Choosing the Right Industrial Shower: What Features Matter Most for Workplace Safety?

B-L-S Industries |
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In hazardous work environments, where exposure to chemicals, contaminants, or extreme temperatures is a daily risk, industrial showers play a critical role in ensuring worker safety. These showers—commonly referred to as emergency drench showers—aren’t just optional accessories; they’re often mandated by OSHA, ANSI, and other global safety standards. Choosing the right industrial shower is more than a compliance issue—it’s a commitment to employee wellbeing, rapid emergency response, and operational reliability.

For over four decades, B-L-S Industries, Inc., headquartered in Carl Junction, MO, has been committed to providing top-quality emergency drench showers and eye and face wash stations.

Why Industrial Showers Are Essential in Hazardous Workspaces

Industrial showers are designed for immediate decontamination in emergency situations. They are crucial in environments where workers may be exposed to:

  • Corrosive or toxic chemicals
  • Biohazardous materials
  • Combustible dust
  • Extreme heat or cold
  • Pressurized gases or vapors

In these scenarios, seconds count. A properly installed and fully functional industrial shower can minimize injury, reduce recovery time, and potentially save lives.

Key Compliance Standards to Understand

Before diving into product features, it’s vital to understand the compliance landscape:

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) define the industry benchmark for emergency eyewash and shower equipment. This standard covers:

  • Flow rates
  • Temperature requirements
  • Activation time
  • Accessibility
  • Duration of flushing

OSHA Guidelines

While OSHA does not specify emergency shower features in detail, it references ANSI standards and mandates the presence of emergency decontamination equipment where exposure risks exist.

Local and International Standards

Some jurisdictions have stricter requirements than ANSI/ISEA. It’s essential to evaluate regional codes when specifying a unit.

At B-L-S Industries, our team ensures every industrial shower or eyewash station complies with applicable regulations.

Core Features That Matter Most

When selecting an industrial shower, consider the following features to ensure safety, durability, and compliance:

1. Water Flow Rate and Pressure

The ANSI Z358.1 standard requires emergency showers to deliver a minimum of 20 gallons per minute (GPM) for at least 15 minutes. Equally important is stable water pressure. Undersized plumbing or fluctuating water pressure can compromise effectiveness.

Tip: Verify that your plumbing can support this sustained flow. Our engineering team at B-L-S Industries can assist with flow and pressure compatibility checks.

2. Water Temperature Control (Tepid Water Systems)

Water that’s too cold can cause hypothermia; too hot, and it can worsen chemical burns. ANSI Z358.1 defines tepid water as 60°F to 100°F (16°C to 38°C).

Options for Temperature Control:

  • Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs): Automatically mix hot and cold water to maintain tepid output.
  • Heated Shower Enclosures: Essential for outdoor or cold-climate installations.
  • Chillers: Required in high-heat environments to prevent scalding.

B-L-S Industries offers pre-plumbed and temperature-controlled units to simplify deployment and maximize worker protection year-round.

3. Activation Mechanism and Hands-Free Operation

An emergency shower must be:

  • Activated in one second or less
  • Operable without hands
  • Self-draining (for outdoor use)

Foot pedals, pull rods, or push plates should be intuitive and rugged. After activation, the flow must continue without the need for sustained pressure or contact.

At B-L-S Industries, we engineer all activation mechanisms for rapid response, hands-free use, and high mechanical durability.

4. Material Durability and Corrosion Resistance

Facilities exposed to corrosive chemicals or harsh climates require industrial showers made of:

  • 316 Stainless Steel: Superior corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments.
  • Galvanized Steel with Epoxy Coating: Cost-effective and robust for general use.
  • UV-Stabilized Plastic Components: For outdoor or high-humidity areas.

All B-L-S Industries units undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure long-term performance in demanding environments.

5. Drainage and Anti-Freezing Features

Proper drainage prevents water accumulation, mold growth, and slip hazards.

  • Floor drains must be designed to handle 20 GPM or more.
  • Freeze-protection valves, heat-traced pipes, and heated enclosures are critical in cold climates.

B-L-S heated emergency showers offer all-in-one solutions to keep your safety systems functional in any weather.

6. Eye and Face Wash Integration

Many hazardous workplaces require combination units—integrating an emergency shower with an eye and face wash station.

ANSI requires:

  • 0.4 GPM for eyewash
  • 3.0 GPM for eye and face wash
  • 15-minute flow duration

Integrated units reduce installation complexity and enhance usability in emergencies. At B-L-S Industries, we offer a variety of modular and custom combination systems that seamlessly meet these requirements.

7. Visibility and Signage

When seconds count, visibility matters:

  • High-visibility colors (yellow/green)
  • Illuminated signage
  • Glow-in-the-dark instructions
  • Audible alarms for remote notification

We also provide optional safety beacon lighting and signage kits for enhanced emergency visibility.

8. Location and Accessibility

Showers must be within 10 seconds (roughly 55 feet) of the hazard and placed on the same level. Ensure:

  • No obstacles block the path
  • Proper clearance (16” from any obstruction)
  • 34” to 45” from the floor for eyewash actuators

B-L-S Industries offers layout consulting to help customers design optimal installation points for rapid accessibility.

9. Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing

ANSI mandates weekly activation to ensure functionality and annual inspections. Look for units with:

  • Easy test tags and documentation
  • Modular parts for quick replacement
  • Built-in test valves

All B-L-S showers and eyewash stations are engineered for low-maintenance reliability and are backed by our U.S.-based support team.

Specialized Shower Types for Unique Applications

Beyond the standard models, your facility may require specialized solutions:

Heated Enclosures

For Arctic conditions or unheated buildings. These include:

  • Fully insulated walls and ceilings
  • Internal lighting and heaters
  • Remote activation alarms

Self-Contained Portable Showers

Ideal for mobile job sites or locations without permanent plumbing. Features:

  • Integral tanks (up to 200 gallons)
  • Manual or pressurized water systems
  • Compact frames for transport

Custom-Engineered Units

When standard solutions don’t suffice, B-L-S Industries offers custom units tailored for:

  • Limited space constraints
  • Unusual hazard zones
  • Marine or offshore platforms
  • Cleanrooms and sterile environments

Cost Considerations and ROI

While the initial purchase price is a factor, consider total cost of ownership:

  • Downtime from non-compliance or injury
  • Employee health care costs
  • Legal and regulatory fines
  • System longevity and part availability

Investing in a high-quality, compliant, and low-maintenance industrial shower pays for itself many times over in avoided risks.

Why B-L-S Industries, Inc. is the Partner You Can Trust

Since 1976, B-L-S Industries has been a trusted name in emergency safety equipment. Based in Carl Junction, Missouri, we’ve grown from a local manufacturer to a nationally respected supplier with a reputation for:

  • Top-quality manufacturing standards
  • Engineered compliance
  • Durable and tested materials
  • Responsive customer service
  • Custom design capabilities

Whether you need a basic eyewash station or a custom-built, heated, and alarmed shower enclosure, we have the expertise to deliver the perfect solution.

Ready to Protect Your Workforce?

Every second counts in an emergency—and so does every decision you make about workplace safety. Don’t leave the safety of your employees to chance. Choose a partner who understands your industry, your risks, and your mission to create a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.

Contact us today to speak with a safety systems expert. We’ll help you select the ideal industrial shower or eyewash solution tailored to your specific needs.