Often safety showers and eyewash stations are ignored in the food industry. There is a myth that an eye wash station can be used for applications that only include toxic chemicals and dangerous materials used in factories and plants. But the rules and regulations also concern restaurants, eatery joints, and the food businesses. With the signing of the American Rescue Plan, it is the right time to consider updating the safety requirements of a food business. A business that gives importance to the safety and well-being of employees maximizes the efficiency of its functioning.
OSHA Regulations for Food Safety
According to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), food business centers must have an emergency shower station or an eyewash station. This is particularly vital when facility employees are working with dangerous materials that can be potentially harmful to the body. Moreover, eyewash stations must be situated in immediate proximity to the area where toxic materials and chemicals are handled by the personnel of a facility.
Corrosive Cleaning Products and Safety Regulations
Toxic and corrosive materials are found in most cleaning products and agents in the food industry. Whether it is cleaning kitchen appliances, floors, or other facility areas, dangerous chemicals are involved. When the facility employees are involved with corrosive chemicals and dangerous materials, the OSHA regulations and policies mandate the restaurant or other food sector facility to install an eyewash station or an emergency shower station. It is one of the food safety solutions that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Furthermore, the installation of the eye wash station must be easily accessible, clearly visible, and reliable enough.
Water Source in the Eyewash Stations
When reliability is associated with eyewash stations or emergency shower stations, it refers to the source of water used. It is recommended that the source of water range from 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and is at an appropriate flow rate. Furthermore, it is also mandated by the OSHA regulations that the employees of the food facilities mustn’t take more than 10 seconds to 12 seconds to reach the eyewash or shower station. This is because sometimes emergencies are too severe to ignore, and such minute details can be life-saving.
Types of Emergency Stations
The perfect placement for an emergency eyewash station or a shower station relies on multiple factors. The wall-mounted eyewash station is a popular choice in the facilities. The wall-mounted station can be positioned anywhere, catering to OSHA and other required regulations. Additionally, ceiling mounted emergency showers and eyewash stations are widespread as well. The powerful water flow with a simple pull handle mechanism is often the preferred eyewash station type meeting the compliance guidelines.
Conclusion
Having an eye wash station or an emergency shower station caters to policy compliance. In addition, it also involves the overall well-being and interests of the employees involved in handling corrosive materials. When the safety factor of the employees is not ignored, the operational efficiency increases tenfold its usual value, thereby taking the business to the next level.
