Why should eyewash fountains be flushed weekly? As an employee, its important to understand the proper maintenance and care of the eyewash station to keep it in top working condition. These stations do not replace the requirement to have a 15 minute-supply eyewash station. 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. This can make it dangerous for the health of workers who need to use the eyewash station in an emergency. While using tap water can painfully damage even healthy eyes. Any defects or damage to the equipment should be addressed immediately. In a form-filling, typing, desk-work set-up, or more like industry, the need for an eyewash station is uncalled-for. Prof. Kavon Kovacek is a leading expert in the field of eyewash safety, backed by over 20 years of experience. Eyewash fluid must irrigate and flush both eyes simultaneously. When cleaning an eyewash station, use a simple solution of household detergent and hot water. In this guide, well walk you through some best practices on how to keep your eyewash units in tip-top condition, so that you can rest assured that theyll be ready for action should the unthinkable happen. 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. Apply the solution to the unit with a soft sponge or cloth before rinsing thoroughly, making sure to sluice away any remaining soap residue. If there is a potential for a worker to suffer a chemical splash to the skin, a safety shower must be provided in the laboratory for immediate and thorough drenching of the entire body. Must be 60 F to 100 F (15 C to 37 C). 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. Use This: Four (4) Aspects that the Installation of Eyewash Station Must in Compliance With. Share your form with others Send it via email, link, or fax. (function() { var js = window.document.createElement("script"); js.src = "//www.shopperapproved.com/seals/certificate.js"; js.type = "text/javascript"; document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(js); })(); How Often Should Eyewash Stations Be Checked? 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. Clothes contaminated with corrosive or toxic chemicals need to be removed from the injured person. Instructing and training all employees to the appropriate use and location of the eyewash device must be consistently directed. In the event of hazardous chemicals splashing in the eyes, the stream of water from the spray should be directed into the eye for a period of 15 minutes before seeking medical attention. Also, one bottle cannot flush both eyes simultaneously. Want to Save Money?Certify Your Own Operators! Who is responsible for flushing the eyewash station? Overall, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 is a vital resource for organizations that want to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers. The importance of eyewash stations cannot be understated. As needed, these parts should be changed out to make sure the eyewash station is in good shape. February 2, 2016 The question often comes up as to where OSHA calls out eyewash requirements. In hot climates, outdoor emergency showers should also have a tempering valve so that workers are not exposed to water that is too hot. Why these work great is that they simply need a minimum amount of solution like Eyesaline so that they can be used for the required 15 minute minimum. How Often Should Eyewash Stations Be Inspected? 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. is protected against freezing uses tepid fluid between 60- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit or 16- and 38-degrees Celsius Here are guidelines on how to ensure compliance with ANSI weekly minimum. If the water is not cleaned and replaced on a regular basis, it can become contaminated with dust, dirt, and other contaminants. What is considered to be a 'flushing fluid'? Inspection tags (3.5" x 6", pictured below) are available from the EHS office upon request. additional injury due to contact with the neutralizing agent. Using an eyewash in an emergency situation can help prevent scarring, permanent injury and blindness. A work record of these inspections should be kept. However, in either case, the volume should not be at a velocity which may injure the eyes. What other maintenance tasks should be performed on the eyewash station? How often should you flush an eyewash station? This standard is based on the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI)Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment(ANSI Z358.1). However, flushing should be carried on during the moving of the patient. Enhanced employee safety b. Portable eyewash units must be capable of delivering water continuously for at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. Eyewash stations are of critical importance in any workplace that works with hazardous, corrosive substances. Water is readily available in most situations. It is the most protective device and should be used wherever possible. As a result, it is essential to look beyond the use of goggles, face shields, and procedures for using personal protective equipment. Need more eye wash station information? ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 is a widely recognized and widely adopted standard for emergency eyewash and shower equipment. Fingers are needed to hold on to the eyelids apart while the water is streaming into the eyes. These stations should be flushed of potentially dangerous microbes at least monthly. The flushing times vary depending on the contaminant, but a good guide to go by is: Eyesaline is recommended, because it is a sterile and soothing saline solution that works for self-contained units and comes in a 32 ounce size that is affordable and easy to use. With the above-mentioned areas, eyewash stations are prompted and needed to provide employees the quickest and considerable comfort for accidental exposure from contamination. 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, . 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 Safety Data Sheet - A Guide to First Aid Recommendations, The Safety Data Sheet - A Guide to First Aid Recommendations. However, there are some instances where a chemical reaction is hastened by a certain temperature of water. In other situations the worker may risk part or full body contact with a chemical. Understanding the ANSI Z358.1-2014 Standard for Plumbed and Portable This will help prevent the growth of microorganisms and build-up of rust and mineral deposits in the lines. The water must be readily available to wash both eyes simultaneously. Before you do this, be sure to check if the eyewash station is plumbed. Ensuring Compliance with OSHA's Eyewash Station Standards Open the valve or faucet to release any remaining water in the station. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. 