A safety shower and emergency eyewash ( ATS 1 ) station is a type of first-aid equipment primarily used when hazardous chemicals particularly corrosive acids or alkalis come into direct contact with a person’s eyes, face, or other parts of the body. In such cases, the first and most critical action is to flush and dilute the chemical using copious amounts of water via the safety shower and eyewash station.
Any delay in treatment under these circumstances can lead to severe injuries, long-term health consequences, permanent disability, or even death. Therefore, selecting an appropriate safety shower and eyewash station is of utmost importance.
Safety Shower: Must deliver at least 76 liters (20 US gallons) per minute for a continuous duration of 15 minutes.
Eye/Face Wash: Must deliver at least 11.4 liters (3 US gallons) per minute for more than 15 minutes to ensure complete decontamination. Depending on the chemical type and concentration, this flushing period may be extended up to 60 minutes under international standards.
Water Temperature: The flushing water must be tepid, between 16°C and 38°C. Water above 38°C can increase burn severity and chemical absorption through the skin and eyes, while water below 16°C may cause shock and prevent effective flushing for the required duration.
