Table of Contents
What is the purpose of an eyewash station?
Eyewash stations are designed to flush the eye and face area only. There are combination units available that contain both features: a shower and an eyewash. The need for emergency showers or eyewash stations is based on the properties of the chemicals that workers use and the tasks that they do in the workplace.
What goes in eyewash station?
Portable eyewash stations — Portable eyewash stations contain water, saline solution or 100 percent sterile saline, which is maintained at room temperature inside the unit.
What is the eye wash station called?
Permanent: Permanently installed eyewash stations (also called plumbed stations) are connected to a source of potable water and can activate in one second or less.
Is an eye wash station PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses/goggles or respirators. PPE protects only the wearer. First Aid and Emergency Equipment. Eye washes, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits are used only after an accident or injury has occurred and should never be relied upon as a primary means of protection!
How often do eyewash stations need to be flushed?
Laboratory personnel are responsible for flushing the laboratory eyewash on a monthly basis and recording the date. Facilities Maintenance will ensure the eyewashes located in the corridors are flushed monthly. Eyewashes should be flushed for three minutes, or until the water is clear.
Why are eyewash stations green?
To prevent any severe eye damage should an accident occur, the industry standard is to use green LED lights next to the eyewash stations. When the eyesight is compromised, green is the last colour a person is able to differentiate, leading them to the life-saving eyewash station.
How long should you use eye wash station for?
a minimum 5-minute flushing time is recommended for mildly irritating chemicals, •at least 20 minutes for moderate-to-severe irritants, •20 minutes for non-penetrating corrosives, and •at least 60 minutes for penetrating corrosives.
How long should you use an eyewash station?
Fifteen Minutes
Flush for a Full Fifteen Minutes Continue Flushing your eyes for a full 15 minutes. The temperature in an ANSI compliant eyewash will be between 60 and 100 degrees fahrenheit so that you will comfortably be able to continue flushing for the entire period of time.
What is an emergency eyewash?
Emergency eye wash equipment is used to drench or flush the eyes with water when dust, irritants, or chemicals enter the eye. The term is sometimes written as one word, eyewash. These devices are sometimes referred to as “eye wash fountains”.
How do you change the water in a eyewash station?
How to Refill a Self-Contained Eyewash Station
- Drain all the water from the tank.
- If possible, remove the spray heads and any tubing so they can be cleaned.
- Clean the exterior of the unit, and then use a soft brush, mild soap and warm water to clean the inside.
- Drain the wash water and rinse thoroughly.
When should I use an eyewash station?
Use the emergency eye wash immediately if your eyes are exposed to a hazardous chemical. The first few seconds after exposure to a hazardous chemical (especially a corrosive chemical) are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may result in irreparable eye damage.
What is the purpose of the eyewash and safety shower?
An emergency eyewash and safety shower station are essential equipment for every laboratory that uses chemicals and hazardous substances. Emergency eyewash and safety shower stations serve the purpose of reducing workplace injury and keeping workers away from various dangers.