Spot The Hazard? Eyewash access blocked by hose storage. Correction: Keep 30 inches clear access. Store hose on wall mounted reel (Photo credit: Peter Kuchinsky II)
Emergency eye wash and shower units are familiar safety equipment throughout wastewater facilities in treatment plants, chemical storage areas and labs. This emergency equipment is the most important initial step in first-aid treatment especially in processes or tasks where caustic, toxic, or corrosive chemicals are used. A common warning found on many Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and container labels for these types of chemical state may result in “serious eye damage”, “causes chemical burns” or “causes permanent eye damage”.
Cal/OSHA requires emergency eyewash and shower equipment in all work areas where employees may come in contact with chemicals or other substances that can cause corrosion, severe irritation, or permanent tissue damage. Violations related to emergency eye wash and shower are often in the “Top 10” of violations annually.
Blocked or Restricted Access: Equipment must be reachable within 10 seconds (a maximum travel distance of 55 feet) on the same level as the hazard. Placing equipment behind closed doors, gates, or blocking it with supplies or equipment is considered a serious safety violation.
No Monthly Inspections: Regulations and manufacturer guidelines require plumbed units to be inspected and activated at least monthly to flush the line and verify proper operation. Failing to perform and document these inspections is a common occurrence that results in costly citations.
Lack of Clear Signage: Stations must be highly visible. If the unit is located around a corner or obscured from the hazard area, directional signage must be installed.
Inadequate Flow Rate and Pressure: Emergency Showers must deliver at least 20 gallons per minute (gpm) for 15 minutes. Eyewashes must deliver at least 0.4 gpm (3 gpm for eye/face washes) and provide an even flow to both eyes simultaneously.
Improper Water Temperature: Flushing water must be tepid (60°F to 100°F). Water that is too hot or freezing cold can cause further injury or prevent a victim from enduring the full 15-minute flush.
Lack of Employee Training: Employees must know first aid, emergency response procedures and the location of safety equipment and how to use it before working with chemicals or substances that can injure the eyes or skin. This includes training in Personal Protective Equipment and Hazard Communication.
These guidelines should assist employees and employees in the use and maintenance of eye wash and emergency shower equipment. If you work with hazardous chemicals, be sure you know the location and how to use the nearest eye wash and emergency shower. To avoid citations, costly penalties and ensure worker safety, employers must ensure the following safe practices are in place:
Eye wash and emergency showers are easy to forget about until they are needed to save your eyes or skin. There is no time like right now to review the location and condition of this important safety equipment before you need it. In an emergency it is not the time to find it blocked, dirty or not working at all.
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