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Issue link: https://digital.thesafetymag.com/i/358706
November 2013 25 Even hair salons, garden centres and home goods centers require eyewash facilities due to the presence of poten- tially harmful chemicals. SELECTING THE BEST UNIT A garden hose or 45-gallon drum of water is no substitute for a proper emergency eyewash or shower — though there have been reports of these and other makeshift safety equipment in workplaces. Approved devices come in two main categories: plumbed and portable. It is good practice to select a plumbed model whenever possible, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) in Hamilton. But these models do have their limitations, it says. With plumbed systems, the eye- fl ushing fl uid is tap water, which is plentiful but may contain chlorine, which can irritate and leach salt from the eye. Also, if allowed to build up in the pipes or lines, tap water may contain harmful microorganisms or other contaminants, which is why these units require weekly fl ushing. Plumbed emergency eyewash stations should use water that is periodically tested and treated to remove chemical contaminants, says CCOHS. Portable eyewash stations contain water, saline solution or 100 per cent sterile saline (which mimics, as closely as possible, the composition of human tears). The fl uids are maintained at room temperature inside the unit. To be compliant, portable models should be able to deliver the same volumes of water as plumbed models, as specifi ed in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1-2009 on emergency eyewash and shower equipment. (Currently there is no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eyewash stations or emergency showers, so the ANSI standard is generally used as a guide). Self-contained portable devices should be cleaned, disinfected and fl ushed every three to six months, as directed by the manufacturer. Fluid past its expiration date can develop harmful bacteria and, for salt-based fl uids, the salt starts to separate. LOCATION, LOCATION When installing the unit, check the manufacturer's instructions regarding height of the station, rate of fl uid fl ow and required spray pattern. As for where to install it, the 10-second access rule means the worker s houldn't have to climb a ladder, use a stairway or go outside into the garage to reach it. Employ- ers have been cited for placing these stations behind a partition, or even behind a closed or locked door. The path to the station must be short, clear and unobstructed. Once the emergency eyewash is installed, all workers must learn how to use it. Training should include both written instructions and a hands-on drill. In addition, clear instructions should be posted next to the unit at all times. If several people work in the same area with potential hazard exposure, more than one unit may be required. Conversely, if the worker is working alone, there should be an audible or visual alarm to alert others that the worker needs help. TEMPERATURE: JUST RIGHT A single drop of something in the eye is an unwelcome sensation, so imag- ine if that substance were very cold or scalding hot. ANSI recommends water at eyewash stations be "tepid," which it defi nes as between 16 C to 38 C. An emergency is no time for a distressed, temporarily blinded person to have to adjust temperature valves. "Unless you have a self-contained (portable) unit capable of a 15-minute fl ush that hangs on the wall and becomes room temperature, you may want your plumbed unit to have tepid water and to do this, you need to have a proper mixing valve," Cousineau says. "And if it fails, it must fail to the cold rather than to the hot." In the event of hazard exposure, an eyewash unit can save a person from serious or even irreparable eye damage or blindness. "If you have chemicals that can cause injury to the eye, you need an eyewash (unit)," Cousineau says. "You know you have to have it, but hope you will never have to use it." Michelle Morra-Carlisle is a Toronto-based freelance writer. She can be reached at writemorr@yahoo.ca. becomes room temperature, you may want your plumbed unit to have tepid water and to do this, you need to have a proper mixing valve," Cousineau says. "And if it fails, it must fail to the In the event of hazard exposure, an eyewash unit can save a person from serious or even irreparable eye damage "If you have chemicals that can cause injury to the eye, you need an eyewash (unit)," Cousineau says. "You know you have to have it, but hope Toronto-based freelance writer. She can EMERGENCY EYEWASH STATION MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST Is the eyewash identifi ed by a highly visible sign? Is the area surrounding the eyewash station free of all obstructions? Is the unit free from sharp projections in the operating area of the unit? Is the eyewash easily activated? Are the nozzles equipped with protective covers? Are the covers removed by activation of the eyewash? Is the water fl owing from both eyepieces? Is the fl ow of water of equal height? Is the fl ow of water clear? Does th e water drain from the bowl/sink? Let's Party! Introducing the G1562 and G1562HTR portable eyewashes for rinsing the eyes, face, or body. With fifteen gallon capacity, both units are fully compliant with ANSI Z358.1 as an eyewash and have the unmatched durability of a keg. The G1562HTR is heated and insulated to endure sustained low or freezing temperatures over long periods of time. The first time in history a keg is synonymous with safety. Let's Party! Introducing the G1562 and G1562HTR portable eyewashes for rinsing the eyes, face, or body. With fifteen gallon capacity, both units fully compliant with ANSI Z358.1 as an eyewash and have the unmatched durability of a The G1562HTR is heated and insulated to endure sustained low or freezing temperatures over long periods of time. The first time in history a keg is synonymous with safety. Let's Party! Introducing the G1562 and G1562HTR portable eyewashes for rinsing the eyes, face, or body. With fifteen gallon capacity, both units are fully compliant with ANSI Z358.1 as an eyewash and have the unmatched durability of a keg. The G1562HTR is heated and insulated to endure sustained low or freezing temperatures over long periods of time. The first time in history a keg is synonymous with safety. Let's Party! Introducing the G1562 and G1562HTR portable eyewashes for rinsing the eyes, face, or body. With fifteen gallon capacity, both units are fully compliant with ANSI Z358.1 as an eyewash and have the unmatched durability of a keg. The G1562HTR is heated and insulated to endure sustained low or freezing temperatures over long periods of time. The first time in history a keg is synonymous with safety.