Role: Our company will be the producer of the shower.
Thanks to all for the insightful comments.
It's reinforcing my stand for 9's or 10's.
I also appreciate the comment on whether the thought of failure modes are possible. I'm not the expert on the product so I'll will pose this question to the appropriate parties.
Some other comments that have been brought up are:
Nope...everything is based on worst case scenario.
Just tell them what the law requires and include the ANSI reference information below.
(The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI standard Z358.1-1990 and was revised in 2004. This "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment" standard helps the user in selecting and installing emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements.
The following specifications are taken directly from the ANSI Z358.1-2004 standard.
SHOWERS (Plumbed and Self-Contained)
Plumbed Shower: An emergency shower permanently connected to a source of potable water.
Self-Contained Shower: A shower that contains its own flushing fluid, and must be refilled or replaced after use.
The specifications below are for plumbed showers only.
1. Heads
A. Positioned 82"--96" from floor.
B. Spray pattern will have a minimum diameter of 20" at 60" above the floor.
C. Flow Rate=20 gallons per minute (GPM) at 30 pounds per square inch (PSI).
D. The center of the spray pattern shall be located at least 16 inches from any obstruction.
2. Valves
A. Activate in 1 second or less.
B. Stay-open valve (no use of hands).
C. Valve remains on until the user shuts it off.
3. Installation
A. Shower shall be located in an area that requies no more than 10 seconds to reach.
*Consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics (high hazard=closer distance).
B. Shower location shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a sign.
C. Shower shall be located on the same level as the hazard.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Plumbed showers will be activated weekly to verify correct operation.
B. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
C. All showers shall be inspected annually to make sure they meet with ANSI Z358.1 requirements.
I appreciate the help as this is one of the 1st uses of FMEA for our company.
Thanks to all for the insightful comments.
It's reinforcing my stand for 9's or 10's.
I also appreciate the comment on whether the thought of failure modes are possible. I'm not the expert on the product so I'll will pose this question to the appropriate parties.
Some other comments that have been brought up are:
Customers are required by OSHA to test the shower on a weekly basis. Does this reduce our severity score at all? From failure without warning (10) to failure with (9)?
What about our warnings in the product instructions about testing the unit for operation at installation and communicating the OSHA requirements of testing once per week.
(The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI standard Z358.1-1990 and was revised in 2004. This "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment" standard helps the user in selecting and installing emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements.
The following specifications are taken directly from the ANSI Z358.1-2004 standard.
SHOWERS (Plumbed and Self-Contained)
Plumbed Shower: An emergency shower permanently connected to a source of potable water.
Self-Contained Shower: A shower that contains its own flushing fluid, and must be refilled or replaced after use.
The specifications below are for plumbed showers only.
1. Heads
A. Positioned 82"--96" from floor.
B. Spray pattern will have a minimum diameter of 20" at 60" above the floor.
C. Flow Rate=20 gallons per minute (GPM) at 30 pounds per square inch (PSI).
D. The center of the spray pattern shall be located at least 16 inches from any obstruction.
2. Valves
A. Activate in 1 second or less.
B. Stay-open valve (no use of hands).
C. Valve remains on until the user shuts it off.
3. Installation
A. Shower shall be located in an area that requies no more than 10 seconds to reach.
*Consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics (high hazard=closer distance).
B. Shower location shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a sign.
C. Shower shall be located on the same level as the hazard.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Plumbed showers will be activated weekly to verify correct operation.
B. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
C. All showers shall be inspected annually to make sure they meet with ANSI Z358.1 requirements.
I appreciate the help as this is one of the 1st uses of FMEA for our company.