The food and drink industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK. Employing over 450,000 workers across 11,000 businesses¹, its influence extends internationally, firmly establishing Britain as a dietary powerhouse. With growth expected to exceed a further 12% over the coming years, the industry value is beyond measure.

In the realm of workplace accidents and chemical spills, every second counts. The rapid response to emergency situations can often be the line between minor inconvenience and severe injury.

Self-contained and resilient, emergency tank showers are suitable for all climates and locations, and often the simplest and most comprehensive way to stay compliant. But what sets the Hughes emergency tank shower apart from others on the market? We've started with ten reasons, but we could go on and on!

On industrial sites without a reliable hot water source, the provision of plumbed-in safety showers and eye/face washes able to provide tepid water can be challenging. International standards stipulate that safety equipment must provide tepid water, defined as between 16C and 38C, to prevent further injury in the event of a chemical spill and to prevent the casualty from pulling away from the flow of water before completing a full 15-minute decontamination.

Emergency tank-fed safety showers are essential, life-saving pieces of equipment to decontaminate a casualty in the event of a chemical spill. In remote environments, tank showers remain the preferred solution as they are self-contained and do not require a plumbed-in water source for a full decontamination. In extremely hot climates, the temperature of the water within the overhead tank can heat due to solar radiation, risking scalding for the user.

From food and drink containment to perfumes and colognes, glass and glass containers are an essential part of our day-to-day lives. It’s forecasted that 916 billion units of glass bottles and containers will be manufactured in 2028 alone. Throughout the production process, many caustic and corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, silane, and titanium tetrachloride are used which can cause severe harm in the event of a chemical spill. Worker safety must be maintained as a priority.

Safety showers are the first line of defence against the effects of skin contact with chemicals or dangerous materials. When they haven’t been properly maintained or regularly serviced, they don’t offer workers the protection needed in emergencies. The impact can be severe – life-changing injuries, permanent disabilities, and in the worst scenarios, even death.

With chemical hazards present at every stage of vehicle production, coupled with a large workforce, the risk of a chemical spill or splash is high. The manufacture of a car, although largely automated, requires the use of numerous dangerous materials that workers can come into close proximity of.

To ensure correct functionality throughout the lifetime of your Hughes safety shower or eye wash, it is important to establish a regular maintenance routine, including replacement of spare parts. Stock up today on essentials for your equipment.

It is estimated that the average UK family spends a staggering 22% of their weekly budget on leisure activities, placing huge demand on the industry. In such a rapidly growing sector there are a plethora of arduous hygiene processes used to maintain facilities and protect the public. During recreational breaks, swimming pools and golf courses are often considered family favourites, but how strenuous is maintenance?

Asia is home to the largest producers of pulp and paper in the world. China singlehandedly produces over 99 million tons worth of material each year, followed by Japan which produces an additional 26 million tons. A combination of hundreds of different chemicals will be used throughout the laborious process by different manufacturers worldwide. 

Safety showers and eye washes are designed to be simple to activate in the event of an emergency, going from off to on within a second. Once they have been installed in the correct position, within 10 seconds reach of the hazard with no obstructions as per EN and ANSI standard stipulations, employees must be made aware of their location and how to use them effectively.