Emergency Tank Showers: Are Water Chillers Necessary?
Emergency safety showers are often the first line of defense during chemical spills, burns, or other emergencies that require immediate decontamination.
However, in order to be effective, tank showers must deliver water at a safe and comfortable temperature, even in extreme climates. This is where industrial chillers for emergency tank showers become indispensable.
Water Temperature in Emergency Eyewash & Shower Systems
Emergency tank showers are designed to provide rapid, full-body drenching to remove hazardous substances from the skin. According to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standards, the water temperature in these showers (and in emergency eyewash stations) must be maintained between 60°F and 100°F to prevent thermal shock or exacerbating injuries. In hot climates or facilities with high ambient temperatures, water stored in tanks can exceed this range, posing risks to workers during emergencies.
Water chillers regulate the temperature of water stored in emergency showers, keeping it within the safe range regardless of external conditions. This consistency protects workers and helps meet safety standards.
How Water Chillers Work in Emergency Tank Safety Showers
Water chillers are integrated into emergency shower systems to cool the water in storage tanks or during circulation. These systems operate by removing excess heat from the water and recirculating it through the tank or delivery system.
Key components include:
- Heat exchangers transfer heat away from the water.
- Refrigeration units provide cooling to maintain the desired water temperature.
- Controls and sensors monitor and regulate the system for consistent performance.
Why Chillers Are Recommended for Emergency Tank Showers
Compliance with Safety Standards
Water chiller systems ensure compliance with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 by maintaining the recommended water temperature (60°F – 100°F), reducing liability risks for facility operators. Failure to comply with these standards can result in potential fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Worker Safety & Comfort
Delivering water at the right temperature is necessary for protecting workers during emergencies. In hot climates, water that is too warm can lead to burns or discomfort, while in cold environments, freezing water can cause thermal shock, making it harder for an injured worker to remain calm and cooperative during decontamination. For example, in chemical spills, rinsing with water that is too hot or too cold can exacerbate skin irritation rather than alleviate it.
Water at a safe temperature not only ensures proper decontamination by allowing workers to stay under the shower for the recommended duration but also provides a sense of relief in already stressful situations. Emergency tank showers equipped with chillers provide this balance, maintaining water temperatures of approximately 70°F, regardless of the external environment.
Versatility Across Environments
In desert oil fields, where ambient temperatures can soar well above 100°F, chiller systems prevent the water in emergency tanks from becoming dangerously hot, ensuring worker safety in case of accidents. Meanwhile, in cold climates like those found in outdoor chemical plants or northern industrial facilities, chillers paired with heating systems maintain water temperatures above freezing, preventing the risk of hypothermia during use.
For example, a mining operation in a tropical region may require chillers to offset intense heat, while a manufacturing plant in a cold climate may rely on them to stabilize water temperatures during winter.
No matter the environment, these systems maintain water within the safe temperature range, ensuring compliance with safety standards and reliable performance when emergencies arise.
System Reliability
High-quality chillers are built for continuous operation, ensuring emergency tank showers remain functional at all times. These systems are engineered to withstand harsh industrial conditions, such as extreme heat, humidity, or corrosive environments.
Many chillers also feature fail-safes, such as alarms or automatic shutdown protocols, to prevent system failure. This reliability ensures that in the event of an emergency, the showers can deliver properly tempered water without interruption, protecting workers’ safety and meeting compliance requirements.
Cold Shot Chillers: Your Partner in Safety
At Cold Shot Chillers, we provide advanced industrial cooling systems designed specifically for emergency safety showers and eyewash stations in industrial settings.
If you operate in extreme climates or high-risk industries, our safety shower water chillers will be built to meet your specific needs. Contact Cold Shot Chillers today to learn more about our solutions and how we can support your workplace safety programs.
Request a quote online or explore our range of industrial process chillers.
