A splash in the eye can cause serious eye injuries, infections and
even blindness to workers exposed to corrosive chemicals, bodily
fluids or other contaminants. Accidental chemical exposures can still
occur even with good engineering controls and safety precautions. As a
result, it is essential to look beyond the use of goggles, face
shields, and procedures for using personal protective equipment.
Emergency eyewash stations are a necessary backup to minimize the
effects of accidental exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.
The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance,
especially a corrosive substance, are critical. Delaying treatment,
even for a few seconds, may cause serious injury. Emergency eyewash
stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They allow workers to
flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury.
Eyewash bottles, such as those you described, can be used to
supplement plumbed and self-contained stations, but in no way can replace them.
They are portable and may permit the immediate flushing of contaminants.
However, eyewash bottles are very difficult for the user to handle, especially
when alone and when both eyes have been exposed. Also, one bottle cannot flush
both eyes simultaneously. The bottles only contain a limited amount of solution
which
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Figure 1 |
is not adequate to wash eyes sufficiently. The main purpose of the bottles
is to supply immediate flushing. Once accomplished, the user should proceed to a
self-contained or plumbed eyewash station where appropriate flushing can be
carried out for the prescribed period of time.
The eyewash stations need to be in close approximation to any
work area where there is a potential for employee accidental exposures to
chemicals or other contaminants. Certainly the decontamination area is such a
place. The emergency wash station must be in a designated well-lighted and
completely unobstructed area and clearly marked with appropriate signage (see
figure 1).
OSHA approved emergency eyewash stations are needed in the
workplace for adequate eye protection for workers on the job. An assessment of
the work area should be completed for proper placement of the emergency eyewash
stations. The ANSI Z358.1-2009 Standards (Eyewash Station Requirements) set
forth guidelines to follow for the proper location and placement of eyewash
stations. When purchasing emergency eyewash stations it is important to read
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Figure 2 |
the
manufacturers instructions for the proper maintenance for the unit or units that
you have chosen for your facility. Each type of OSHA and ANSI approved emergency
eyewash station has a different maintenance schedule to follow to ensure that
the unit is in proper working order in case of emergency.
Emergency Eyewash Stations come in different types. There are
plumbed eyewash stations which draw tap water from the pipes in a building (see
figure 2) and portable eyewash stations that are self-contained with their own
solutions that do not require the use of tap water (see figure 3).
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Figure 3 |
ANSI Z358.1-2009 Standard states:
• Eyewash stations should be installed at "accessible" locations
and reachable within 10 seconds of the hazard.
• Both plumbed and self-contained eyewash stations should
deliver a 15-minute continuous flow.
• Eyewash stations should be installed where caustic or
hazardous substances are present. Check all relevant Material Safety Data Sheets
at your facility to determine if the chemical or substance requires 15-minute
eye flushing.
• Eye washes should have an on-off valve, door or pull strap
that activates within one second with one single motion or less.
• Eyewash station should be located in an area free of
obstructions that inhibit immediate use.
• Eyewash Stations and Emergency Showers must have a flushing
fluid temperature between 60ºF and 100ºF.
Employers are responsible to provide routine maintenance of all
emergency eyewash stations. Emergency eyewash stations and devices must be
utilized and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Plumbed
eyewash stations must be flushed weekly to minimize potential for any build up
of bacteria or other contaminants. It is imperative that workers are thoroughly
trained and are competent in emergency procedures relative to exposure to
hazardous and infectious materials and the use of emergency eyewash stations.
Hospitals must comply to OSHA regulations and ANSI standards;
non compliant violators are subject to serious penalties. 
References:
1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard
Z358.1-2009 "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment".
2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSHA
1910.132 -General requirements 1910.133 -General Industry 1915.153 -Maritime
1926.102 -Construction
Ray Taurasi is Eastern Regional Director of Clinical Sales and
Services for Healthmark Industries. His healthcare career spans over
three decades as an Administrator, Educator, Technologist and
Consultant. He is a member of AORN, AHA, SGNA, AAMI and a past
president of IAHCSMM and has served on and contributed to many
national committees with a myriad of professional organizations,
manufacturers, corporations and prestigious healthcare networks.
Taurasi has been a faculty member of numerous colleges teaching in the
divisions of business administration and health sciences. In addition
to this column he has authored several articles and has been a
featured speaker on the international scene.
