Working with chemicals is common in many industries, from manufacturing and construction to agriculture and healthcare. While chemicals are essential for countless processes, they also pose potential hazards, particularly to the eyes and skin. Chemical burns, splashes, and exposure to harmful fumes can cause serious injuries, even blindness, if not addressed promptly and effectively.
That’s why OSHA and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) have strict regulations regarding emergency eyewash and safety-shower equipment in workplaces where hazardous chemicals are present. These regulations ensure that workers have immediate access to the necessary equipment to flush away harmful substances and mitigate the effects of chemical exposure.
Where Are Emergency Eyewash and Safety Showers Needed?
Emergency eyewash and safety-shower equipment are essential in any workplace where employees handle or are exposed to hazardous chemicals, including:
- Manufacturing: Chemical processing, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Construction: Worked with concrete, paints, solvents, and other chemicals.
- Agriculture: Handling pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals.
- Laboratories: Conducting experiments and handling various chemicals.
- Healthcare: Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and handling medical waste.
Common Hazardous Chemicals
- Formaldehyde: Used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
- Bases: Sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonia, and chlorine are common bases used in cleaning, manufacturing, and agriculture. They can cause chemical burns and eye damage.
- Acids: Sulfuric acid (battery acid) and hydrochloric acid are strong acids used in various industries. They can cause severe burns and eye damage.
Types of Emergency Safety Equipment
Several types of emergency safety equipment are available, each designed to address specific types of chemical exposures:
- Eyewash stations: Provide a continuous flow of water to flush contaminants from the eyes. They can be plumbed (permanently connected to a water supply) or self-contained (portable units with a reservoir of water).
- Eye and face wash stations: These are Similar to eyewash stations but provide a wider spray pattern to flush both the eyes and face.
- Safety showers: Provide a full-body deluge of water to quickly wash away chemicals from the skin and clothing. They can be plumbed or self-contained.
- Drench hoses: These offer a supplemental water source for flushing specific areas or reaching areas not easily accessible by eyewash stations or safety showers.
Compliance Requirements
ANSI and OSHA have specific requirements for emergency safety equipment, including:
- Location: Equipment must be easily accessible and within a 10-second walk (or up to 55 feet) of hazardous areas.
- Signage: Marked signs must indicate the location of the equipment.
- Water supply: Equipment must provide a continuous flow of clean, tepid water for at least 15 minutes.
- Flow rate: Eyewash stations must provide a flow rate of 0.4 gallons per minute, while safety showers must provide a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute.
- Temperature: Water temperature should be tepid (between 60°F and 100°F) to prevent further injury.
- Activation: Equipment must be easily activated and operated hands-free once activated.
Regular Testing and Maintenance
Regular testing and maintenance are essential to ensure that emergency safety equipment functions correctly and is ready for use in an emergency.
Weekly Testing
- Activation: Activate eyewash stations and safety showers to verify proper operation and water flow.
- Flushing duration: Ensure the equipment can provide a continuous flow of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Fluid pressure: Check water pressure to ensure it meets ANSI requirements.
- Fluid temperature: Verify that the water temperature is tepid.
Annual Maintenance
- Cleaning and disinfection: Clean and disinfect equipment to prevent microbial growth and contamination.
- Inspection: Inspect equipment for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
- Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and repair procedures.
Common Maintenance Issues
- Microbial growth: Stagnant water can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Corrosion: Metal components can corrode over time, affecting water quality and equipment function.
- Freezing: Water lines can freeze in cold weather, rendering equipment unusable.
- Blockages: Dirt and debris can clog water lines and affect the flow rate.
Emergency eyewash and safety-shower equipment are essential for workplace safety in any environment where hazardous chemicals are present. By understanding the types of equipment, their compliance requirements, and the importance of regular testing and maintenance, you can help ensure a safer and healthier work environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Expand Your Knowledge
Enhance your expertise with our Chemical Hazards: Eye Washing and Emergency Showers Training Course.
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in emergency eyewash and safety-shower equipment, but there’s always more to learn. For a deeper dive into specific regulations and industry best practices, consider enrolling in our specialized Chemical Safety and Hazard Control Program.
References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Medical Services and First Aid
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Emergency Response
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Emergency Preparedness for Chemical Spills
