Safety Tidbit #31 – Eyewashes

Safety Tidbit #31 – Eyewashes

So how many times have you inspected a worksite and told them they needed to install an eyewash?  According to OSHA [1910.151(c)], where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. Most of this standard makes sense since it comes from the ANSI Z358.1 consensus standard for emergency eyewashes and showers.  However, there are a few points that clients typically ask about when complying with the standard.

First, when is an eyewash necessary? We can understand injurious corrosive materials (I have heard it also referred to as- eye damaging chemicals). The easiest way is just to take a look at the Safety Data Sheet. 

Second, how much water must be provided? ANSI defines suitable facilities as capable of producing 0.4 gallons per minute of water for 15 minutes.  Therefore, the quick drench bottles are not sufficient since mathematically 0.4 GPM for 15 minutes yields approximately 7 gallons of water.  Also, the water must be tepid (60-100 degrees Fahrenheit) since we don’t want to boil or freeze the eyes.

However, I find most questions come from the part about the eyewash location “within the work is for immediate emergency use.”  Rule of thumb has always been if there is a wall, you must go through a door or have other obstacles the placement is no longer accessible for immediate emergency use. However, I received a call from a client that asked how far can it be from the work area.  ANSI specifies 10 seconds or 55 feet, so the old rule of thumb is still accurate. Their argument is that the average person can walk 55 feet in 10 seconds (Boy, I hope so).  Ultimately remember, if there are any obstacles in the workplace you are right back to square one and all bets are off.  Don't forget to think about the state of mind of the injured worker during the emergency is 55 feet too far? 

Lastly, site assessment.  Be aware that water and electricity do not mix well together. So, keep an eye out for panel boxes and outlets (e.g. 36 inches from electrical panels).  Also, protect the eyewash to temperature fluxes such as freezing in the winter.

Now that you have determined where to put up your eyewash and have properly installed it you must maintain it.  The eyewash requires periodic draining and refilling (if self-contained) or flushing to remove sediment based on the manufacturer’s requirements. Keep track of this maintenance.  Also, you need to identify the eyewash to workers know where it is from a distance.  My hope is that if a worker gets something in their eyes that a fellow worker will lend and hand and help get them to safety.

Hope this was informative and thanks for reading!