![]() ![]() ![]() This unit is also appropriate in work areas where detailed information about the hazards is lacking, or where complex, hazardous operations involve many chemicals with different properties. It is the most protective device and should be used wherever possible. In these areas, an emergency shower may be more appropriate.Ī combination unit has the ability to flush any part of the body or all of the body. In other situations the worker may risk part or full body contact with dangerous substances. Therefore, an eyewash station may be the appropriate device for worker protection. In some jobs or work areas, the effect of a hazard may be limited to the worker’s face and eyes. The selection of protection - emergency shower, eyewash or both - should match the hazard. A job hazard analysis can provide an evaluation of the potential hazards of the job and the work areas. The need for emergency showers or eyewash stations is based on the properties of the chemicals that workers use and the tasks that they do in the workplace. There are combination units available that contain both features: a shower and an eyewash. Eyewash stations are designed to flush the eye and face area only. They should not be used to flush the user’s eyes because the high rate or pressure of water flow could damage the eyes in some instances. Note: The total amount of water in self-contained systems should exceed the volume required to deliver water at the recommended flow rates and flushing times.Įmergency showers, also known as drench or deluge showers, are designed to flush the user’s head and body. A physician familiar with procedures for treating chemical contamination of the eyes and body should be consulted. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after first aid has been given. In all cases, if irritation persists, repeat the flushing procedure. Penetrating corrosives require longer water flushing (a minimum of 60 minutes) than non-penetrating corrosives (a minimum of 20 minutes). Penetrating corrosives, such as most alkalies, hydrofluoric acid and phenol, enter the skin or eyes deeply. Most acids are non-penetrating corrosives. Non-penetrating corrosives are chemicals which react with human tissue to form a protective layer which limits the extent of damage. – at least 60 minutes for penetrating corrosives. – 20 minutes for non-penetrating corrosives, and ![]() – at least 20 minutes for moderate-to-severe irritants, ![]() – a minimum 5-minute flushing time is recommended for mildly irritating chemicals, The flushing or rinsing time can be modified if the identity and properties of the chemical are known. However, other references recommend a minimum 20-minute flushing period if the nature of the contaminant is not known. This fact is why large amounts of water are needed. Water does not neutralize contaminants - it only dilutes and washes them away. For emergency showers and eyewash stations to be effective, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (ANSI Z358.1-2014) recommends that the affected body part must be flushed immediately and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes using a large supply of clean fluid under low pressure. ![]()
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