Emergency Washing Equipment
Eyewashes and emergency showers
Developed by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) November, 2009
Topics Covered
Chemical eye and skin hazards
Personal protective equipment
Emergency washing standard
Eyewashes
Emergency showers
Drench hoses
The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous chemical, especially a corrosive chemical, are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may cause serious injury.
Emergency showers and eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They allow workers to flush away hazardous chemicals that can cause injury.
Emergency showers can also be used effectively in extinguishing clothing fires or for flushing contaminants off clothing.
Why are eyewash or emergency showers needed?
Eye damaged by corrosive liquid
Corrosives –destroy living tissue includes acids and caustics includes chemicals with pH less
than 2.5 or more than 11
Strong Irritants –cause an inflammatory effect at
point of contact
Toxic Chemicals –are absorbed through the skin and
cause ill health effects includes pesticides
The following types of chemicals require emergency washing equipment:
Chemical plants
Typical areas where emergency washing equipment is needed
Laboratories
Chemical loading stations
Chemical mixing areas
Pesticide mixing & loading stations
caustic
Typical chemicals needing emergency washing equipment
Bleach
Formaldehyde
All acids
Sodium hydroxide
Anhydrous ammonia (gas)
Aqueous ammonia
Chlorine gas
Industrial cleaning chemicals
Boiler chemicals
Some solvents
Many pesticides
For other chemicals, check material safety data sheets for chemical properties and eyewash recommendations.
Metal parts cleaning
Emergency washing equipment may be needed, depending on the chemical.
Check the product MSDS to see if it is corrosive or otherwise damaging to the eyes or skin.
Dip Tanks & Plating Shops
Dip tanks and plating tanks often contain corrosive liquids. Eyewashes and sometimes emergency showers are usually needed.
Ways to Control Chemical Hazards Elimination – cease using the chemical
Substitution – use a less toxic or less corrosive chemical
Dilution – use a less concentrated form of corrosive chemicals
Engineering Controls – reduce or eliminate worker access to the chemical
PPE – gloves, eye protection, aprons etc.
Note: First aid and emergency washing facilities are still needed when
splashes, spills or releases can occur.
Engineering Control Examples
Closed Containers
Closed Systems
Container Splash Guards
Container Pumps – eliminates hand pouring
pesticide closed mixing system
Chemically Resistant Gloves
Neoprene
Butyl
PVC
Nitrile
Latex - only for corrosives
The type of glove required depends on the kind of chemical. The following are recommended for most chemicals::
Link to chemical glove selection guide Note: this link refers to farm chemicals, but applies to all chemicals
Goggles and Face Shields
Goggles are required when handling corrosive liquids
Face shields are recommended for highly corrosive chemicals
Protective Clothing• Includes aprons, coveralls, whole-body suits
• Required if there is a risk of splashes to the body from highly corrosive or toxic chemicals.
• Whole-body protective clothing is typically required at chemical plants or hazardous waste sites.
Link to PPE Guideline
Can the PPE this employee is wearing be used in lieu of emergency washing facilities?
No!!! Both are needed.PPE can prevent injury, but is not fail-safe.
Emergency washing facilities are used to treat or minimize injury when PPE fails or when employees fail to wear it.
Real-life examples of failed PPE
These gloves found at plating shop where acids, caustics, and cyanide solutions were used were found to have pinholes.
Poor housekeeping and improper glove care resulting in chemical getting inside these gloves.
Emergency Washing Regulations
Found in the Core Rules - WAC 296-800-150(First Aid)
ANSI Z358.1-1998 – Emergency Eyewash & Shower Equipment:Referenced in the Rule If you follow ANSI, you will comply
with WAC RuleMost eyewash and emergency
showers meet ANSI standard
Click on graphics above to link to core rule or ANSI
General Requirements
Where emergency washing facilities are needed, they must be readily available andaccessible as follows:
Free from obstructions or obstacles
Can be reached in 10 seconds or less
Function properly
Note: The travel distance to the eyewash or shower should be no more than 50 ft.
