With thermal burns (injuries to the skin), the American Heart Association (2010) noted that water temperatures of 15-25C (59-77F) help to cool the burn and that "cooling reduces pain, edema, and depth of injury". This will prevent the buildup of harmful, infection-causing microbes. How Long Should Eyes Be Flushed at the Eyewash Station? A combination unit has the ability to flush any part of the body or all of the body. Inspections should ensure the following: Eyewash Direct is the proven source for all your eyewash station and safety shower needs. Their extensive qualifications and credentials in the field demonstrate a profound knowledge and expertise that make them a trusted authority in promoting safety and well-being through effective eyewash solutions. Allow the unit to run for 1-3 minutes during this phase. Several of the ANSI requirements for plumbed or portable eyewash stations are the same, including: Required flushing of 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) at 30 PSI for a full 15 minutes. These showers use a high-volume flow of water to flush contaminants out of the eyes. According to the article published in EHS Today, there were 800,000 annual eye injuries that happened while on the job, and almost 36,000 of those took a break from work, leaving a huge loss in the company's production. As needed, these parts should be changed out to make sure the eyewash station is in good shape. Furthermore, using cold water in an eyewash station is not suggested. A gravity fed portable and plumbed eyewash both require flushing of 0.4 (GPM) gallons per minute, which is 1.5 liters, for a full 15 minutes with valves that activate in 1 second or less and stay open to leave the hands free. 15-20 minutes for moderate to severe irritants and chemicals that cause acute toxicity if absorbed through the skin. This mandate 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.". Furthermore, using cold water in an eyewash station is not suggested. Continue drenching until the water is clear and transparent. A review of safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels can help to evaluate the hazard. As an employee, its important to understand the proper maintenance and care of the eyewash station to keep it in top working condition. Inspection tags (3.5" x 6", pictured below) are available from the EHS office upon request. Please replenish any fluid lost in the test and replace any fluid which is beyond its expiration date. It may be funny if it was a skit you watched on television, but in real life people's lives depend on this type of thing, Eye wash station must be accessible within 10 seconds from the hazard area and on the same plane as the hazard area, Eye wash station must be kept safe from freezing conditions, Make sure eye wash station does not have any sediment and that the plumbed equipment is activated, Eye wash station does not have any missing parts or parts that are broken or non-functional, Eye wash station is not too hot so that it scalds the user - it's pretty useless if it is meant to flush out the eyes and instead, boils them in your head, Check the self-contained equipment to ensure that the solution is enough to use for 15 minutes and is within the 120 day replacement period, The eye wash station must allowuser toactivate it without using their hands. End users should record their weekly checks on an inspection tag or sheet that is posted by the eyewash station. Self-contained stations should be checked to determine whether the flushing fluid needs to be checked or supplemented. This can make it less likely that the eyewash station will work in an emergency and could hurt the eyes even more. Equipment requires annual servicing to ensure effective operation. Keep the written inspection file for reference. All Helpful Hint: Portable, self-contained . In addition to regular flushing, there are a few other maintenance tasks that should be performed on the eyewash station to ensure it is in good working condition. It is also important to be familiar with the proper use of the eyewash station in case of an emergency. Don't Rub - Rubbing the eyes may coerce the substance deeper and may damage eye mass. This standard is based on the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI)Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment(ANSI Z358.1). Note: since there is no Canadian standard for emergency showers and eyewash stations, the U.S. ANSI Standard Z358.1-2014 was used in preparing this document. What other maintenance tasks should be performed on the eyewash station? There has to be enough room for the user to be able to have their eyes in the fluid, while being able to open their eyelids with their hands. Near the emergency exit - In case of bigger emergency response for the injured, the eyewash station must be installed close the exits for quick responding time. Similar requirements apply as with the plumbed units regarding the unit's ability to provide flushing liquid for at least 15 minutes, accessible access, and to deliver tepid flushing fluid. There are several types of eyewash stations, including: Each type of eyewash station has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the type that is best suited for a particular workplace will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the organization. ust maintain a temperature between 60 F to 100 F. How Often Do Eyewash Stations Need to be Inspected According to OSHA? Any of the fixtures such as shower, eyewash, eye/face wash or drench hose may be in this combination, but most commonly it refers to a shower and an eye wash station. In shared lab spaces or Facilities areas, the Supervisors / Departments should agree on a testing schedule and the personnel to perform the testing. ANSI recommends that a person be able to reach the equipment in no more than 10 seconds. Unit should activate within one second and remain open, Stream should be cold/tepid water only (<100 degrees F), Flushing streams