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thermostat will react and move a mechanism
that modulates one or both of the inlet
ports until the valve returns to the set temperature,
thus ensuring that each emergency
fixture is provided with tepid water.
It is important to use TMVs designed
specifically for supplying tepid water to
emergency fixtures.
Newer tankless water heating systems
are highly efficient solutions for providing
an unlimited supply of tepid water for use in
eyewash and drench shower systems. These
models draw energy only when needed,
reach the ANSI standards for tepid water
temperatures in 20 to 30 seconds, hold outlet
temperature to within ± 1° F, and have a
low pressure drop (as low as 8 pounds per
square inch).
These features minimize potential postinstallation
complications that could be
caused by a sudden decrease in pressure.
Some newer water heaters are designed
with redundant safety and anti-scald features
to meet ANSI tepid water requirements.
They also provide overshoot purge
protection that will automatically open to
purge excess hot water whenever necessary.
Finally, it’s key to establish a weekly
eyewash and shower inspection/test program
throughout the facility to make sure
all equipment is working smoothly and able
to provide tepid water instantaneously. It is
recommended to complete checklists for all
equipment on a weekly basis to test all units
and ensure optimal operation.
Manufacturers also provide specially designed
materials to assist in weekly testing,
such as a heavy-duty drench shower tester
designed with a water-tight funnel to minimize
getting wet during testing. The funnel
directs water to a drain or bucket and prevents
water splashing in the surrounding
area. For testing eye wash fixtures, a transparent
plastic compliance gauge features
clear instructions on how to test the eye or
eye/face wash system according to ANSI
Z358.1-2014 testing protocols.
New Emergency Fixtures
Recently, several improvements have
been made to flow control, coverage and
efficacy of eye/face washes and drench
showers. The new emergency shower designs
incorporate fluid dynamics technology
and work in tandem with a pressure
regulated flow control. This directs the flow
of water to achieve a uniform and all-inclusive
spray pattern that quickly washes contaminants
from the user’s eyes, face or
body.
In addition, new generation swing activated
eye and eye/face wash units now incorporate
ceramic disc technology, which
is extremely durable and can withstand a
lifetime of activations. With the ceramic
valve, water is controlled between two rotating
ceramic discs that fit closely together
to create a watertight seal and provide a
precise 20° swing activation and deactivation,
which helps reduce splashing before
and after use.
Safety: A work in progress
Upkeep, maintenance, testing and replacement
are essential parts of ensuring
short- and long-term facility safety. As businesses
change and operations ebb and flow,
work site hazards can change. The key to a
strong safety plan is to regularly review and
improve facility conditions, placement and
performance of equipment and employee
training procedures. FSM
Ryan Pfund is senior product manager,
Emergency Fixtures, for Bradley Corporation
of Menomonee Falls, Wis., a USGBC
& ISEA member and manufacturer.
fsmmag.com | FSM | August 2015 29
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