All employees who might be exposed to chemical splashes shall be
instructed in the location and proper usage of emergency shower units for
immediate and thorough washing of the affected areas. Because some chemicals,
even in small amounts, can irritate or damage the body upon contact, affected
areas should be flushed with water as soon as possible, for at least 15-30
minutes to be sure there is no residue of the corrosive liquid. In the event
of a major spill of a chemical, simply stand under the shower and activate
the emergency shower device. IN the case of a corrosive liquid spill, employees
should remove the affected portion of clothing to reduce potential contact.
Removal of clothing should be done while the individual is under the activated
emergency shower. After thorough washing, notify the department supervisor
or area manager. Follow-up medical care needs to be provided as soon as possible,
at the Student Health Services facility or Watauga County Medical Center
Emergency Room. Departments need to complete appropriate Workers' Compensation
forms and forward them to the Safety & Workers' Compensation Office.
Emergency shower units installed in campus locations must meet current
ANSI 358.1 standards and deliver tepid water to users. Emergency shower
units are required to be located in accessible locations on the same
level as the hazard, within 10 seconds travel distance and not more
than 75 feet of where toxic chemicals are used. A hand held drench
hose or personal eyewash station can be installed in laboratory or
shop areas as a supplement, not a substitute, for safety showers.
Devices must be identified with a highly visible sign and the area
well lighted. Manual or automatic control valves must be easy to locate
and readily accessible to users. When activated, flushing fluid must
remain "on" without requiring use of the operator's hands.
Control valves must remain activated until intentionally shut off.
Devices must be routinely inspected and maintained in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions. Devices must be activated (tested) weekly
to verify proper operation. The Department of Energy recommends eyewash
devices be flushed for at least 3 minutes each week to insure proper
operation and to prevent formation of rust. Devices must also be inspected
annually to assure compliance with ANSI Z358.1 maintenance and testing
requirements. Inspections and tests shall be performed by department
supervisors or area managers. Testing must be documented that includes
the date tested and the initials of the person conducting the test.
Employees are strongly encouraged to report problems with eyewash
devices located in their area to their supervisors as soon as possible.
Defective or inoperable devices must be repaired as soon as possible.
Contact the Safety & Workers' Compensation Office at Extension
4007 if you have questions concerning this notice.
Revised 11/2/2001