should rise to approximately equal heights and be non-injurious to, Flushing fluid should be clear and visibly free from foreign particles, Water nozzles should have dust covers that automatically fall off with activation, Improper water pressure (either too high or low), Nozzle dust covers not installed or broken, Stagnant water in lines can contain microbial hazards, (device which contains its own flushing fluid) must be, replaced or refilled after use and maintained according to manufacturers instructions. However, the use of eyewash stations depends on the varying conditions of the workplace. Eye/Face wash equipment must maintain a minimum flushing fluid of 3 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes Also, small amoebae capable of causing serious eye infections have been found in portable and stationary eyewash stations. According to Occupational Safety and Health Standard (OSHA) Act, eyewash stations are required to be inspected annually in compliance with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 - a standard requirement for the use of eyewash and shower devices, for a more thorough evaluation of the devices. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TEST SAFETY SHOWERS YOURSELF! A 10-seconds rule must be applied - the infected worker must be able to hold on and utilize to the device not more than 10 seconds. With the above-mentioned areas, eyewash stations are prompted and needed to provide employees the quickest and considerable comfort for accidental exposure from contamination. Side Effects and Risks Eyewash solutions are a safe way to ease irritated eyes when you're. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. contain enough fluid for 15 minutes of continuous flow. With user-filled eye wash stations, the maintenance is fairly easy and the cost is relatively low. Employee safety is an important responsibility that extends beyond simply having the right equipment in place. In some jobs or work areas, the effect of a hazard may be limited to the worker's face and eyes. be on an unobstructed path between the workstation and the hazard (workers should not have to pass through doorways or weave through machinery or other obstacles to reach them). Remember that any chemical splash should be rinsed for a minimum of 15 minutes but rinsing time can be up to 60 minutes. According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the solution in an eyewash station should be replaced every 90-120 days. Note: Laboratory personnel should only flush their eyewash if it is located within the laboratory and has conveniently located drainage or water containment/clean-up equipment supplies (mop and bucket, wet vacuum cleaner). If you are unsure of the recommended frequency for your eyewash station, check the manufacturers manual or contact the manufacturer for more information. Eye Movement - Roll your eyes evenly from different sides, and up and down to ensure fluids go are all over the eyes. The main purpose of such a unit is to supply immediate flushing. Gravity-Feed Eye Wash Stations (device which contains its own flushing fluid) must be replaced or refilled after use and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions. Eyewash safety stations do not suffer from broken or missing parts. Do Eyewash Stations Need Tepid Water? Drench hoses may be used to "spot" rinse an area when a full shower is not required, to assist a person when the person is unable to stand or is unconscious, or to wash under a piece of clothing before the clothing is removed. This is to ensure that employees have enough time to thoroughly flush out their eyes and face if necessary. It is noted that one of the roots of workplace eye injuries is chemical burns. The emergency shower should deliver a pattern of water with a diameter of at least 50.8 cm (20 inches) at 152.4 cm (60 inches). The ANSI standard for eyewashes specifies that eyewashes must be capable of delivering tepid flushing fluid to the eyes not less than 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gpm) for 15 minutes after a single movement and subsequent hands-free operation. Here are specifically the OSHA regulations: OSHA is strict in its regulation. It is important that pressure and volume requirements for each piece of the unit (as described above) are in compliance with the code. Emergency showers are another option for providing immediate eye care in the event of an emergency. Allow the eyewash station to run for 1-3 minutes to flush stagnant water from the line. Some companies connect valves electrically to warning lights or buzzers in central areas. Close the activation valve, wipe and dry the nozzles with a clean cloth and replace, If problems occur contact Service2Facilities (292-4357) for assistance, Twitter link for Environmental Health and Safety, If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, please email. These eyewash stations also require ongoing maintenance of the flushing solution. They are portable and permit immediate flushing of contaminants or small particles. The flushing or rinsing time can be modified if the identity and properties of the chemical are known. The valve activator must go on without requiring the help of the operator's hand until manually turned off. Water that is too cold or too hot will inhibit workers from rinsing or showering as long as they should. More information about first aid for chemical exposures is available in publication The Safety Data Sheet - A Guide to First Aid Recommendations and the OSH Answers First Aid for Chemical Exposures. The user-filled eye stations are also ideal for areas where the wash station may be used quite often. Before you do this, be sure to check if the eyewash station is plumbed. Check out another eye wash station blog article from Medsafe here. This diameter ensures that the water will come into contact with the entire body - not just the top of the person's head. Note: All dimensions and measurements are taken