3What happens if you don't flush the eyewash station regularly? Access Path of travel to the safety station shall be free of obstructions. Therefore, an eyewash station may be the appropriate device for worker protection. As such, the "10 second" rule may be modified depending on the potential effect of the chemical. This valve should not be more than 173.3 cm (69 inches) in height. Water that is too cold or too hot will inhibit workers from rinsing or showering as long as they should. This is to ensure that employees have enough time to thoroughly flush out their eyes and face if necessary. Check with a professional with knowledge in this area. Provided by goSafe for information purposes only, without warranty and subject to the Limitation of Liability contained in our Terms & Conditions.The reader/viewer is solely responsible for safe and proper use of products in compliance with product instructions and applicable laws. Safety equipment is installed within 10 seconds from the hazard. Improper maintenance can lead to a number of hazards, which weve detailed below. With these, a hard connection of water supply must be provided. Neglecting to flush your eyewash station regularly can have serious consequences. How Long Should Eyes Be Flushed at the Eyewash Station? Employees should also be familiar with the proper use and maintenance of the eyewash station in case of an emergency. will be unavailable during this time. Flushing an eyewash station is a simple process, but it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the water is clean and uncontaminated. It does specify that the equipment installed according to the standard be capable of providing flushing liquid for a minimum of 15 minutes. As per ANSI Z358.1, water needs to be (lukewarm) 60-100F (15.6-37.8C) and encourages a full 15-minute flush or until medical personnel arrive. Its easy to take these safety features for granted, but they are crucial in preventing serious eye injuries and ensuring that your employees can get the immediate care they need in the event of an emergency. Improve Workplace Safety with These Eyewash Station Inspection Tips However, not all dimensions and measurements required by the ANSI standard are listed here. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and its crucial to have the necessary tools and protocols in place to prevent and address any eye injuries or contaminations that may occur. End users should record their weekly checks on an inspection tag or sheet that is posted by the eyewash station. Temperatures higher than 38C (100F) are harmful to the eyes and can enhance chemical interaction with the skin and eyes. Currently there is no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eyewash stations or emergency showers. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. In a form-filling, typing, desk-work set-up, or more like industry, the need for an eyewash station is uncalled-for. Spring Cleaning? Don't Forget to Check Your Eyewash It's also important to note that the water should be tepid, or lukewarm, in order to be effective. Full 15-Minute Rule - To fully dilute and wash the chemical away, do not stop flushing for a full 15 minutes. As an employee working in a hazardous environment, safety is my top priority. 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. Also, tepid water can be tolerated by the eyes for the required length of time, meaning it is not too hot nor too cold. Check the temperature of the water to ensure that it is between 60-100F (15-38C). Inspections should ensure the following: Eyewash Direct is the proven source for all your eyewash station and safety shower needs. The University of Toronto is required to comply with sections 124 and 125 ofOntario Regulation 851 -Industrial Establishments (the Regulation), made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. While individual owners manuals of specific equipment should be checked for additional guidelines. American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1 5.5.2-- 2004. Bacteria, amoeba and other disease-causing organisms thrive in stagnant water. Changing the fluid in self-contained systems frequently and cleaning the units regularly can prevent inadvertent use of contaminated fluid. Your IP: Flow rates will vary: 0.4 gal/min for an eyewash and 3.0 gal/min for a facewash. An alarm is especially important if only one worker happens to be working in that area. Even in plumbed eyewash stations, the water may contain contaminants such as rust, scale and chemicals. The water stored in portable eye wash stations should be changed at least every 120 days. Additionally, the standard provides guidelines for the selection of appropriate equipment based on the specific hazards present in a particular workplace. How To Maintain & Clean Your Emergency Eyewash Stations - Safety 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. Emergency showers can also be used effectively in extinguishing clothing fires or for flushing contaminants off clothing. Keep annual inspection file for reference. Portable eyewash units, such as eyewash bottles or self-contained pressurized units, are only to be used in situations where no plumbed eyewash is available or as an interim measure until a plumbed eyewash unit can be installed. Plumbed units need to be tested weekly for a period long enough to verify that they operate properly and ensure . 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. Weekly Testing Ensures Eyewash/ Safety Shower Protection and ANSI Remember that different chemicals react with water at different temperatures, so a standard water temperature has been set. Ensure that the eyewash station is easily identifiable and unobstructed. The wearing of contact lenses can be dangerous because chemicals can become trapped under a contact lens. Follow manufacturers instructions and report any encountered problem to the provider. What is the OSHA Requirement for Eyewash Station (2023)? This debris can lead to contamination and cause blockages in the pipework. This document will use the term "water" to mean any of these acceptable flushing fluids unless otherwise specified. Shop today and take advantage of our online resources, personal & expert advice, and our huge selection of the products your facility requires. Consequently it is important to monitor the shelf life of the solution and replace the solution when it has expired. These are the steps: In an event of an eye-chemical exposure, the suggested standard of water rinsing should be 15 minutes. It is also important to follow the manufacturers instructions for flushing the eyewash station, as different models may have slightly different requirements. provide a drainage system for the excess water (remember that the water may be considered a hazardous waste and special regulations may apply). 5 Things to Know about Emergency Eyewash Stations As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the eyewash station is properly maintained and ready for use at all times.