Obstructed Eyewash Example
Photo is an actual eyewash located at commercial laundry.
Employees handled concentrated bleach and caustic detergents.
Consider this scenario: a worker splashes bleach into the eyes, runs to the eyewash, bumps into barrels, leans over obstructions and hits head on ledge, only to find that this eyewash was not hooked up to water!
Emergency Eyewashes Required where there is the potential
for an employee’s eyes to be exposed to corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.
Eyewash must irrigate and flush botheyes simultaneously and allow the user to hold the eyes open with both hands.
On-off valve must be activated in one second and remain open.
Must deliver at least 0.4 gallons per minute for 15 minutes.
Improper Eyewash Examples
Inadequate water flow on this eyewash – the left nozzle is not working
This nozzle is just a spray hose and does not meet ANSI standards
Approved Portable Eyewash
Portable eyewashes can be used where there is no plumbing.
Must meet same standards as plumbed eyewash.
Must contain at least 6 gallons of water.
Make sure they meet ANSI standards.
Low Flow Eyewash – not approved
One gallon reservoir is not sufficient as primary eyewash.
This unit also has insufficient flow rate.
Can be used as an auxiliary eyewash only.
Personal Eyewash Equipment
Often called “eyewash bottles”
Must use potable water or other medically approved eye flushing solution.
Cannot be used in place of required shower or eyewash.
Faucet-mounted EyewashesMost faucet-mounted eye washes are intended to be supplemental equipment.
Some units do not meet the provisions of ANSI Z358.1 for eyewash since it takes two steps to activate them as illustrated.
Some manufacturers have recently offered faucet-mounted eyewashes that meet ANSI standards.
These units should only be used only with cool or warm water to prevent scalding.
1. Turn on water
2. Pull knob
Emergency Showers
• Required if there is a potential for substantial portions of the body to come into contact with corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.
• Must provide 20 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes.
• A bathroom shower does not meet these water flow requirements.
Hand-held Drench Hoses
Hand-held, single-headed device attached to flexible hose.
May not be used as a substitute for required eyewash or emergency showers.
Must provide 3 gallons per minute for 15 minutes.
Are useful for small spills on extremities.
Appropriate Water Temperature
Water temperature should be moderated to prevent additional harm from scalding or hypothermia.
Most people cannot tolerate flushing their eyes with ice-cold water for 15 minutes.
Any temperature compatible with extended flushing is O.K.
Using Emergency Washing Equipment
Emergency washing equipment is rarely used since emergencies by definition are rare events.
On the rare occasion it is needed, a worker’s eyesight can be saved.
The employee with corrosive liquid splashed in the eye will often need help in finding the eyewash and in keeping his eyes open for 15 minutes.
A short training for all at-risk workers should be done – where equipment is located and how to use it.
Equipment inspection
Plumbed eyewashes and drench hoses must be activated weekly and inspected annually.
Emergency showers must be activated and inspected annually.
Portable equipment must be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Sealed portable units must be replaced after expiration date.
Checking an emergency shower
Potable water
“Potable” means meeting drinking water standards
Some workplace or well water is not fit for drinking
Emergency washing facilities not using potable water must have signs stating that the water is non-potable
Emergency Washing Equipment Citations
In 2007 & 2008, 300+ companies were cited for either a lack of emergency eyewashes or showers, blocked access to the emergency equipment or lack of maintenance.
Every type of business was cited, from restaurants to auto dealers to fruit packing warehouses..
Over 70% of these were cited as “serious” violations which typically include monetary penalties..
Additional Information
More information on emergency washing equipment is available on the DOSH webpage at:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/EmergencyWash/default.asp
For additional assistance, you can call one of our consultants. Click below for local L & I office locations:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/consultation/regional_consultants.htm