from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1-2014 "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment". Therefore, an eyewash station may be the appropriate device for worker protection. Eyewash stations should be designed to deliver fluid to both eyes simultaneously at a volume of not less than 1.5 litres/minute (0.4 gallons/minute) for 15 minutes. For cold or outdoor locations, emergency showers with heated plumbing are available. Water preservative comes supplied with all of our portable eyewash units. Access Path of travel to the safety station shall be free of obstructions. At that time, they should also be inspected to ensure they function properly, providing an even spray. Plumbed units need to be tested weekly for a period long enough to verify that they operate properly and ensure . Test the current rate of flow. This answer comes from two OSHA standards, one for "general industry" and the other for the construction sector. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Occasionally, dust, dirt and foreign objects can build up within an eyewash station, especially if it is not operated for a long period of time. . Thats why I make sure to inspect our eyewash station regularly. ANSI also recommends the shower head be between 208.3 and 243.8 cm (82-96 inches) from the floor. Once activated, check if the nozzle comes off when the hose is activated. Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land, Administrative & Facilities Safety Training, EHS 002 Basic Health and Safety Awareness, EHS 953 Health & Safety Awareness in Labs for Non-Lab Users, EHS 701 Radiation Safety & EHS 741 X-Ray Safety, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Training, EHS 305 Accident Investigation for Supervisor, Eyewash and Shower Needs Assessment Flowchart, Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land. They should not be used to flush the user's eyes because the high rate or pressure of water flow could damage the eyes in some instances. Plumbed eyewash stations vs. portable, self-contained eyewash stations For emergency showers and eyewash stations to be effective, the ANSI standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (ANSI Z358.1-2009) recommends that the affected body part must be flushed immediately and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes using a large supply of clean . Maintenance checklists are simply a guide that means they are the bare minimum requirements. not be separated by a partition from the hazardous work area. Open the valve or faucet to release any remaining water in the station. In cold climates, the water temperature in indoor plumbed systems can be in the 2-7C (35-45F) range. If an eyewash station is not regularly flushed and activated for testing purposes, the water within the system will begin to harbor organisms such as legionella, pseudomonas and acanthamoeba, which, . Myth: "An eyewash flushing bottle counts as an OSHA-compliant eyewash." Incorrect. The need for emergency showers or eyewash stations is based on the properties of the chemicals that workers use and the tasks that they do in the workplace. Also, tepid water can be tolerated by the eyes for the required length of time, meaning it is not too hot nor too cold. Quite simply, just because it's not on the to-do list, it doesn't mean you can ignore somethingthat isn't working correctly. In this way, it permits compliance of the injured worker to reach the full 15 minutes of drenching to avoid chemical absorption and huge damage to the eyes. Verify the tepidity of flowing water. It only takes 10 to 15 seconds for permanent damage to happen. Self-contained units need to be visually inspected each week to determine if the fluid needs to be changed, or if more fluid must be added. These have to be between 33 and 53 inches from the floor and six inches from the nearest obstruction, such as a wall. Ensure nozzles are clean to prevent filth and impurities. This unit is also appropriate in work areas where detailed information about the hazards is lacking, or where complex, hazardous operations involve many chemicals with different properties. Get Certified FastTake Forklift Training Online. However, other references recommend a minimum 20-minute flushing period if the nature of the contaminant is not known. TheANSI regulations, as well as the various other bodies of guidance that pertain to emergency eyewash stations, state that units must be regularly tested, and for good reason. The dust cover will come off. The following are the steps in inspecting your eyewash unit: Eyewash station is a sprinkle or shower-like apparatus which spumes water on a worker with a chemical-related eye injury, but it is also designed to flush away substances along the face area. By following these guidelines, you can help keep your workplace safe and your employees healthy. Also, one bottle cannot flush both eyes simultaneously. However, flushing should be carried on during the moving of the patient. According to section 124 of the Regulation: Where a worker is exposed to a potential hazard of injury to the eye due to contact with a biological or chemical substance, an eyewash fountain shall be provided. Activate the eyewash and flow fluid until it runs clear and clean. Blockages can impede the flow of water to the unit, or conversely increase the pressure, sometimes even to levels that can harm the users eyes. If the system breaks down for any reason, the workers in the area should be properly warned and protected. UniFirst First Aid + Safety First Aid offers onsite services to help you meet and maintain compliance for your Eye Wash Station, First Aid cabinet, AED, and many other safety-related items? Aside from the weekly functional testing mandated by the ANSI regulations, it is advisable to perform a weekly visual inspection of all eyewash units to ensure that they are free from detritus and in a good state of cleanliness. Currently there is no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eyewash stations or emergency showers. