LOCATION
Where should this emergency equipment be placed in a work area?
They should be located in an area where an injured worker will not take longer than 10 seconds to reach the unit. This would mean that they should be located approximately 55 ft from the hazard. They must be in a well-lit area that is on the same level as the hazard and they should be identified by a sign.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
What are the maintenance requirements for eyewash stations?
It is important to activate and test a plumbed station weekly to be sure that the unit is working properly and to flush any build-up from the pipes. Gravity Fed units should be maintained according to the instructions of the individual manufacturers. In order to be sure that ANSI Z 358.1 requirements are being met, all stations should be inspected annually.
Should the maintenance of this emergency equipment be documented?
Maintenance should always be documented. After an accident or in a general inspection, OSHA might require this documentation. Maintenance tags are a good way to accomplish this.
How should the heads of the eyewash station be kept clean and free of debris?
There should be protective dust covers on the heads to keep them free of debris. These protective dust covers should flip off when the flushing fluid is activated.
DRAINAGE OF FLUSHING FLUID
Where should the flushing fluid drain when an eyewash station is tested on a weekly basis?
A floor drain should be installed that complies with local, state and federal codes for the fluid disposal. If a drain is not installed, this could create a secondary hazard by creating a pool of water that could cause someone to slip or fall.
Where should the flushing fluid drain after someone has used the eyewash or shower in an emergency situation where the exposure has been to hazardous materials?
This should be a consideration in the assessment and installation of the equipment because sometimes after an incident has occurred, the waste water should not be introduced into a sanitary waste system because it now contains hazardous materials. The drain piping from the unit itself or the floor drain would have to either be connected to the buildings acid waste disposal system or a neutralizing tank.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Is it necessary to train employees in the use of this flushing equipment?
It is imperative that all employees that could be exposed to a chemical splash from a hazardous material or severe dust be properly trained in the use of this emergency equipment before an accident happens. A worker should know beforehand how to operate the unit so that there is no time lost in preventing an injury.
EYEWASH BOTTLES
Can squeeze bottles be used in place of an eyewash station?
Squeeze bottles are considered a secondary eyewash and a supplement to ANSI compliant eyewash stations and are not ANSI compliant and should not be used in place of an ANSI compliant unit.
DRENCH HOSES
Can a drench hose be used in place of an eyewash station?
Regular drench hoses are only considered supplemental equipment and they should not be used in place of them. There are some units that are fed by a drench hose that can be used as a primary eyewash. One of the criteria to be a primary unit is that that there should be two heads for flushing both eyes simultaneously. The flushing fluid should be delivered at a velocity which is low enough so that it does not injure the eyes and delivers a minimum of 3 (GPM) gallons per minute with a drench hose. There should be a stay open valve that should be able to be turned on in a single movement and it must remain on for 15 minutes without the use of the operator’s hands. The nozzle should be pointing up while being mounted in a rack or holder or if it is deck mounted.
Post time: May-30-2019
