4.7 Emergency Eyewashes and Showers

These guidelines provide criteria for emergency eyewashes and showers.

The following guidelines should help managers and supervisors identify where emergency eyewashes and showers should be installed:

• Combination emergency eyewashes and showers should be installed in locations where employees use chemical products that have been identified by the manufacturer as a “corrosive.” A corrosive is any liquid or solid that causes visible destruction of human skin or tissue. Examples are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. Corrosives include both acids and bases.

• Emergency eyewashes are recommended in locations where irritating materials or chemicals are used. Examples are organic solvents and combustible and flammable liquids. However, showers are not required in these locations.

• Eyewash units and shower areas should be located within 10 seconds of the immediate work area.

• The access to an eyewash and shower must be unobstructed and prominently identified by a sign.

• If needed, provide a water-tempering valve specifically designed for eyewash products to maintain a tepid water temperature in the range of 60–100°F (16–38°C).

• Plumbed eyewash and shower units should be tested weekly with a flush cycle of three minutes. Weekly tests consist of checking that the flow pattern is uniform and washes both eyes simultaneously, that no contamination is present, that the water temperature is tepid, and that there is adequate water pressure. Preventive maintenance inspections should be done at least annually and include tests for volume, sustained flow, and valve operation. These tests should also ensure that the units are located within 10 seconds of the hazard, they are clearly marked with a highly visible sign, and employees are instructed on the location and proper use of the units.

• Records of regular checks and maintenance should be kept. Inspection tags should remain attached to the eyewash unit and shower.

• Gravity-fed portable eyewash stations should be used only where plumbed, potable water is not available or otherwise infeasible. Fluids should be replaced at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

• Many faucet-mounted eyewash devices do not meet regulatory requirements and should be used only where plumbed eyewash units are not feasible.

• Eyewash bottles are considered supplemental equipment and are recommended for first-aid use. They are suitable for dust and debris in the eye. Eyewash bottles should be inspected periodically and replaced when they expire.

• Train employees who may be exposed to corrosive or hazardous materials about how to operate the emergency eyewash and shower equipment and the locations of the eyewash and shower stations. Train employees that an affected area of the body must be irrigated immediately with water, uninterrupted, for 15 minutes or the duration specified by the chemical manufacturer.