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove it first before water directly gets in the eyes. Please see the publication The Safety Data Sheet - A Guide to First Aid Recommendations for further details. According to section 125 of the Regulation: Where a worker is exposed to a potential hazard of injury to the skin due to contact with a substance, a quick-acting deluge shower shall be provided. What are examples of areas that may require this equipment? Designed to deliver flushing fluid immediately, personal wash stations can be used while transporting the person to the permanent eyewash station or medical facility. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the eyewash station is properly maintained and ready for use at all times. The eye wash station should be activated to verify proper operation (per ANSI Z358.1) and to clear any sediment accumulation. Canada, M1C 1A4, Ph. Water is readily available in most situations. 10 Second Rule - Go straight to the eyewash station which should be located within 10 seconds distance. The combination eye and face wash stations require 11.4 litres per minute (3.0 gallons per minute). Studies have shown that despite a general minimum of 15-minute flushing time being recommended, users usually flush exposed body parts five minutes or less. When an accident happens, the right equipment must operate properly in order to provide the type of emergency treatment capable of avoiding serious injury.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers employers to The American National Standards Institutes (ANSI) standard Z358.1 specifically to address minimum selection, installation, operation, and maintenance requirements. While individual owners manuals of specific equipment should be checked for additional guidelines. This will convey the appropriate installation, operations and maintenance of the eyewash devices. These units should be installed in such a way that they do not become contaminated from corrosive chemicals used nearby. Emergency showers and eyewash stations are a necessary backup to minimize the effects of accident exposure to chemicals. Welcome to Eyewash Direct, your #1 source for emergency eyewash stations, eye/face wash, safety showers, eyewash repair parts, and more. (416) 287 8872, Campus Safety (Non-Emergency) (416) 287-7398, I (we) wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. Follow manufacturers instructions and report any encountered problem to the provider. With the above-mentioned areas, eyewash stations are prompted and needed to provide employees the quickest and considerable comfort for accidental exposure from contamination. 2How often should you flush an eyewash station? In addition, setting up an eyewash station is more economical and reasonable rather than experiencing company loss in production if an accident occurs due to employees medical expenses and workers' compensation.However, the use of eyewash stations depends on the varying conditions of the workplace. However, in either case, the volume should not be at a velocity which may injure the eyes. Follow the chemical manufacturers instructions but do not delay treatment to search for a specific solution. They are ideal for workplaces where space is limited or for use in areas where a fixed eyewash station is not practical. Note: Environmental Health and Safety does not recommend testing safety showers no matter where the shower is located. A combination unit is useful in situations where there are difficulties handling a worker who may not be able to follow directions because of intense pain or shock from an injury. Inspecting the station not only ensures that its up to code, it also gives me peace of mind that Ill be protected from potential workplace hazards. 01. The agents used to control bacterial growth are effective for certain limited periods of time. The aforementioned incident will be unlikely to happen if there was an alternative plan to minimize the effects of accidental exposure to chemicals such as spills, splashes and blown particles. Please replenish any fluid lost in the test and replace any fluid which is beyond its expiration date. Since the nozzles to eyewash stations typically need to be protected from airborne contaminants, the units are to be designed such that the removal of these covers should not require a separate motion by the user when the unit is activated. These options include: Portable eyewash stations are smaller, portable versions of traditional eyewash stations. Clothes contaminated with corrosive or toxic chemicals need to be removed from the injured person. Overall, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 is a vital resource for organizations that want to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers. Over time, iron-containing metals that come into contact with water are liable to oxidize, or rust. Emergency shower and eyewash station equipment needs are referenced in two different types of OSHA regulations. Accidental chemical exposures can still occur even with good engineering controls and safety precautions. In your workplace, emergency eye wash stations are there for when an accident occurs - and what's more important than your eyes? Bacteria, amoeba and other disease-causing organisms thrive in stagnant water. Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of your workplace eyewash station? It is important to test the water flow and temperature of the eyewash station on a regular basis to ensure that it is functioning properly. 30 minutes for the most harmful and damaging chemicals and; 60 minutes for the strong substances like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia and others. How long should an eyewash station be flushed? To this end, the Eyewash and Shower Needs Assessment Flowchart can be used as part of the risk assessment or in consultation with EHS. The tepid drenching water must maintain a temperature between 60 F to 100 F. All eyewash stations are required for weekly flushing, cleaning off any deposits at the lines, and activating and checking of the required volume of water available. The minimum volume of spray should be 75.7 litres/minute (20 gallons/minute) for a minimum time of 15 minutes. