hazardous chemical area, i.e., behind the yellow line. Hence other workers can help the injured person in the safety shower without having to wear special protective clothing themselves. 

Employees should be informed of the risks of exposure to corrosive agents and be well trained to handle the chemicals as well as to act when they have been exposed. Showers for rapid irrigation with water should be easily accessible. A 1% copper sulfate solution, polyethylene glycol 300 or 400, 5% sodium thiosulfate solution, and a proper calcium preparation should be present in the first-aid kit. A calcium preparation for topical treatment should also be present near any employees work site where hydrofluoric acid or fluorides are used. Workers at risk should wear proper protective equipment, which may include eye glasses, face masks, gloves, boots, and safety dresses. 

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