Laboratories are places where people can get into dangerous stuff daily. Researchers and scientists take safety measures, such as PPE kits or carefully handling hazardous chemicals to prevent accidents. However, the chance of getting a splash or spill in the lab is inevitable. In such a manner a laboratory safety shower can also come in handy.
A lab safety shower also known simply as a safety shower is an emergency fixture designed to quickly rinse off chemical spills or contaminants from a person’s body in the event of an accident. It is typically found in chemical laboratories industrial facilities and other environments where hazardous substances are handled.
These showers are usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Most of them have multiple heads to increase efficiency. They are usually activated by a pull rod or lever and the water flows for at least 15 minutes. Moreover, lab owners place these showers where they are conveniently accessible in an emergency.
What Are The Advantages Of A Laboratory Safety Shower?
Lab safety showers offer several advantages that contribute to the safety and well-being of personnel working with hazardous chemicals or substances. They prevent the user from experiencing harsh chemical reactions before seeking professional help.
Some other benefits of using a laboratory chemical safety shower are as follows.
Rapid Decontamination:
If chemicals spill or splash on someone a safety shower can quickly wash them off with lots of water. This quick wash helps lessen the chance of chemical burns and prevents chemicals from getting into the skin.
Eye and Face Protection:
Special stations that combine showers and eyewash stations are essential because they can quickly rinse harmful chemicals off the user’s eyes and face. This is very important since chemicals can easily hurt the researcher’s eyes.
Ease of Use:
Mostly floor mounted safety showers are made so people can start washing off chemicals easily and quickly even if they are scared or confused. They usually have rods that the user pulls or levers they push to start the shower.
Increased Confidence:
When people who work in science labs know where the safety showers are and how to use them, they feel safer. This helps them focus better and work more safely with dangerous materials.
Compliance with Regulations:
Laws often require labs to have safety showers that work well if they use dangerous chemicals. Having these showers ready in the lab shows that a lab cares about keeping everyone safe.
Reduced Downtime:
Safety showers can reduce how long the lab has to stop working if there is a small accident because they let people clean up fast and return to work.
Therefore, installing emergency eyewash stations or safety showers offers various benefits in the lab. It improves the safety of the researchers while reducing the cost of medical help. It is also advisable to consult professional doctors after using these showers.
Multiple Types Of Safety Showers Used In Lab Settings
In laboratory settings, several safety showers are used to ensure prompt and effective decontamination in case of chemical spills or exposure incidents. These safety showers are designed to accommodate various types of emergencies and provide comprehensive protection to personnel.
Here are some common types of laboratory service spines used in lab settings.
Emergency Drench Shower
This quintessential safety shower provides a forceful overhead spray to flush contaminants from the body and clothes. It is ideal for large chemical spills across the body and limbs.
Eye/Face Wash
This safety shower is designed for targeted decontamination of the eyes and face. It delivers a gentle but continuous stream of water which is crucial as the eyes are highly vulnerable to chemical burns. Some safety stations combine a face and eye wash and a drench shower for comprehensive protection.
Combination Safety Station
As the name suggests, this combines an emergency drench shower with an eye/face wash into a single unit. This wall mounted space saving solution offers comprehensive decontamination capabilities for various chemical exposure scenarios.
Deck Mounted Drench Hose
This compact unit is typically installed directly on a lab bench. It features a flexible hose with a squeeze handle for easy activation. While not as powerful as a drench shower it is helpful for localized decontamination or rinsing spills on lab surfaces.
Portable Safety Shower
This freestanding and portable showers is ideal for locations where plumbing installation might be impractical. Its self-contained water tank makes it suitable for remote areas or temporary setups.
By understanding and adhering to these protocols, laboratory personnel become empowered to react swiftly and effectively during a chemical mishap. Remember, knowing the location and proper use of laboratory safety showers can differentiate between severe and minor incidents. Let us make safety the top priority in every laboratory!
Westlab Spaces is a unique online platform offering the latest and most modern laboratory solutions for productive labs. Our designs adhere to the country’s rules and regulations to ensure their durability and reliability. Moreover, our designs are equally loved by researchers and lab designers. To learn more about us visit our website now!
