Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations

Overview

Robert M. Rioux, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that an emergency eyewash and shower station be easily accessible in all workplaces in which a person could be exposed to injurious and/or corrosive substances. Emergency eyewash and shower stations should be used in the case of a laboratory or workplace accident that involves the spilling of a harmful, possibly corrosive chemical onto the body or the splashing of such a chemical into the eyes. Eyewash and shower stations are not, however, a replacement for proper protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats and protective eyewear, which should always be worn when handling hazardous chemicals. For proper selection of PPE, refer to your organization's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office.

Procedure

1. Eyewash

Uses
1. Emergency eyewash stations use water to flush injurious or corrosive materials from the eyes in the case of an accident
Specifications
1. The emergency eyewash should be located within 10 seconds walking time from the location that eye contamination may occur. There should be no obstacles blocking the path to the eyewash, including but not limited to doors. The eyewash must also be located on the same floor as the area containing the hazard.

Application and Summary

In the case of a chemical spill or splash affecting the body or eyes, the contaminated individual should waste no time accessing an emergency eyewash or shower station. If the exposed person is unsure of the dangers of the chemical spill, it is always advisable to use the eyewash or shower. However, in order to prevent such accidents, proper lab attire should always be worn when handling hazardous substances. Lab personnel should be knowledgeable about the materials they are using and be trained on proper handling techni

References

American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment," American National Standards Institute, Inc./ International Safety Equipment Association, ANSI/IEA Z358.1, 2014.