Introduction
Emergency eyewash stations are a vital safety feature in workplaces where chemicals, hazardous materials, or debris pose a risk to eye health. When accidents happen, quick and effective response is essential to minimize potential damage and prevent long-term injury.
Eyewash stations are designed to provide immediate decontamination to the eyes, helping to flush out harmful substances and reduce the risk of serious injury.
Emergency Eyewash Stations Standards
Standards regarding emergency eyewash stations can be found in both OSHA and ANSI. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.151(c) states, “where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”
ANSI Z358.1 provides detailed information regarding the installation and operation of emergency eyewash and shower equipment. The ANSI standard requires eyewashes to deliver 15 minutes of continual flushing to both eyes.
Eyewash Equipment
Eyewash equipment must meet performance requirements, such as:
- Flushing fluid must be provided to both eyes simultaneously at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user
- Nozzles and flushing fluid stations must be protected from airborne contaminants
- Eyewash stations shall be designed for hands-free operations once activated
- The stations shall be positioned to not pose additional hazards to the user
- They shall be in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach
- Visually check flushing fluid quality and levels in Portable and Self-Contained equipment
- And, eyewash stations shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path to the station shall be free of obstruction
In addition, in all environments, workers must learn about the chemicals and materials at the worksite by reading the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information on hazards, precautions, and recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Using an Eyewash Station
If an injury occurs that requires the immediate use of an eyewash station:
- Locate the station and activate it by pulling the handle or pushing the lever
- Position your eyes directly in the stream of water
- Hold your eyelids open with your fingers
- Rotate your eyeballs in all directions
- Flush the eyes for 15 minutes
- Remove contact lenses while rinsing, if you wear contacts
- And, seek medical attention after flushing
Water Temperature
Medical professionals recommends using tepid flushing fluids. The ANSI standard states that using cold water may provide immediate relief. However, ANSI warns that prolonged exposure to cold fluids affects the body temperature and can cause hypothermic shock.
Maintenance
Inspection and maintenance of equipment must be performed on a regular basis. According to ANSI Z358.1-2014, self-contained eyewash stations must be maintained and employers shall consult the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance procedures. This includes flushing the system and using only solutions appropriate for flushing the eyes.
Conclusion
Emergency eyewash stations are an essential part of workplace safety, particularly in environments where exposure to harmful chemicals or materials is a concern. Having properly installed, maintained, and easily accessible eyewash stations can significantly reduce the risk of eye injury and provide immediate relief in an emergency.