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What Is a Tempering Valve Shower?


A tempering valve shower utilizes a tempering valve (also known as a thermostatic mixing valve) to control the temperature of the water. The valve blends hot and cold water to ensure a consistent and safe water temperature, preventing scalding and thermal shock.

What Is a Tempering Valve Shower

In an industrial context, tempering valve showers are often used for plumbed-in emergency stations. Of course, not all eyewash and safety stations are plumbed in — and even when they’re plumbed, they may not have a connection to hot water.

 
Below, we’ll discuss how tempering valve showers can be utilized to meet OSHA standards and alternatives that can serve the same purpose.

Does OSHA Require Tempering Valves for Eyewash Stations?

Per OSHA, safety showers must provide tepid water. As we’ve discussed in other articles, OSHA has wide purview to deem any combination of safety wash equipment necessary for compliance — but generally, employers must choose eye wash stations and emergency showers that comply with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1.

That standard sets a few ground rules:

  • The equipment must control the flushing fluid’s velocity and quantity.
  • Wash station valves must be corrosion-resistant.
  • Wash fluid should be “tepid,” with a temperature between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 38 degrees Celsius).
  • Wash stations must release flow within one second or less, and controls should be easy to use.

Tempering valves can help with compliance by keeping water at a safe temperature. There’s a potential downside: When facilities have fluctuating water pressure, the valve may struggle to maintain a consistent temperature. 

A tempering valve shower may introduce a few other issues:

  • Every mechanical component introduces a new potential point of failure. Tempering valves require regular maintenance and inspection.
  • There’s often a delay in achieving the desired temperature. As discussed above, wash stations must release flow within one second or less.
  • Tempering valves add to the complexity and cost of the shower system. Cost isn’t a primary concern with safety equipment, but it’s certainly worth consideration.

In short: A tempering valve shower may improve OSHA/ANSI compliance. However, OSHA does not explicitly require plumbing for emergency eye wash stations and showers.

Related: OSHA Eye Wash Station Requirements: 7 Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Alternatives to Tempering Valve Showers?

Free-standing eye wash stations and emergency reservoirs can keep fluid at ambient temperatures, which will often fall within the “tepid" range of 60-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, portable stations must have sufficient reservoirs to meet other OSHA/ANSI requirements. According to interpretation letters, an emergency shower must be able to deliver at least 75.7 liters per minute (20 gallons per minute) of water or flushing fluid. For eye wash stations, the flow requirement is 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gallons per minute).

Related: Emergency Eye Wash Stations: The Role of ANSI Z358.1 in OSHA Compliance

Should I Choose Tempering Valve Showers or Portable Safety Showers? 

When safety showers are connected to central plumbing systems, tempering valves can help with compliance. 

But ultimately, the goal is to provide safety wash stations where employees will need it. Showers & eye wash stations must be within 10 seconds (about 55 feet) of potential places of exposure, and that’s not always feasible with plumbed-in units.

Portable units are a perfectly acceptable alternative. And given that the average temperature of cold faucet water is around 60 degrees, you can often use plumbed-in units without a tempering valve and still meet OSHA/ANSI standards. 

You should consider tempering valve units if:

  • Water supply lines are colder than 60 degrees or hotter than 100 degrees.
  • You’ve accounted for pressure changes that may occur if multiple pieces of safety equipment are used concurrently. All systems must maintain around 30 psi.
  • You have a strategy for testing and maintaining the tempering valve (note that all safety equipment requires regular testing and maintenance). 

Safety Showers and Emergency Eye Wash Stations from Solus Group

Solus Group carries safety equipment to help your facility improve OSHA compliance. To discuss options with a member of our team, contact Solus Group at 314-696-0200.

Wall Mounted Eye Wash Stations

These permanently installed stations connect to existing plumbing and meet ANSI Z358.1 standards. They feature flow control, stay-open ball valves, and filters for reliable performance.

Buy Wall Mounted Eye Wash Stations from Solus Group

Pedestal Mounted Eye Wash Stations

Ideal when a wall is not available, these freestanding units offer a plumbed eyewash solution compliant with OSHA and ANSI regulations.

Buy Pedestal Mounted Eye Wash Stations from Solus Group

Portable Eye Washes

For locations without plumbing, self-contained Portable Eye Wash units provide OSHA-compliant eye washing with a 16-gallon reservoir and dual spray nozzles. They include a bacteriostatic additive for a six-month solution lifespan.

Buy Portable Eye Washes from Solus Group

Shower Eye Wash Stations

This combination unit provides a full-body safety shower and eyewash station. It features an overhead shower and eyewash for simultaneous decontamination, with an optional privacy curtain.

Buy Shower Eye Wash Stations from Solus Group


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