In a work place, every second really matters when an accident hits. Although the compliance of emergency shower facilities in Australia cannot be compromised due to the fact that the functional emergency shower and eyewash station are mandatory, the best emergency shower systems take an invaluable step forward.
They do not simply relieve the situation at hand; they go to the extent of warning other people that there is a need to be assisted. We are discussing flow-switch alarms – a feature that people usually do not think of, but which turns a passive safety system into an active element of the emergency response strategy.
The Hazard of Unattended Accident (Silent Hazard)
Think of a situation, a worker is subjected to a dangerous chemical, and he runs to the closest emergency shower. They turn on the shower where they receive vital decontamination. However, what in case the chemical has made them lose track, has rendered them helpless or so distressed that they cannot call out to be helped? In an isolated area of the facility, they are alone, what about this? Valuable minutes may pass before any one notices an incident has taken place before it is immediately notified, and a simple injury can end up being a life-threatening event. Here the shortcomings of a stay-alone safety shower become too apparent.
The way Flow-Switch Alarms improve the optimal Emergency Shower Systems
The flow-switch alarm system is simply clever and at the same time very efficient. A sensor that recognizes when water starts flowing is built into the plumbing of the emergency shower or eyewash. This sensor sends off an alarm the moment the shower is switched on.
This alarm may be expressed in various forms:
Audible Alerts: An alarm or bell at the station itself will be able to attract instant attention in the eyes of colleagues around.
Visual Signals: Flashing lights can indicate where the incident is taking place particularly when in a noisy place.
Centralised Notification: Most importantly, the system is able to transmit an electronic signal to a central command centre or a security office or even direct to a specific group of safety personnel through an automated message.
This real-time alert is disruptive. It helps that in case the victim of the same cannot call out, then the help is already on its way.
Summary
Finally, although the main purpose of an emergency shower is to spray off the contaminant substances, the emergency shower systems that are the most effective are those that are actively involved in your emergency response. With flow-switch alarms you are actually offering not only a safety mechanism, you are offering a lifeline that when most needed is taken to bring help and this way no single accident in the work place will pass without being noticed and not without being taken action against, at least until the last moment that it needs. For more information contact Spill Station, Australia.
