29CFR1910.1450 Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories,
would be the governing standard.  Appendix A National Research Council
Recommendations Concerning Chemical Hygiene in Laboratories (Non-Mandatory)
is the example/recommended Chemical Hygiene Plan in the OSHA standard.  In
it are the statements. The Laboratory Facility... 1. Design. The laboratory
facility should have:... (d) Other safety equipment including eyewash
fountains and drench showers (162, 169);" and " D. Components of the
Chemical Hygiene Plan... 6. Protective Apparel and Equipment
These should include for each laboratory:... (b) An easily accessible
drench-type safety shower (162, 169);."  In the industrial setting, we are
required to limit travel distance from the hazard to the shower and provide
a clear path, i.e. no tripping hazards or side obstructions.  I hope this
helps.

Bryan K. Franklin, CSP
PSM Coordinator
Crompton Corporation
Geismar, LA

-----Original Message-----
From: Donald A. Wiebe [mailto:da.wiebe**At_Symbol_Here**HOSP.WISC.EDU]
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2003 10:57 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Safety Shower Requirement

I'm looking for input on safety regulations with regards to
laboratory showers.  We have several showers located in the hallways
around our clinical laboratories at the University of Wisconsin
Hospital and Clinics.  A State of Wisconsin survey team have sited us
for having these showers and not providing drains below the showers.
Their recommendation is to put in drains or remove the showers.  The
UW hospital safety officer in formed me they plan to remove the
showers - unless I can find a regulation that would argue in favor of
these safety devices. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Seems like we make strides in the right direction and then can
quickly retreat!

Thanks for any input!

Donald A. Wiebe, PhD
Madison, WI

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