An emergency eyewash may go unused for long periods of time, but when an emergency occurs, it must function properly. The few seconds immediately following a chemical splash are often critical to minimizing eye damage. It’s extremely important that eyewash stations and showers are kept in proper working order; if they are not, the consequences could be serious.
An emergency eyewash should be located on the same level as chemical hazards, unobstructed, and within 10 seconds of reach. A plumbed eyewash (one that is connected to a water source) should be tested weekly.
Eyewashes have additional requirements:
- Eyewashes must supply a controlled flow of tepid water to both eyes simultaneously at a velocity low enough so as not to injure the user.
- Eyewashes must deliver at least 0.4 gallons/minute for 15 minutes at a minimum of 30 psi of flow pressure.
- Eyewashes must be large enough to provide room for the eyelids to be held open with the hands while the eyes are in the stream of water.
- If the eyewash nozzle has a protective cover, it should NOT require a separate action by the user to remove the cover and activate the wash.
- The water flow must remain on without requiring the use of the operator’s hands and remain on until it is intentionally shut off.
- The valve that provides water and the sink itself must be resistant to corrosion.
- The eyewash must be marked with signs.
