As the RACI Representative on SF-048 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Facilities - I am currently seeking feedback from the RACI Membership relating to proposed changes to the draft version AS 4775. By way of history the RACI submitted a proposal for the review and updating of AS4775:2007 as it was out of date, did not reflect current work practices and sought to address a number of issues where the Standard was silent (i.e. drainage requirements).
Early this year a draft Standard was put out for public comment and as such the Committee received a number of comment which they were in the process of reviewing when the committee was subsequently presented a redraft of the Public Comment Version of the standard.
The redraft seeks to
a) Remove a lot of the details that were contained in the draft and replace them with generic statements, and circular references to other standards in repsect of drainage, emergency alarms and accessibility.
b) place a larger emphasis on the manufacturing requirements rather than the installation and user safety.
c) Makes statement to which creates an increased level of ambiguity.
Thus in my opinion makes the Standard unworkable in many workplaces and particularly in chemistry laboratories, general science laboratories, and other areas where hazardous chemical and dangerous goods are being used, stored and handled.
At this point I am currently seeking feedback from the members in respect of do I support a standard that provides specific and detailed recommendations, or do I support the development of a standard that will continue to create uncertainty.
------------------------------
Neale Jackson
------------------------------