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Mark Sennett
Managing Editor |
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Kelly Rose
Editor |
Home> | Managing Health & Safety | >Decontamination Showers | >Safety showers for the fertiliser industry |
Safety showers for the fertiliser industry
05 December 2018
The fertiliser industry uses extremely hazardous materials in their production processes. Common industry chemicals like anhydrous ammonia can cause burns and inhalation hazards. Others like ammonium nitrate pose a risk of fire and explosion.

In 2006 a large explosion at a fertiliser plant in Teeside, UK caused a fire involving mixed gases including hydrogen, nitrogen and ammonia prompting the police to declare a major emergency. Two workers were injured, and fortunately only suffered cuts and bruises. With the hazardous chemicals involved, the consequences could have been much worse.
Having the right emergency shower stations and eyewash equipment for employees is a critical component to minimizing injuries caused by chemical exposure.
Emergency tank showers have integrated tanks. They ensure adequate water pressure and flow when water supply is unreliable or unavailable.
The insulated and jacketed models from Hughes Safety Showers are designed to counteract external temperature changes from affecting the water temperature in the tanks. For cases where the ambient temperatures are more extreme, tank heaters or chillers can ensure the delivery of tepid water.
Temperature controlled showers are intended for use in low ambient temperatures and are designed to deliver tepid water for over 15 minutes conforming to European and ANSI standards.
In hot climates, static water in pipes can rise to extremes due to solar radiation. Self-draining showers drain water from the standing pipes after each activation, ensuring that the water can’t heat up in the pipes. This prevents exposing workers to scalding hot water upon activating the safety shower.
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