The safest possible situation is created by a combination of a high-quality product and a professional installation of the product. Some general instructions and requirements for a safe and professional installation are mentioned below.

Safety showers are normally subdivided in emergency-showers (or body-showers) and eye-showers. Combinations are also possible. Other options are face-washers and drench hoses.

• The time that is needed to reach a safety-shower is determined by the aggressiveness of the chemicals. The safety-shower should be within 3 metres from a spot where aggressive or caustic chemicals are used.
• The number of safety-showers should be based on the number of people working in the hazardous area at the same time.
• The safety-shower need to be connected directly to the waterworks. The diametre of the pipe leading to the shower should have at least the same size as the diametre of the inlet of the shower.
• Avoid bacterial growth in "dead" water lines.
• Minimal pressure should be between 2 and 3 Bar.
• Minimal capacity: for emergency-showers 80 l/min. For eye-showers 11,4 l/min. This should be checked after installation.
• Safety-showers need to be installed on a clearly visible place, easy to reach. Installation should be on the same height as the source of possible danger. A universal safety-sign should be placed near the safety-shower.
• Eye-showers are producing 2 soft spouts, directed inwards to each other, the height to be approximately 0,25 metre. Important is that the spouts do not harm the eyes.
• Position emergency-showers about 2,26 metre above the floor (not above an entrance). The recommended height for eye-showers is approximately 1,2 metres.
• Recommended water-temperature is to be between 14°C and 35°C
• If the safety-showers have to be installed outside, make sure that they are protected against frost.
• Operation: The shower should run immediately after activating, and has to stay open until it is turned-off.
• All employees need to be informed where the safety-showers are located and need to know how they can be activated.
• Maintenance: Safety-showers need to be inspected and tested weekly, or at least monthly. Avoid growth of bacteria or fur in the shower.

• rinse immediately with water, as long as possible
• call for a doctor or an ambulance
• inform the doctor about the substance that caused the injuries

• 15 minutes of rinsing is recommended
• Preferably use cold water, this narrows the blood-vessels, which slackens the penetration of harmful substances
• Installation of an alarm device is recommended if only one person is working in the hazardous area
• Squeeze-operated showers with only one sprayhead can not replace eye-showers, while both eyes are often harmed during an accident.
• Both hands have to be free to keep the eyes open during rinsing
• Eyewash-bottles are only to be used if there is no running water available

International safety-symbol P/N 114-051 Sources Arbo-besluit 1997: art. 4.1 Handboek persoonlijke beschermingsmiddelen Veiligheidsbesluit voor fabrieken en werkplaatsen 1938 Documentation Bradley International

International safety-symbol P/N 115-050

December 1999
Steendam can not be held responsible for any possible consequences due to following these directives.