The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by reference requires employers to select safety shower stations that comply with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1: American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. In this way, an emergency safety shower should provide a continuous flow of water for at least 15 minutes in the event of a chemical splash. This duration is important to ensure that any harmful substances are thoroughly rinsed out and to minimize potential damage to body tissue.

Remember that OSHA has specific requirements for safety showers in laboratory instructional space settings to ensure the safety of employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances. The following key OSHA safety protocols are not only applicable to instructional space teachers or other employees, but also to students.  

1.    Accessibility. Safety showers must be easily accessible and located within a reasonable distance from areas where hazardous materials are used. Typically, this means within 10 seconds of travel time.
2.    Visibility. Showers should be clearly marked with highly visible signage and illuminated, if necessary, to ensure they can be easily located during emergencies.
3.    Water Flow. Safety showers must provide a sufficient flow of water (typically a minimum of 20 gallons per minute) for a duration of at least 15 minutes to effectively wash away contaminants.
4.    Temperature. The water should be tepid, ideally between 60°F and 100°F, to prevent shock and to encourage use during an emergency.
5.    Operation. The shower should be designed for hands-free operation, allowing the user to activate it without the need to hold it open.
6.    Maintenance. Regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to ensure that safety showers are operational and meet all safety standards. This includes flushing the system regularly (weekly) to prevent contamination.
7.    Training. Employees (and students) should be trained regarding the location and proper use of safety showers, as well as the procedures for reporting any deficiencies.
8.    Emergency Response. Safety showers should be part of a broader emergency response plan that includes other safety equipment, like eyewash stations.

These requirements help ensure that laboratory instructional space employees and students have access to necessary emergency equipment to mitigate the risks associated with chemical exposure. For the most detailed and specific regulations, consult with your district safety officer.

Using a laboratory instructional space safety shower is essential for responding to chemical spills or exposures. The following actions should be taken.

1.    Know the Location. Familiarize yourself with the location of the safety shower in your laboratory instructional space. It should be easily accessible and well-marked.
2.    Immediate Action. If someone’s skin or clothing come into contact with chemicals, they should use the shower immediately. The quicker the response, the better the outcome.
3.    Remove Contaminated Clothing. Before using the shower, remove any contaminated clothing while ensuring you minimize further exposure.
4.    Stand Under the Shower. Position yourself under the shower and activate it. Aim to flush the affected area for at least 15 minutes, ensuring water reaches all affected areas.
5.    Eyes First. If chemicals get into the eyes, use an eyewash station first. If not available, use the safety shower, but avoid getting water in your eyes directly from the shower.
6.    Seek Medical Attention. After using the safety shower, seek medical attention from the school nurse, even if symptoms seem mild.
7.    Report the Incident. Students need to inform their teacher about the incident so that appropriate safety measures can be taken and the situation can be documented. This is also applicable for employees.
8.    Regular Maintenance. Ensure that the safety shower is regularly tested and maintained to guarantee it’s functioning properly.
9.    Training. Participate in regular safety training sessions to stay updated on emergency procedures and protocols.
10.    Emergency Plan. Be aware of your lab's instructional space emergency response plan, including whom to notify and how to document incidents.
Following these protocols can help ensure safety in the event of a chemical exposure.

In a chemical splash emergency, the priority is to minimize exposure to harmful substances. However, using a safety shower with corroded water delivery pipes can pose risks, so it is critical to avoid using it for an emergency chemical splash. Using a compromised safety shower can pose serious health risks, including exposure to contaminated water and ineffective rinsing due to reduced flow.

1.    Contaminated Water. Corrosion might lead to rust or other contaminants in the water, which could worsen the exposure or cause additional harm directly to the eyes.
2.    Functionality. Corrosion may affect the shower’s functionality, potentially impacting water flow and pressure.
3.    Maintenance Check. If the safety shower shows signs of corrosion, it should be inspected and maintained regularly. Report the issue to your head custodian or safety officer.
4.    Prohibition of hazardous chemical use. If it is determined that there is evidence of corrosion in safety shower plumbing, use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory instructional space should be prohibited until the problem is rectified. Signage noting the issue and prohibition should also be placed on the safety shower.
5.    Seek Alternative Emergency Equipment. If available, use other emergency equipment, such as an eyewash station, or a different safety shower that is operational.
6.    Rinse Off Immediately. If you have been splashed with a chemical, remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with copious amounts of water using a nearby sink or hose, if possible.
7.    Alert Others. Notify colleagues of the emergency so they can assist or call for help.
8.    Report the Issue. Inform your supervisor or safety officer about the corroded safety shower so that it can be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
9.    Follow Up With Medical Assistance. Seek medical attention if needed by contacting the school nurse, especially if the chemical exposure is significant or if you have any concerns.
10.    Conduct a Risk Assessment. After the incident, assess the risks associated with the laboratory instructional space environment and make sure all safety equipment is in good condition.

Regular maintenance and inspections are vital to ensure all safety equipment in the laboratory instructional space is functional and reliable.

Submit questions regarding health and safety issues in science/STEM instructional spaces to Ken Roy at safersci@gmail.com.

Follow Ken Roy on X: @drroysafersci. You can also follow Dr. Roy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ken-roy-07218713/.