EN 15154-1 sets the requirements for plumbed-in emergency showers. In a chemical spill the first minutes are decisive — the faster the substance is washed off the skin, the less the damage.
Key requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Flow rate | ≥ 60 l/min |
| Duration | ≥ 10 minutes uninterrupted |
| Water temperature | 15 – 37 °C |
| Activation time | ≤ 1 second |
| Valve | Stays open once activated until manually closed |
Temperature: the most overlooked requirement
Cold water is a problem: at 10 °C a person cannot stay under the shower for more than about ten seconds and steps away — defeating the whole purpose. The standard therefore requires 15–37 °C. In a cold climate that means fitting a heater or a mixing valve.
Siting and maintenance
- The shower must be within 10 seconds' unobstructed travel of the hazard.
- The route must be kept clear and signed; nothing should be stored at the shower.
- Weekly flushing is essential — stagnant water in the pipe is a source of bacteria, legionella included.