Safety Shower & Emergency Eye Wash Drills

Eyewash and Safety Shower Testing

Questions and Answers

Q: I know that REM checks my eyewash annually during the summer, but how do I know that my eyewash is working any other time that I might need it?

A: The American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI Z358.1-2004, states, "Plumbed equipment shall be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available." A note further states, "The intent is to ensure that there is a flushing fluid supply at the head of the device and to clear the supply line of any sediment build-up that could prevent fluid from being delivered to the head of the device and minimize microbial contamination due to sitting water."

Q: How do I check my eyewash if the eyewash drains directly onto the floor without a floor drain?

A: Eyewashes can be modified by your zone plumber to accommodate a 5-gallon bucket under the eyewash drainpipe. Turn in a work request with a departmental number or contact your building deputy to initiate the work.

Q: What if I find that the eyewash is not operating properly?

A: Turn in a work request with a departmental number or contact your building deputy to initiate the work. You should indicate "High Priority - emergency eyewash out of service" if your eyewash is not functioning.

Q: Can REM check my eyewash for me weekly?

A: Sorry, REM does not have the resources. It is the responsibility of the persons working in the laboratory or shop to weekly check the eyewash.

Q: Are there situations where I would want to check my eyewash more frequently than once a week?

A: In situations where you are working with very corrosive chemicals with high splash potential, a daily check would be advisable.

Q: You've only mentioned eyewashes, should I check my safety shower as well?

A: Yes! The ANSI code requiring eyewashes to be checked weekly also requires safety showers to be inspected weekly.

Q: How do I inspect the shower without flooding the lab?

A: This is a two-person operation. One person will position them self within arms reach of the manual shutoff valve located in the water piping leading to the safety shower. A ladder is sometimes necessary to get within reach. Test the manual valve for ease of opening and closing BEFORE testing the shower. If you cannot operate this manual shutoff valve, do not test the shower because the shower's release valve sometimes sticks in the open position. This is especially true with the pull-chain valve.

The second person will position them self under the shower and prepare to operate the pull valve. This is not the same as the manual valve. The pull valve is intended to operate the shower; turn it on or off. The manual shutoff valve is intended to shut off the water supply to the shower during maintenance and servicing. The second person standing beneath the shower places a five-gallon bucket under the showerhead to enclose it. Now, pull the shower release valve. The shower will gush water into the bucket at a rate of 20 gallons per minute. If chain operated, release the chain quickly. If lever operated, push the lever back up. The shower should shut off before the bucket is full. With a pull-chain valve, if the shower's self-closing valve sticks open and water does not stop flowing into the bucket, the first person at the manual shutoff valve must immediately close the manual shutoff valve. The same goes with the lever valve, but these are typically much more reliable.

Lastly, if the shower's self-closing valve sticks open and the shower has to be shut off manually, the shower and very likely the eyewash will be out of service. OSHA requires a functioning eyewash if using corrosive material or harmful substances to the eyes. A work order with your proper departmental account number must be immediately turned into the Work Control Center at 49-49999. Mark the work request with "High Priority - emergency shower out of service" and describe the work that needs to be performed. If possible, replace the pull-chain valve with a more reliable ball valve equipped with a rigid pull-down lever. These valves allow the shower to turn on and remain on until the lever is pushed back up, thus closing the valve.

Things to keep in mind when using a safety shower:

• It is always a good idea to know exactly where the shower's water shut-off valve is located. If the unit is ever used and does not shut itself off, the shut-off valve will be needed.
• It is not a very good idea to place any electrical equipment near the unit. It may cause

  serious injury or even death due to electrical shock.

• If your clothing is contaminated with chemicals, remove them before getting under the shower. The chemicals will stay on the body longer if the clothing is not removed.
• Continue under the shower for 15 minutes before seeking medical attention. More...

Install/Test a Safety Shower or Eyewash

Safety showers and eyewashes should be accessible within 10 seconds travel time and no greater than 50 feet from areas where hazardous materials are used. Locate them closer if your lab is using concentrated acids or bases or large quantities of hazardous materials. The Safety Program recommends installing safety showers near a doorway or in an aisle away from lab hoods and electrical equipment. Once a week, check that there is nothing blocking access to the safety shower or eyewash. If the equipment is blocked, it will be difficult if not impossible to use during an emergency.

Safety Training Courses:

Safety Showers and Eye Washes DVD Programs

Eyewash/Safety Shower Information

Eyewashes & Safety Showers are a vital piece of emergency response equipment in any laboratory using hazardous chemical or biological materials. This is because:

• The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance, especially a corrosive substance, are critical.
• Accidents can still occur even with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls.
• Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may exacerbate serious injury.
• Safety showers and eyewash stations provide immediate in-laboratory decontamination by allowing staff to flush contaminated clothing or skin with copious amounts of fluid.

Locate your nearest eyewash and safety shower – you should be able to reach it within 10 seconds even with your eyes closed. There should also be highly visible signage at the eyewash or safety shower.