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. 

Work is already well underway in preparation for the phase-out of petrol vehicles across the US. As part of President Biden’s goal to make 50% of all new domestic vehicle sales electric by 2030, the White House has announced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). IRA requires 60% of the value of battery components to be produced in North America in 2024 to qualify for half of the tax credit, and from 2029, the percentage will increase to 100%¹.

Emergency showers and eye wash stations ensure workers can receive immediate relief from chemical burns. Learn how Hughes helps you comply with OSHA safety shower requirements. Call us today.

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.

Total expenditure on recreational activities as of 2022 is valued at $467.1 billion in North America, 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 favorites, but how strenuous is maintenance?

The United States is the second largest producer of pulp and paper in the world with a market value of around $34.3 billion. It is reported that the industry produces over 75 million tons worth of material each year. A combination of hundreds of different chemicals will be used throughout the laborious process by different manufacturers worldwide. With this many solutions involved in the process it is essential that workers are aware of the hazards they work with and have access to safety showers and eye/face washes in the event of a chemical spill.

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. 

Industries worldwide rely on the steady supply of minerals and metals harvested by the mining industry such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, and potash. Though the final products of mining may not be hazardous, there are many chemical risks that mine workers are exposed to daily.

A laboratory incident at UC Berkeley in 2009 caused severe chemical burns to a student. A few drops of the corrosive chemical oleylamine fell onto a researcher’s uncovered forearm. When he realized what happened, he went to the restroom and washed his arm with soap and water for about a minute. Unfortunately, oleylamine is corrosive and hard to wash off the skin.

You’ve purchased a safety shower or eye/face wash, the unit has been installed according to ANSI and EN standards, within 20 metres or 10 seconds reach of the hazard, is easily identifiable and free from obstructions.Do all employees know where to find these units? Do they know how to activate a safety shower or eye wash in an emergency?

Quality is essential, particularly in the manufacture of safety products. Safety showers and eye wash equipment must be reliable, robust, and work first time, every time, to protect lives.

Hughes’ rigorous approach to delivering high-quality products is evident throughout our manufacturing processes. We are audited to ISO standards, namely 45001:2018, 14001:2015 and 9001:2015. Producers of sustainable, high-quality components are in evidence throughout our entire supply chain.

The official Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and ends on November 30 and has the potential to cause widespread disruption along the Gulf Coast.
Are you prepared for power outages or interrupted water supplies affecting the performance of your plumbed-in safety showers?