Where a highly corrosive chemical is used,Geographical Information Systems (GIS)an emergency shower and eyewash stationmay be required to be closer to theworkstation. These units should also beinstalled in such a way that they do notbecome contaminated from corrosivechemicals used nearby. The location ofeach emergency shower or eyewash stationshould be identified with a highly visiblesign. The sign should be in the form of asymbol that does not require workers tohave language skills to understand it.The location should be well lit. Other There is no clear benefit to using a neutralizing agent instead ofrecommendations include that the water therefore it is critical that one flushes a chemical burn asemergency shower or eyewash station quickly as possible with water because it is readily available inshould be located as close to the hazard as most situations. Do not delay treatment to search for a specificpossible, not be separated by a partition solution. One person in the work area should be designatedfrom the hazardous work area, be on an responsible for inspecting and operating (activating) theunobstructed path between the workstation emergency shower, eyewash station, combination units, andand the hazard, be located where workers drench hoses weekly. A weekly activation will help make surecan easily see them preferably in a normal that there is flushing fluid available as well as clear the supplytraffic pattern, be on the same floor as the hazard, be located line of sediments and minimize microbial contaminationnear an emergency exit where possible so that any responding caused by 'still' or sitting water.emergency response personnel can reach the victim easily, belocated in an area where further contamination will not occur, Preventive maintenance inspections should check for suchprovide a drainage system for the excess water , not come into problems as valve leakage, clogged openings and lines, andcontact with any electrical equipment that may become a adequacy of the fluid volume. A work record of thesehazard when wet and be protected from freezing when inspections should be kept with replacement parts kept on handinstalling emergency equipment outdoors. Work areas and to prevent the system from becoming non-functional. If theoperations that may require these devices include Battery system breaks down for any reason, the workers in the areacharging areas, Laboratories, Spraying operations, High dust should be properly warned and protected. All workers requireareas, Dipping operations and Hazardous substances instruction in the proper use and location of emergencydispensing areas. showers or eyewash stations before any emergencies occur. It should never be assumed that workers are already aware of theAll hazardous substances need to be properly identified. A proper procedures. Written instructions should be madereview of safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels can help to available to all workers and posted beside the emergencyevaluate the hazard. To select the appropriate eyewash and shower and eyewash station. Part of the instructional processshower equipment, you must know about the chemicals you should include a \"hands-on\" drill on how to find equipment.use and their potential risks. Due to the fact that more than oneemergency shower or eyewash station may be required in anarea where many workers use hazardous substances it'simportant to evaluate how many workers are using thehazardous chemicals, and provide more equipment wherenecessary to ensure the each worker's protection.The installation of an audible or visual alarm can alert otherworkers when the emergency shower or eyewash station isbeing used.An alarm is especially important if only one workerhappens to be working in that area. A victim may need help ingetting to the eyewash if temporarily blinded. Some companiesconnect valves electrically to warning lights or buzzers incentral areas. Extra overalls and foot covers should be storednear emergency showers. Clothes contaminated with corrosiveor toxic chemicals need to be removed from the injured person.One must consider installing a privacy curtain, changing thefluid in self-contained systems frequently and cleaning theunits regularly to prevent inadvertent use of contaminatedfluid. It seems logical to neutralize exposure to an acid with abase or vice versa, however there are concerns that attempts toneutralize chemical contamination of the skin or eyes couldincrease injury by causing a delay in starting irrigation whilefirst-aid providers search for special irrigating fluids, thermalburns from the heat given off when the two chemicals react aswell as additional injury due to contact with the neutralizingagent. 49
Spray Nozzle (Pty) ltd, established in 1971, is the manufacturer of the SPRAYDRENCH® range of emergency safety equipment, used for the rapid removal of harmful chemicals and contaminants in the mining, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries, including laboratories and institutions of learning. Spray Nozzle (Pty) ltd is an I.S.O. 9001-2008 compliant company. SPRAYDRENCH® emergency safety equipment is designed and manufactured in South to international safety standards, including ANSI Z 38.1-2008, EN 15154- 1 : 2008, EN 15154-2 : 2006 and DIN 12899-3 : 2008. All equipment is warranted for performance and function, provided it is installed and maintained according to instructions and used for the purposes for which it is intended. Since its original units were designed in 1971, the SPRAYDRENCH® range has been vastly improved and broadened to meet the world's most stringent demands. Exports of the range exceed 40% of production, with sales not only throughout Africa, but also to the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Customers have a choice of over 120 standard models, fully automated and designed on ACAD, as well as bespoke systems to suit each environment or application. Stainless steel models now form over 90% of the production, with an option of the economical epoxy coated mild steel and Polypropylene variations. The range begins with simple, manually operated units, through platform and platform-assisted models and includes a full range of fully automated units using infra-red diffuse sensors or proximity switches and flow switches. The IP65 automated control panels are becoming increasingly popular, and can be integrated with existing PLC's. Such systems allow for the complete identification, reaction to, and management of all incidents and accidents on the site. Another range of features, which have become popular amongst export clients, are the frost- and heat-protected units, which allow for trouble-free control under severely adverse conditions. Additional to the range, and becoming popular for remote sites, are the fully self- contained units, with header tanks. Each and every model has design-preferred features as well as numerous options available. This comprehensive range allows for an ideal selection from the smallest laboratory units through to the largest self-contained and protected models for hostile site conditions.50
All products are intended to supplement first aidtreatment of injuries and/or contamination, therebymitigating the aggravation to more serious injury. AllSPRAYDRENCH® units should be installed in closeproximity to hazardous areas and must be clearlyidentified as emergency safety showers and/oreyewash stations. They must be free from obstructionand accessible from three directions. In order to ensurecorrect operation of the units, adequate instruction andtraining must be provided to both the maintenance teamas well as the end user. This training should includehow to locate the safety equipment, how to operate thesafety equipment, recognition of safety alarms andbeacons when activated, and how to obtain additionalmedical assistance.In the event of contamination or injury, an industrialnurse and or medical doctor should be contactedimmediately. Only safety equipment which meets withthe OSHA rules and regulations as well as the ANSI Z358.1-2004 and EN norms and safety standards shouldbe installed. In the event of contamination, medicalattention must be sought immediately. Signage must bedisplayed in a prominent area in close proximity to theunit.SPRAYDRENCH® products offer not only corrosion-resistant stainless components on critical items such asvalves and nozzles, but also a range of Polypropyleneunits for certain applications. All units are modular indesign, can easily be upgraded and repaired on site andwithout the use of any special tools. Finally, SprayNozzle has been awarded numerous contracts withblue-chip companies as the sole supplier to their safetyshower and eyewash requirements, making this thenumber one brand in Africa. Spray Nozzle is becominginternationally recognized as a serious contender for allnational and international contracts and applications. 51
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