An emergency shower is present

Safety showers must be readily available in close proximity to workstations where employees perform tasks with hazardous chemicals or biological samples and where there is the risk of fire. Safety showers provide an immediate water drench of an affected person. MIOSHA has adopted the following ANSI standards for location, design and maintenance of safety showers:

  • Showers shall be located within 25 feet of areas where chemicals with a pH of ≤ 2.0 or ≥ 12.5 are used.
  • Showers shall be located within 100 feet of areas where chemicals with a pH of > 2 and < 4 or ≥ 9 and < 12.5 are used.
  • The location of the shower should be clearly marked, well lighted and free from obstacles, closed doorways or turns.
  • Safety showers should be checked and flushed periodically.

References:

  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859.
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual 
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan
  • ANSI Z358.1-2014 sections 5.5.2, 6.5.2, 8.2.4.2, Appendix B(B7), sections 5.1.3, 6.1.3. and sections 4.5.2, 5.4.2, 6.4.2, Appendix B (B5).

Corrective actions:

Be familiar with the location of this emergency equipment and instruct lab personnel on how to use them. These devices are used for emergency flushing in the event of an exposure; therefore they must be clean and unobstructed at all times. Most eyewashes have hoses that allow them to be pulled out and utilized as a shower.

Lab Safety Inspections