2008 Emergency Eyewash Testing Log Calendar

• Ensure access is unobstructed.
• Verify protective eyewash covers are properly positioned, clean, and intact.
• Check that bowl and spouts are clean and free of trash.
• Place a dishpan or bucket under the drainpipe to collect the water.
• Check that flow is effective and continuous by pressing the hand paddle.
  • Verify that protective eyewash covers come off when activated.
  • Check that water flows from both eyepieces.
  • Evaluate for adequate flow. The streams of water should cross.
  • Verify that flow continues until the paddle is moved to its resting position.
• Check that water drains from the bowl.
• Document the inspection date and initial.
• Some emergency eyewashes are designed to fold up against the wall and have no paddle to engage the water flow. These are activated immediately when you pull them down. To test this type, place a large plastic garbage can under the eyewash to collect the water and pull down on the eyewash. Do not worry about activating the shower; it has a separate pull handle.
• Report problems to O&M at 752-1655.

Training
Principal investigators are responsible for the initial and annual training of all laboratory workers in the proper use of an emergency eyewash and shower. This training must be documented as part of the laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. “Laboratory workers” are employees, faculty, students, volunteers and visitors. This SafetyNet may be used for training personnel in eyewash testing and use.

Use of the Emergency Eyewash

• Emergency eyewashes should be available in work locations where, during routine operations, the eyes or face of a laboratory worker may come into contact with any substance which can cause corrosion, severe irritation or permanent tissue damage or which is toxic by absorption.
  
• Every laboratory worker should be trained on the locations of emergency eyewashes in each building and area where they perform laboratory work.
  
• Every laboratory worker should be trained on how to use the emergency eyewashes in his or her work area. Most eyewashes have a paddle that activates flow when you lean on it pushing it forward and downward.
  
  Note some eyewashes are designed to fold up against the wall and have no paddle to engage the water flow. These folded style eyewashes are activated immediately when you pull them down (away from the wall).
  
  
  
• In the event of contact with a chemical or substance, emergency showers should be used for the immediate removal of chemical splashes and spills.
  
• Assist the exposed laboratory worker to the emergency eyewash. With chemicals in the eye(s) it is difficult to find the eyewash and the eyewash controls without assistance.
  
• Assist the exposed laboratory worker in holding open the eyelids during flushing with at the eyewash. With chemicals in the eye the eyelids have a natural tendency to close tightly. The eyelids need to be pried open and held open to allow the eyewash water to remove the damaging substance.
  
• Training on flushing of the eyes shall include instruction on holding the eyelids open and rolling the eyeballs so that flushing fluid will flow on all surfaces and in the folds surrounding the eyeball.
  
• The emergency eyewash and the emergency shower may be used simultaneously.
  
  Note: Drench hoses are not approved for use as eyewashes.

Use of the Emergency Shower

• Emergency showers should be available in work locations where, during routine operations, a laboratory worker may come into contact with any substance which can cause corrosion, severe irritation or permanent tissue damage or which is toxic by absorption.
  
• Every laboratory worker should be trained on the locations of emergency showers in each building and area where they perform laboratory work.
  
• Every laboratory worker should be trained on how to use the emergency showers in their work areas.
  
• In the event of contact with a chemical or substance, emergency showers should be used for the immediate removal of chemical splashes and spills.
  
• Emergency showers should be used for extinguishing clothing fires.
  
• Emergency showers are operated by placing the exposed laboratory worker(s) under the showerhead and pulling firmly downward on the shower handle. This starts a continuously flowing deluge shower.
  
• Often chemicals and other substances that can do harm on contact with the body are completely or partially on laboratory coats or other clothing. This often provides a protection early in the process and poses its own hazard later in the process. For example, if the hazardous substance splashes on a laboratory coat then the coat may be removed before the substance actually contacts the skin. However, if the coat is not removed then the substance may soak through the clothing and the coat actually holds the hazardous substance against the skin thus inflicting greater damage. It is advised to remove contaminated clothing, including shoes. Be willing to assist any exposed individuals with clothing removal if that is the individual’s wish. Clean lab coats and fire blankets may be used to cover the person for warmth and modesty.
  
• Seek medical advice and attention. While the exposed worker remains under the shower a laboratory coworker should contact Employee Health (757-3200), Student Health (752-2300) or the Sutter Davis Hospital Emergency Room (757-5111) and seek advice on how long the exposed laboratory worker(s) should remain under the shower before leaving to seek medical attention and discuss the various options for transportation (e.g. ambulance). If unable to obtain this information in a timely manner then the standard rule of thumb is to remain under the shower for 15 minutes. Always seek prompt medical attention after using an emergency eyewash and/or shower.
  
• Emergency showers will continue to flow until purposeful steps are taken to stop the flow. Grabbing the shower handle and firmly pushing upward on this handle should stop the flow of water.