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Revised Emergency Eyewash and Shower Standard Enhances User Guidance, Testing Criteria

Feb. 1, 2010

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has published a revised American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI/ISEA

Cristine Z. Fargo International Safety Equipment Association

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has published a revised American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 that enhances user guidance and testing criteria.

This globally accepted standard is the authoritative document that specifies minimum performance criteria for flow rates, temperature and drenching patterns - all characteristics that are important for a user to receive adequate rinsing of a contaminant in an emergency situation.

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 was prepared by ISEA and was reviewed by a consensus panel of key stakeholders representing architects, healthcare facilities, chemical and safety professionals, and government agencies.

Among the most notable revisions in the 2009 edition is the inclusion of defined temperature parameters for flushing fluid delivery.

“It is critical that persons in need of emergency flushing be provided with equipment that can adequately remove the hazardous contaminant from the skin or eye tissue without creating further discomfort,” said Jim Johnson, chairman of ISEA's Emergency Eyewash and Shower Group and general manager of Encon Safety Products. “By defining a suitable delivery temperature of 60 -100°F, the standard seeks to ensure that the victim continues flushing the affected area to minimize any damage.”

Other significant changes from the 2004 version include the expansion of criteria for personal washes to ensure that they meet any applicable regulatory requirements.

Copies of the standard are available from ISEA, 1901 N. Moore Street, Suite 808, Arlington, VA 22209. The single copy is $56. ISEA offers discounts on bulk orders. Order directly from or download a faxable order form at www.safetyequipment.org.

ABOUR THE AUTHOR

Cristine Z. Fargo is manager of membership and standards services for the International Safety Equipment Association. ISEA is accredited as a standards-developing organization by the American National Standards Institute. Reach her at [email protected] or 703-525-1695.

Enhanced ISEA Web Site Offers Online Ordering

The International Safety Equipment Association has launched an enhanced Web site at www.safetyequipment.org that offers online ordering of safety equipment standards and other association publications, as well as direct links to a wealth of key information.

A redesign also makes the Web site more attractive and informative, and easier to navigate overall, with direct connections to “Standards,” “News & Publications,” “Resources,” “About ISEA,” “Product Groups,” the “JobBase” for finding or posting jobs, and information on how companies can become members of the association.

The Web site also offers expanded content for association members.

Look for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment from ISEA Members

Protection Update readers are encouraged to specify emergency eyewashes and showers that conform to the American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 from the following ISEA members: