The Critical Importance of Potable (CAT1) Water in Emergency Safety Equipment
Both ANSI Z358.1 and EN15154 are explicit: only potable (CAT1), tepid water (16–38°C ANSI, 15–37°C EN) is suitable for emergency safety showers and eyewash units. Tepid, potable water ensures that casualties can safely flush contaminated areas for at least 15 minutes, maximizing dilution and removal of harmful chemicals without risk of thermal shock, scalding, or increased chemical absorption. Inadequate water quality or incorrect temperature reduces flushing effectiveness and causes additional harm.
Industry standards and best practices
- ANSI Z358.1: Requires fully potable water delivered at tepid temperature, supported by minimum flow rates and location guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.
- EN15154: Defines similar standards for safety showers/eyewashes in the EU, underscoring the requirement for clean, contaminant-free, temperature-controlled water.
ANSI and EN standards are in place not just for regulatory compliance, but to protect workers from the dangers of the initial contaminant and any preventable injury from the safety equipment itself. Failure to comply can result in severe injury, legal action, and reputational loss.
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