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this standard, organizations can help to prevent injuries, illnesses, and other health problems that may result from exposure to hazardous materials. Any defects or damage to the equipment should be addressed immediately. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Self-contained stations should be checked to determine whether the flushing fluid needs to be checked or supplemented. If the water supply is contaminated, it may do more harm than good in an emergency situation. Accidental exposures can still occur even with good engineering controls and safety precautions. It must maintain a collective 1.5 liters of water good for 15 minutes of rinsing. Emergency showers can also be used effectively in extinguishing clothing fires or for flushing contaminants off clothing. Your IP: Access to this website FLUSHING & FLOW RATE REQUIREMENTS What are the flushing requirements for eyewash stations? OSHA instructed that eyewash station should be fundamental to all worksites as an emergency care and assistance especially to workers and operators that are chemically exposed during the course of their duties to hazardous chemicals and corrosive materials. Using an eyewash in an emergency situation can help prevent scarring, permanent injury and blindness. Unobstructed walkway - The path between the work station and the eyewash station should not be separated by any partition to attain the 10-seconds rule. The bucket should be able to contain 30 seconds of flow. Since the fluid supply lasts for only a short period of time, the bottle may not able to wash the eyes sufficiently. With these, a hard connection of water supply must be provided. Although the use of safety goggles, face shields and other personal protective equipment (PPE) were evident, still the upshot of the injuries took place. These are the steps: In an event of an eye-chemical exposure, the suggested standard of water rinsing should be 15 minutes. How do you properly flush an eyewash station? Portable eyewash units must be capable of delivering water continuously for at least 15 minutes. Preventive maintenance inspections should check for such problems as valve leakage, clogged openings and lines, and adequacy of the fluid volume. WHMIS labels and safety data sheets are required for all hazardous products in the workplace. be on the same floor as the hazard (no stairs to travel between the workstation and the emergency equipment). It is important for employees to report any issues or concerns with the eyewash station to their supervisor or the designated safety officer. Topics: Portable eyewash units should not be used as the primary eyewash unless approved by EHS. Operate the unit for a minute to verify the continuous flow of water. In addition to traditional eyewash stations, there are a few other options available for emergency eye care in the workplace. The water should also be treated with water preservative to help keep microbes at bay. Edit your form online Type text, add images, blackout confidential details, add comments, highlights and more. That may sound like a lot of numbers and gibberish, but it is an exact science that protects the eyes. Turn On - Push the lever to activate the water. With an eye wash station, the user should be able to open their eyelids with their hands and still have their eyes in the liquid. Aside from OSHA, REquirement is also stated in ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, How to Choose the Right Eyewash Station for Your Workplace, According to the article published in EHS Today, there were 800,000 annual eye injuries that happened while on the job, and almost 36,000 of those took a break from work, leaving a huge loss in the company's production. The regulation states that the water temperature for the rinsing fluid in an eyewash station must be "tepid" -- having a temperature of between 60 F to 100 F (15 C to 37 C). Want to Save Money?Certify Your Own Operators! Employee safety is an important responsibility that extends beyond simply having the right equipment in place. It does specify that the equipment installed according to the standard be capable of providing flushing liquid for a minimum of 15 minutes. OSHA's primary regulation concerning eye wash and shower stations can be found in 29 CFR 1910.151. Eyewash bottles or personal eyewash units supplement plumbed and self-contained stations, but in no way can replace them. will be unavailable during this time. In other situations the worker may risk part or full body contact with a chemical. The ANSI standard defines "flushing fluid" as any of potable (drinking) water, preserved water, preserved buffered saline solution or other medically acceptable solutions. Here are specifically the OSHA regulations: Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. If your building has these types of chemicals, then it should be addressed to ensure theproper temperature of water for your needs, Make sure that the fluid in the eye wash station is dispensing as it should within the required pattern, Check the valve(s) and ensure that they have the ability to activate within one second and stay open until it is turned off intentionally, Make sure valves are not corroded and are resistant to corrosion, Ensure that valves cannot be exposed to freezing temperatures. Any delays caused by removing contact lenses in order to rinse eyes could result in injury. This debris can lead to contamination and cause blockages in the pipework. According to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2004, plumbed emergency eyewash and eye/face wash stations should be visually inspected and activated every week.