Safety showers and eye wash stations: mitigating the risk of legionella

Emergency safety showers and eye wash stations can be essential lifesaving pieces of PPE in work environments were workers are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, gases, and other dangerous materials. However, if not regularly activated or maintained, they can themselves pose a health risk, with legionella being a particular risk associated with poorly maintained water systems. As such, it is a risk that any business that uses safety showers and/or eye wash stations needs to be mindful of.

What is legionella?

Legionella is an illness that is caused by water droplets that have been contaminated with bacteria. This is a particular risk in water systems that are infrequently used, as stagnant water can provide a breeding ground for such bacteria. An emergency safety shower or eye wash station is an example of a water system that, in theory, will be rarely, if ever, used and this is why weekly activation is required to ensure that water is not allowed to become stagnant. 

Symptoms typically manifest 5-6 days after infection and include shortness of breath, elevated temperature, headaches, and muscle discomfort.

How can you mitigate the risk of Legionella in safety showers?

Weekly safety shower activation

Weekly activation is an absolute must for any business that has emergency safety showers on site. Not only does it help highlight any potential issues, leakages, pressure problems, etc, but it also prevents the water from becoming stagnant and flushes the pipework clear of any built-up sediment that could otherwise become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Adequate servicing and maintenance 

Adequate servicing and maintenance is essential for the continued effectiveness and functionality of safety shower systems. The water tank should be disinfected at least annually. Nozzles, shower heads, etc, should be regularly cleaned and disinfected as required too.

For more information on emergency safety showers and eye wash stations, contact our experienced PPE team today on 0402 32116 (Arklow) or 021 484 1370 (Cork).