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Emergency Shower and Eyewash Station

Despite safety measures, exposure to potential workplace hazards such as chemical splash can occur. Receiving immediate and proper treatment following exposure can be key to minimizing serious injury. Emergency shower and eyewash stations help protect workers when an incident occurs.

Things to Consider

 

Emergency Shower and Eyewash DO’S AND DON’TS 

  • DO – Keep the pathway to the emergency shower and eyewash clear of obstructions. The area should be kept neat and easily accessible with at least 32 inches of clear space around the emergency shower and 6 inches clearance around an eyewash.
  • DO NOT – Keep electrical equipment near eyewashes and emergency showers
  • DO – Leave dust covers supplied with the eyewash in place. They prevent dust and debris from falling inside the eyewash heads and becoming projectiles when the unit is turned on
  • DO NOT – Use safety equipment for cleaning lab or shop equipment, personal objects, or for other non-emergency purposes
  • DO NOT- Remove any safety features attached to equipment, inspection tags or repair-required tags
  • DO – Test the emergency eyewash equipment weekly and prior to performing high-risk tasks

 

How to complete weekly testing

When testing an eyewash, let it run for 15 seconds, or until water is clear, if no drain is available place a catch basin under drain before activating.  

 

To use emergency eyewash

  • If possible, have someone call 911 while you are flushing eyes, if alone flush eyes first
  • Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes
  • While flushing hold the eyelids open and rotate the eyeballs in all directions to remove contamination
  • Call 911 after flushing is complete or go to the nearest medical treatment facility
  • If possible, bring the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical
  • Report the injury or exposure to EHS  801-581-6590

 

To use emergency shower

  • If possible, have someone call 911 while you are showering, if alone shower first
  • Immediately flush the affected area with copious quantities of water for at least 15 minutes
  • Protect the eyes from inadvertent contamination
  • Remove contaminated clothing, jewelry, and shoes
  • Don’t let modesty slow you down. Every second counts
  • Call 911 after showering is complete or go to the nearest medical treatment facility
  • If possible, bring the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical
  • Report the injury or exposure to EHS 801-581-6590

 

Remember, emergency showers and eyewashes are not a substitute for safe work practices. When there’s a possibility of a chemical splash, proper handling techniques must be used and personal protective equipment such as face shields, goggles, gloves and lab coats should be worn.

If your eye wash or emergency shower has not been inspected in the past year or you experience equipment problems contact EHS 801-581-6590.

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