Emergency safety showers are found in labs where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxic substances or flames. The emergency safety shower should be located in an easily accessible area, and all workers should be properly trained in use the safety shower as well as help others use it if they are incapacitated.
Emergency safety showers should be used in case of an emergency in the lab. Such emergencies include chemical splashes, spills or fire.
Instructions
1. Attend a training session on operate the emergency safety shower. These are usually taught by a supervisor or instructor and entail watching a video, reading a book or training guide and possibly taking a test. These steps will ensure you are trained in the proper use of a safety shower and will be able to use it properly in case of emergency. You should know what types of emergencies the shower is intended to be used for, including fire and chemical spills.
2. Ensure the emergency safety shower is accessible and nothing is blocking the path through the lab to the safety shower. There may be more than one emergency safety shower in a lab if the lab is very large. Know where all safety showers are in the lab, and make sure you know use each one if they are different.
3. Pull the handle attached to the cord to start the shower. Water will be dumped down, putting out flames or washing chemicals off the injured person. Be sure to remove any clothing that is affected by chemicals or flame, as you will not want these things touching the person's skin.
4. Rinse the body, targeting the affected area for at least 15 minutes to ensure the fire or traces of chemicals are completely washed from the victim. Water will keep flowing from the emergency shower until the shower is turned off. Most showers allow the user to stop the water flow by pushing the handle back up to the starting position.
5. Call a doctor or ambulance. Even if the fire is out, or the chemical is removed from the skin and clothing, there could still be damage to the victim. It is best to call an emergency medical unit to check out the victim and make sure he is OK. If chemicals are left on the skin, they could produce chemical burns if not treated.
Tags: safety shower, emergency safety shower, safety showers, case emergency, emergency safety, Emergency safety showers