The Hub - Article

Introducing Hughes’ latest development: a GRP ladder platform for emergency tank showers, designed to enable easy and safe access to the tank.

The value of the global beer industry is predicted to reach a staggering £526,000 million by 2025. In Europe alone the brewing industry is estimated to employ over 100,000 people, producing over 40 billion litres of beer every year.

However, getting that beer from grain to glass is not a straightforward process. Even after brewing is complete, harsh chemical cleaners need to be used to ensure the tanks and pipework are sanitised and safe. Due to the potential for a splash or spill of these hazardous cleaners, on-site safety showers are a necessity.

Due to the fast-paced, deadline-driven nature of the printing industry it can often be easy to overlook the need for health and safety equipment. The UK is the world’s fifth largest producer of printed products, with around 120,000 employees – a large workforce that needs to be protected.

Weekly activation of your emergency safety showers and eye/face wash units is paramount to ensure that all emergency equipment is operating properly. This process is stated as a requirement in European and International standards (EN15154 and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014)

It’s important to know how seasonal weather changes affect your safety equipment, especially if placed outdoors. With winter approaching, are your safety showers ready?

The fertiliser industry uses extremely hazardous materials in their production processes. Common industry chemicals like anhydrous ammonia can cause burns and inhalation hazards.Others like ammonium nitrate pose a risk of fire and explosion.

In 2006 a large explosion at a fertiliser plant in Teeside, UK caused a fire involving mixed gases including hydrogen, nitrogen and ammonia prompting the police to declare a major emergency.

Anaerobic digestion is an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective solution to converting waste into renewable energy. There are many important health and safety issues to consider and potential risks to mitigate when operating a biogas plant such as explosion, fire, poisoning and surface water leakages. How can Hughes Safety Showers help with some of the potential hazards?

Because emergency tank showers can go unused for extended periods of time, the water held in the tanks may become stagnant. This makes it susceptible to bacterial growth and if not properly treated and maintained can become a source of infection.

There are several ways that Hughes combat the growth of harmful bacteria in their tank showers. 

A fire crew respond to an incident at a chemicals factory. Many hazardous substances are on site and the incident has resulted in injuries. The crew assess the situation, establish the danger zone and don their protective hazmat suits. These emergency responders risk their own lives to rescue injured workers and contain the situation.

But, what protects the emergency responders? How do fire fighters and other first responders ensure they're not exposed to the same hazardous substances?

Hughes Safety have been at the forefront of emergency safety shower, eye/face wash and decontamination equipment manufacturing for 50 years. From humble beginnings as a family owned, local business, Hughes have grown into an international pioneer and leader in the industry.

When you’re considering purchasing emergency safety showers, consider Hughes.