One issue is that bacteria can grow at temperatures less than 130-140 F (some experts disagree on the exact figure). The CPSC says that at 150 F you get burned in 2 seconds, 6 seconds at 140 F, 30 seconds at 130 F, and 5 min at 120 F. So you need to at least consider what you set the HW tank at. If it is less than 130 F you can get bacterial growth inside the tank. If at 130 F then you could scald the recipient. Of course there is bound to be some heat loss to the shower but depending on how far away the closest one is and how long you run it (20 minutes is the recommended standard) will also affect the temperature (raising it over time).
I am not saying it is a bad idea having used it myself but putting in a mixing valve to the header at the hot water tank and so running the hot water tank at 140 F is sometimes a more prudent variant.
Richard Palluzi
PE, CSP
Pilot plant and laboratory consulting, safety, design,reviews, and training
www.linkedin.com/in/richardppalluzillc/
Richard P Palluzi LLC
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From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> On Behalf Of Tammy M. Lutz-Rechtin
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2019 12:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] How does your institution interpret ANSI 358.1-2014 and safety shower testing?
Our building manager came up with what I think is a brilliant idea several years ago to handle the temperature issues for eyewash and showers. He has a seperate water tank that is temperature-controlled. Do you see any problems with this? We have had many mixing valves fail over the years.
Every research group is responsible for weekly testing of eyewash and showers on campus. It is important that people who might need to use eyewashes and showers actually know how to use them. For showers without drains, my department is using a 5-gallon bucket with a large PVC pipe extension into another bucket. We find this works better than the curtain kits. The bucket system is easily stored next to the shower. We have a department safety assistant who checks all the units weekly, is trained on standards, and how to clean the units and filters. Rarely does the assistant not find an issue that needs some attention.
Tammy Rechtin
UARK CHEG Safety Coordinator
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> On Behalf Of Jeffrey Lewin
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2019 9:03 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] How does your institution interpret ANSI 358.1-2014 and safety shower testing?
This is how our State Regulators interpret this:
Does MIOSHA require the supply of tempered water at plumbed eyewash and safety showers?
MIOSHA standards do not require any specific temperatures. However, implied in the term "suitable facility" is providing a water temperature that is not too cold or hot (temperatures between 60 =B0 and 100 =B0 F). Temperatures below 60 =B0 F may cause the employee not to use the facility long enough (15 minutes). Temperatures above 100 =B0 F may be too hot and enhance adverse chemical interactions with the eyes and skin.
"TMV's can cost more than the eyewash unit itself so I understand why people balk"
Add in the cost of additional piping often required to get the necessary water supply and you're looking at triple the cost. Fortunately, our Trades department works with us and automatically does it correctly. I've had conversations with folks that try to make the argument that our the water supply in our large buildings (many of our research buildings are 9-11 "stories" with most having some sort of a multi-story penthouse and many with basements and sub-basements) will not get cold in 15 minutes. While that might be true in some situations, especially only using an eyewash, we can't guarantee it so the mixing valve is required in all new installs. Except, in the "newish' building that has dedicated recirculating tempered water just for eyewashes.
Section 4.5.6; B6 of the Z358.1 requires delivery of tepid water. Alan mentioned that the definition of tepid water was in the Appendices, however I saw somewhere that the temperature range was moved to (or included in) the Definitions section. I don't have a copy of the standard so I will defer to him on that. I assume that the word "tepid" appears in the Standard itself either way, is that right, Alan?
The 2003 and later versions of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) require the use of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 compliant equipment when eyewash or showers are required (around caustic or corrosive materials). See, for example, https://safetyequipment.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/EWS-Guide-Feb_2015.pdf So this incorporates the tepid requirement. And even if your state has not adopted the IPC, it is obviously a best practice issue when you think about potential liability.
Most state and local governments have adopted the IPC but, based on personal experience. less than 5% of people who purchase eyewash or shower units from us opt for the the thermostatic mixing valve even though their local codes would apparently require it. TMV's can cost more than the eyewash unit itself so I understand why people balk, but I've also seen people try to keep stating under a safety shower in the wintertime with ice cold water pouring over them when they are in shock or are injured.
Rob Toreki
======================================================
Safety Emporium - Lab & Safety Supplies featuring brand names
Fax: (856) 553-6154, PO Box 1003, Blackwood, NJ 08012
I have a question about eyewashes.
Do you have to regulate the temperature on the eyewash? We are in California, and we are installing a new eye wash.
I thought there were some recommendations/codes?
Michael I. Schaffer, Ph.D., F.A.B.F.T., NRCC-TC
(800) 522-7424 (toll free) Extension 140
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I am a voting member of the ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) EWS (Eyewash and Shower) Product Interest Group who periodically (every 5 years) revise the ANSI/ISEA Z38.1 Standard. We will be meeting on November 18, 2019 to go over the final potential changes to the Z358.1 2019 revision.
The issue of activation and testing is frequently brought up by those who utilize the Standard.
If you have results from the D-CHAS group, I'd like to receive them before the morning of November 18, 2019 so that I can bring them to the attention of the Revision Committee.
Toxicology Consulting and Medical Translating Services
Clinical Assistant Professor
Colorado School of Public Health
University of Colorado-Denver
Trying to get the best practices here.
How does your institution interpret ANSI 358.1-2014 and safety shower testing?
I know eyewash stations are 5 minutes per week.
What is the frequency you use for testing showers and the duration?
Chemical & Lab Safety Specialist
42075 Loudoun Academy Drive
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Jeff Lewin
Research Integrity Office
207 Advanced Technology Development Complex (ATDC)
Michigan Technological University
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