More Safety
Links moved to Top Nav
Larger Text
Smaller TextEmergency Eyewash and Shower
Emergency flushing equipment is required in the workplace where there is a risk of exposure to hazardous materials. This equipment comes in various configurations, however all configurations must be functional and perform as intended. This is achieved through a regular maintenance and annual inspection schedule. Emergency flushing equipment is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Industrial Regulations. Equipment or materials to be used for this purpose are to be used and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additional equipment-specific training is required for all personnel at risk of exposure.
Definitions from ANSI Standard:
- combination unit: An interconnected assembly of emergency equipment supplied by a single source of flushing fluid
- drench hose: A supplemental device consisting of a flexible hose connected to a flushing fluid supply and used to provide fluid to irrigate and flush face and body areas
- emergency shower: A device specifically designed and intended to deliver flushing fluid in sufficient volume to cause that fluid to cascade over the entire body
- eye/face wash: A device used to provide fluid to irrigate and flush both the face and the eyes simultaneously
- eyewash: A device used to provide fluid to irrigate and flush the eyes
- personal wash: A supplementary device that supports plumbed and/or self-contained units, by delivering immediate flushing fluid to the eyes or body
- tepid: A flushing fluid temperature conducive to promoting a minimum 15 minute irrigation period. A suitable range is 16 - 38º C (60 -100º F)
Emergency Eye Flushing Equipment
Purpose
To flush hazardous substances out of the eyes and off of the face.
Installation
Installation of an emergency eyewash is required wherever there exists a risk of exposure to hazardous materials of the eyes and/or face.
Cabinetry and environment around a counter-mounted, faucet-mounted eyewash, or drench hose not to pose a hazard during use of the equipment.
Flow of water from activated equipment shall not pose a risk of harm to the eyes or face.
Nozzles to be protected.
Equipment must stay activated hands-free once activated. If a drench hose is installed to be activated from its secured location, then it is hands free. If the drench hose requires to be pulled from its secure location, it is to be used until someone can help you get to a hands free eyewash station.
Regular Maintenance
All eye-flushing equipment to be activated once weekly to ensure flushing fluid runs clean. Weekly activations are to be documented.
Equipment and area to be cleaned with a wet cloth to remove dust and debris form area.
Annual Inspection
Equipment in campus buildings are inspected annually by Facility Services.
Equipment in hospital hosts are inspected by the host Engineering Services department.
Emergency Shower
Purpose
To flush hazardous substances off of the body.
Installation
Installation of an emergency shower is required wherever there exists a risk of exposure to hazardous materials of the body.
Cabinetry and environment around emergency shower not to pose a hazard during use of the equipment.
Flow of water from activated equipment shall not pose a risk of harm to the body.
Equipment must stay activated hands-free once activated.
Regular Maintenance
Emergency showers are to be activated monthly to ensure flushing fluid runs clean. Monthly activations are to be documented.
Flushing is performed using an emergency shower testing kit. (We recommend the nylon funnel because the if the plastic funnel isn't dried adn stored correctly, it quickly grows mold.)
Area around emergency shower to be unobstructed.
Annual Inspection
Equipment in campus buildings are inspected annually by Facility Services.
Equipment in hospital hosts are inspected by the host Engineering Services department.
