Why emergency showers and eyewash stations matter

Safety in the workplace is the most important thing to consider anytime employees enter premises in service of their employers. And it is the employer’s responsibility to protect all staff members from harm, especially if they are exposed to potential hazards while they do their daily duty. The OSH Act – General Safety Regulations (GSR) Section 3 clauses 8 & 9 clearly outlines that, wherever there is exposure to hazardous substances, emergency showers and eyewash stations are required by law. The Hawk Pumps team shares a few facts that employers should keep in mind. 

Accessibility, compliance, training and quality are the three most important factors to consider when you, as an employer, install emergency showers and eyewash stations at your premises. According to regulations: 

“Wherever an employee is exposed or can be exposed to a potential hazard of injury to the eye through contact with a biological or chemical substance, the employer concerned shall make sure that there is an eyewash fountain or any similar facilities, in the immediate vicinity of the workplace of such employee and that the employee is trained in the use thereof.”

And:

“Where an employee at a workplace is exposed or can be exposed to a potential hazard of injury to or absorption through the skin as a result of sudden contact with a large amount of toxic, corrosive, high risk or similar hazardous substance, the employer concerned shall make sure that there is a fast-reacting deluge-shower with clean water or a similar facility in the immediate vicinity of the workplace of such employee and that the employee is trained in the use thereof.”

From a regulatory standpoint, any employer that is not compliant with these clauses will experience legal – and other, more serious consequences (like severe or fatal injury to employees) – and of course, nothing outweighs the cost of human life. 

Safety in any industry is a very serious and important concern, especially when toxic chemicals or fire hazards are everyday factors. Safety showers are effective preventative measures used to protect anyone who has encountered a chemical or substance that needs to be removed quickly and completely.

The Hawk range of safety showers is manufactured using 304 stainless steel that is passivated and electro polished for added protection against corrosion. As a result, the range is extremely durable. Eyewash bowls, similarly, are invaluable when it comes to protecting your staff. They quickly flush out foreign objects or chemicals from the eyes using a soft foaming nozzle system.

For ease of use, the showers can be activated by stepping on a platform, pushing a lever or pulling on a chain, and the eyewash bowls are foot operated with a lever, to prevent any unnecessary contact with the hands. 

Protecting your most valuable assets – your people – should never be open to compromise or negotiation. Visit the Hawk Pumps website to lower your risk and gain peace of mind that your staff will be protected every time they go to work.