13 Features to Consider when Buying an Emergency Shower Trailer

An emergency shower, or decontamination shower, is used andrequired by professionals so they know that when they are done working or ifthings do not work out as planned they have a safe place to go to wash off oil,dirt, dust, chemicals, pepper spray, cool burns, and any other product theworker may have been exposed to.

Putting an emergency shower into a trailer is a no-brainerbecause of the portable nature of an emergency shower trailer. It can bequickly deployed to wherever it is needed.

There are a few key factors for this type of decontaminationtrailer or shower trailer. These 13 factors will help us design the proper unitfor your job site.

1. Clean and warm water supply

The units can carry their own clean water supply or have anability to access a water supply for larger and extended operation. This waterwill need to be warmed in almost all applications.

2. A larger shower for gross decontamination

This main shower can be fixed at ceiling level. As the employee enters, this shower head will wash thecontaminant down from head to floor.

3. A hand-held shower to access areas that may be harder toreach

Just like in your shower at home a hand-held shower head is important to reachareas which may be missed or can spray an area which requires specialattention.

In some applications a shower unit employee dressed in protectiveclothing can assist the worker in cleaning these areas. They also can apply asoap or other product to neutralize the hazard.

Also in this area, safety scissors mounted on the wall can aid incutting off contaminated clothing.

4. Easy access for the single worker use

If it is a smaller job site and only one employee isaffected, they may walk into the unit and pull a handle valve to activate theshower. This is similar to the wash stations in many laboratories.

5. Simple multi-person use

If several workers are exposed but able to walk through theshower there should be a large door on each side so there is one way in and a separate way out. This keeps the line moving as quickly as possible.

6. Access for injured workers

This is important for a work environment that has an accident where not only is therean exposure but one or several workers are injured. This shower should have theability to handle the normal stokes basket. This rescue basket with the workerinside will fit in the door on the entry side and the use of rollers to allowthe patient to be cleaned and moved out the other side of the shower.

In this way, the next injured worker can be placed in theshower. This “car wash” method is efficient in cleaning several injuredworkers.

Once out the other side they will be turned over to medicalpersonnel “clean” so no other personnel are at risk and the ambulance is notcontaminated.

7. Contaminated water collection capabilities

A tank to catch the contaminated water is a must. If an outsidewater source is used there needs to be a method of adding to this contaminatedwater.

This can be as simple as hazardous waste barrels filled andcovered and left on the site for clean up later. Another option for large flowis portable water bladders.

8. Side eye wash station option for construction sites

One nice option for construction sites is an eye washstation. In one corner of the wash bay this small station allows workers whomay have received exposure to their face and eyes to attend to this need.

9. Well-lit inside and out

These days, LED lights brightly light up our world. 12-voltLED lights can be used in the shower room and the exterior of the unit make ita safe place to operate.

10. Designed for year-round use

Depending on the climate these units will be operating in, heating and A/C units may be added along with insulation to protect the watersupply.

Drains to empty all lines to prevent rupture and tank heatersare also options.

11. Rapid and easy setup, take down, and clean up

We all know that if it takes too long to set up or take down at the endof the day these tools will not be used. Set up should be simple and fast with electric start generatorsto power the pumps for instant use.

Take down if not used should be as simple as shutting off thegenerator.

Additionally, interior walls and floor finish should be designed for easy cleanup.

12. Different size units depending on the application andlocation

Small 7'x12’ shower units are designed for smaller incidentsdetermined by the quantity of workers. These smaller units are ideal to handle routine work, ease to accessconstruction sites, off road applications, or small streets.

Larger multi-station units are best for large-scale incidents, moreworkers, and/or higher hazards. These units require more space more personnel to operate,more water, and more containment resources.

13. Storage for required supplies

On the exit side of the unit a compartment can be added tostore disposable jump suits to clothe the workers after their shower.

Conclusion

In closing, these trailer shower and decontamination unitscan be designed for your specific needs. It doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all unit because not all applications are the same.

We have smaller construction units designed andready to go in a short build time. These small units are great for first responders,construction sites, or oil fields due to their ease of use. They’re easy todrive into small, rough areas.

Mid-sized and large units are just as important but noteverybody has the budget, staff, and space to operate these units. If you need a larger unit, we are happy to have one built for you.

We would like to hear about your special needs andrequirements for an emergency shower trailer or decontamination trailer. Give us a call at 630-524-2029 or email sales@advantagetrailer.com to get the conversation started.