STS USC po akald of Labor & Industries 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 ae eer) v Emergency showers y Drench hosesWhy are eyewash or emergency showers needed? 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 Eye damaged by injury. corrosive liquid Emergency showers can also be used effectively in extinguishing clothing fires or for flushing contaminants off clothing.The following types of chemicals require emergency washing equipment: Corrosives — yv destroy living tissue y includes acids and caustics yv includes chemicals with pH less than 2.5 or more than 11 Strong Irritants - Darel m- lam alitlanaat-1tele aie 1a point of contact Toxic Chemicals — v are absorbed through the skin and cause ill health effects v includes pesticidesTypical areas where emergency washing equipment is needed Chemical loading stations Chemical plants Laboratories Chemical mixing areas Pesticide mixing & loading stationsTypical chemicals needing emergency washing equipment 1 }I-¥-CerA Chlorine gas Formaldehyde Industrial cleaning Allacide chemicals Sodium hydroxide Boiler chemicals Anhydrous ammonia (gas) Stole NIN) Aqueous ammonia Many pesticides For other chemicals, check material safety data sheets for chemical properties and eyewash recommendations.Metal parts cleaning a . Emergency washing equipment may be needed, depending on idat-mogt—na)(e-] 6 Check the product MSDS to see if it is Cole} xe}-1h el mmol dala U3 damaging to the eyes or skin.Dip Tanks & Plating Shops == = 7 Dip tanks and plating = il = came tanks often contain , WA Come ete or as Eyewashes and Yolaat=ia galt) 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.Closed Containers Closed Systems Container Splash Guards pesticide closed mixing system Container Pumps - eliminates ——>| hand pouringChemically Resistant Gloves The type of glove required depends on the kind of chemical. The following are recommended for most chemicals: Neoprene Butyl ave) Nita Latex - only for corrosivesGoggles and Face Shields Goggles are required when Face shields are recommended for handling corrosive liquids 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 iit com =t-lan ied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. Sa Poor housekeeping and improper glove care resulting in chemical getting inside these gloves. ——— >Emergency Washing Regulations WI = Found in the Core Rules - SAFETY & WAC 296-800-150(First Aid) HEALTH Core Rules = ANSI Z358.1-1998 - Emergency Eyewash & Shower Equipment: Daa X—i-1g-1ale-(e a dat v If you follow ANSI, you will comply with WAC Rule y Most eyewash and emergency showers meet ANSI standard 6 ® e 6 g S @ ® =oGeneral Requirements Where emergency washing facilities are needed, they must be readily available and accessible 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. sa 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 both eyes 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 Folate lavacy Ae. ta 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 Eyewashes Most 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 ULI Visieiga]e—To TeV p aM Ua lect g lem Th MRI gL 1K) faucet-mounted eyewashes that meet ANSI 1. Turnon standards. water These units should only be used only with Lae) cool or warm water to prevent scalding.Emergency Showers e Required if there is a potential for substantial portions of the body to come into contact with corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals. e Must provide 20 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes. e 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 ate 1ecm Must provide 3 gallons per minute ole eoM ia ale lacie Are useful for small spills on (aug oe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 CAT oe 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 allelic A short training for all at-risk workers should be done — where equipment is located and how to Sea a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. ener Were uo me aPotable water = “Potable” means meeting drinking \\ Vf 1e-lmei =] ale fone h-9 = Some workplace or well water is not fit od for drinking = Emergency washing facilities not using potable water must have signs stating that the water is non-potable NON-POTABLE WATEREmergency Washing Equipment Citations Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 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. Ini.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/EmergencyWash/default.asp For additional assistance, you can call one of our consultants. Click below for local L & | office locations: http://www. Ini.wa.gov/wisha/consultation/regional_consultants.htm