Emergency eyewash and safety shower stations

Emergency eyewash stations and safety shower stations are must-haves for every laboratory working with chemicals and hazardous substances.The purpose of emergency eyewash stations and safety shower stations is to reduce workplace injuries and keep workers away from various hazards.

Eye washer

An eyewash is a liquid,usually saline,used to physically wash the eye in situations where the eye may be contaminated by foreign objects or substances.An eyewash may be beneficial for those with sensitive eyes and may ease the painful side effects of sensitivity.However,long-term use of such products can cause mild side effects such as redness and itching of the eyes and/or pupils.

Types

There are several types of emergency eyewash station and safety shower station systems,including safety showers,eyewash stations,drain hoses, combination units,and eyewash bottles.

Safety shower 

A safety shower is a device designed to wash the head and body of a person who has been exposed to hazardous chemicals.Using large amounts of water, users may need to remove any clothing contaminated with hazardous chemicals.Safety showers should not be used to flush an individual's eyes as the water pressure in the shower is high and may injure the user's eyes.

Eye wash station

An eyewash station is a device used to wash away chemicals or substances that may splash into the eyes before the patient seeks further medical attention. Individuals need to wash their eyes for at least 15 minutes.

Spray hose

A sprinkler hose is a device that sprays water onto specific parts of the body exposed to chemicals.The benefit of a drain hose is that it can be applied to individuals who do not have access to a regular eyewash or shower, or where eyewash and showers are not available.

Combination unit

Combination installations are where other installations such as shower stations,eyewash stations and drain hoses share the same water supply.The unit is suitable for laboratories using hazardous chemicals with different characteristics.

Eye wash bottle

Also known as personal eyewash,it is a supplement to the eyewash station.However, eyewash stations cannot be replaced with eyewash bottles because they do not meet safety standards.The eyewash bottle allows the individual to rinse the injured area immediately, or until the individual can reach a fixed eyewash station.Early eyewash designs had a single flushing stream,but recent advancements have allowed the eyewash to flush both eyes simultaneously.A pH-neutral solution may also be chosen for emergency eyewash if strong acid or base chemicals are present to reduce the risk from contamination.

Specifications

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations for emergency eyewash stations and showers are contained in 29 C.F.R.1910.151 (c), which states that "in the,appropriate facilities for rapid wetting or flushing of eyes and body should be provided in the work area for immediate emergency use.”However,OSHA regulations do not clearly define what facilities are required.To this end, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a standard for emergency eyewash and shower stations (ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014), including the design of such stations.

Occupational safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created under the Occupational Safety and Health Act .The law is intended to help further keep workers safe while providing "safe and healthy working conditions".OSHA's primary eyewash standard, 29 CFR 1910.151, states,"Where any person's eyes or body may come into contact with a hazardous or corrosive substance, suitable facilities for rapid or flushing of the eyes and body for immediate emergency use".Such suitable facilities include fixed-point eyewash stations (especially recommended for the risk of chemical burns to the eyes) and emergency eyewash stations.OSHA provides additional regulations for battery charging stations in 29 CFR 1926.441(a)(6) "shall provide rapid eye and body wetting facilities within 25 feet (7.62 meters) of the battery handling area."

Compliance with eyewash station regulations is an integral part of OSHA inspections

Workplace eyewash

Eyewash stations and showers must include the following:

•  Pure water.

• Ability to operate equipment without hands.

• Constant water flow for 15 minutes.

•  Unimpeded access.

• Highly visible signs and markings.