30 minute drenching

Showers & Eyebaths Services has designed an emergency shower capable of providing up to 30 minutes of tepid water drenching time in order to handle the complexities of chemical spill contamination of an operative's clothing.

In 2009 the ANSI standard was revised and stated that delivered flushing water should provide 15 minutes of tepid water. Tepid water not only reduces the growth of harmful bacteria in the water tank but importantly the use of cold water, rather than that which is tepid, has the effect of closing the pores, which can trap any contaminant so hampering attempts to wash it off.

However, in situations where the contaminant is a burn-inducing chemical, there is an argument to say that drenching time should be extended to a minimum of 20 minutes and even 30 minutes of tepid water.

Janet Dickinson, operations manager at Showers & Eyebaths Services said: "Unfortunately chemicals can react when they come into contact with water, such as caustic soda which turns to a slimy consistency, and can be difficult to wash off. This can result in contaminants remaining on clothing even after a 15 minute dowse."