I am in the process of setting up a hazardous chemicals laboratory, this will be used for only one system of work at a time with an individual risk assessment accounting for specific COSHH requirments of the substances used and a full CRAMS compiled for the safe system of work.

I had identified a risk whereby if someone is accidentally contaminated with a hazardous substance we have an emergeny shower installed and the building will be evacuated but where should the contaminated person go? should I have a seperate muster point for contaminated staff?

I am aware that wherever they are they should be accessible by an ambulance but it does not seem right that they will join everyone else at the regular muster point, anyone faced this before?

The only time I have had to use an emergency shower involved two people leading me from the point of incident to the shower and then assist whilst the contamination was removed.

You are presuming the person can get the shower and succesfully decontaminate on their own.

In my case I had to be lead as the contamination got around the PPE being worn so my eyes were tight shut.

Despatch for subsequent hospital examination took place at the shower location.

Beware that controls which appear easy when setting up and testing emergency showers can be impossible when being used in anger e.g. the step on plate activators can be a trip hazard.