Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety Search Results

Factsheets-FAQEmergShowersEyewashes

Emergency Showers & Eyewash Facilities

FAQEyewsh-Sftshower

Emergency washing facilities must be provided in any work area in which “chemical contact agents” are used. This includes corrosives, irritants, and chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin surface.
When chemical contact agents are present, departments are to provide suitable facilities within the work area for immediate emergency use, including an eyewash station and a deluge safety shower and/or drench hose station. Drench hoses may be used to supplement emergency washing facilities; however they may not be used as a substitute.
In addition, emergency washing facilities are not a substitute for appropriate personal protective equipment or safe laboratory practices.
In general, emergency showers and eyewashes must be located within 50 feet/10 seconds of the site of chemical contact agent use.

Eyewash Maintenance

Eyewashes must be inspected weekly and should be recorded in a log. Responsibility for inspections resides with the principal investigator or supervisor, but the inspections can be delegated to appropriately trained personnel. This is easily accomplished using a tag attached to or a small log posted next to the eyewash unit that contains the date and inspector’s initials. The inspector should verify the following items during an inspection:

  • The eyewash unit and immediate area should be free from trash, debris or other obstructions that prevent easy access in an emergency. Since the user will most likely be in pain and unable to see well, clear access is essential.
  • The equipment does not leak and all parts are in good working condition. Units not functioning properly should be reported to Facilities Operations.
  • The eyewash unit has water flow adequate to irrigate and flush both eyes simultaneously. The water should flow until all debris is flushed and the water runs clear. Activating the unit frequently also flushes out microorganisms that grow in the air/water interface that can lead to eye disease.

Eyewash Use

To wash eyes, activate the eyewash unit, hold both eyelids open with fingers from both hands, place the eyes into the stream of water, and roll the eyeballs so that flushing fluid will flow on all surfaces of the eyes and under the eyelids.
Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the amount of time required to flush the specific chemical from the eyes. If this is not possible or if the MSDS does not specify a time, rinse for at least 15 minutes. Seek appropriate medical attention as necessary.

Portable/Personal Eyewash Units

When activities involving the use of chemicals are not at a fixed location, self-contained portable units must be provided. Further, personal eyewash bottles must be provided where work with chemicals is too far from either a fixed location or portable unit and are to be used only as a stop-gap emergency measure until a fixed or portable unit can be reached.
Portable units and personal eyewash bottles must be checked to make sure they are clean, not contaminated with chemicals, and the solution in them has not expired. If the solution has expired or the container has been opened, the solution must be replaced.
Personal eyewash bottles should be kept in a clean bag since they are carried with the user when using chemicals.
Portable and personal units not meeting the above requirements should be reported to the area principle investigator or supervisor.

Safety Shower Maintenance

Safety showers are inspected at initial installation and annually afterwards by Facilities Operations, as well as by EH&S during laboratory inspections.

Safety Shower Use

To wash other body parts using the safety shower, activate the shower and place the contaminated body parts under the flow of water. Remove contaminated clothing to enable adequate decontamination. Flush for at least 15 minutes or as indicated by the MSDS.
Measures that help insure proper decontamination using a safety shower include either the installation of a privacy curtain around the shower, or having a curtain or blanket available near the shower that can be held if there is a need to remove clothing to allow for proper decontamination. Having an oversized garment such as a sweat suit available by the shower is also recommended so that alternate clothing is immediately available.

Training

The principle investigator or supervisor is responsible for providing instructions regarding the location and proper use of emergency washing facilities.

Getting Assistance

Additional information about emergency eyewash and safety shower requirements can be found in the:

EH&S personnel are available to evaluate work areas to determine the need for emergency washing facilities and make recommendations for the selection of an appropriate unit and installation location.

ohs-EmergencyWashing

Emergency Washing Facilities

Emergency washing facilities must be provided in any work area, including laboratories, in which the potential exists for an employee to be exposed to corrosives, strong irritants, toxic chemicals or any other potentially hazardous chemical or substance which can be absorbed through the eyes or skin. When these substances are present, an eyewash station must be present.

It might also be necessary to have an emergency deluge shower if the potential exists for major portions of an employee’s body to contact these substances.  Lastly, a drench hose may be useful for additional washing of the body, such as the extremities.  Note: A drench hose is considered a supplemental flushing device and does not meet the requirements of a shower or eyewash, but in many instances is invaluable for local flushing of the body in addition to or in place of an emergency washing facility.

In general, emergency showers and eyewashes must be located no more than fifty (50) feet and ten (10) seconds of the site of potential exposure to the hazardous substance. There must be no obstruction of the emergency washing facility, and it must be maintained in good operating order.

Eyewashes are to be activated weekly by the user to flush out excess mineral and sediment buildup and to ensure clear flowing water.  Most importantly, this weekly requirement ensures that the eyewash is functioning properly.  If your eyewash is not located near a sink or drain, use a bucket to collect the water if possible.  Emergency showers, on the other hand, are NOT to be activated by the user except in the case of an emergency.  Emergency washing facilities are tested yearly by Facilities to ensure proper functionality.

Occupational Health & Safety can evaluate your work area to determine the need for emergency washing facilities and recommend which kinds of emergency washing facilities are required and where they should be installed.

For routine repairs and maintenance on emergency washing facilities, complete on online service request through myFacilities or call 335-9000.  Examples of maintenance or repair situations may include missing/broken parts and mineral buildup in the nozzles which may impact flow.

Resources

Factsheet:  Emergency Washing Facilities: Determining Need and Location
Factsheet:  Emergency Washing Facillities: Specifications, Responsibilities & Training
Safety Policies and Procedures Manual: Eyewashes and Showers

Contact

WSU Pullman campus:

Tom Ebeling
335-0948
E-mail		 Shawn Ringo
335-5251
E-mail		 Sarah Greer
335-4360
E-mail

SSHInfoFacultyStaff

Responsibilities for the Safety and Health of Students and Employees

Enhancing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at WSU requires Faculty and Staff participation and engagement.

  • Be familiar with campus environmental health and safety policies, and programs that address potential hazards.
  • Inform and train students and employees on safety procedures.
  • Identify and correct hazards.
  • Ensure students and employees wear proper personal protective equipment when needed.
  • Inform students and employees of the location and operation of emergency equipment (deluge showers, eyewashes).
  • Instruct students and employees to report all accidents and injuries to their instructors, teaching assistants, or supervisors. For serious injuries, call 911.
  • Promptly investigate and report all accidents involving students or employees using the Incident Report Form.
  • When questions or concerns arise, call the appropriate university department for assistance.

Links for Faculty and Staff

Resources

SSHInfo4Students

Information for Students

Enhancing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at WSU requires Student participation and engagement.

Your Responsibilities for Safety and Health

To assure your safety while attending classes and working at WSU you should:

  • Follow environmental health and safety procedures given by the instructor or by your supervisor.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (i.e. closed-toe shoes, gloves, safety goggles).
  • Report hazards (i.e. frayed electrical cord) to instructors, supervisors, or the appropriate campus department.
  • Know first aid procedures; how to obtain treatment, location of first aid kits, and operation of emergency equipment (i.e. deluge showers, eyewashes, fire alarms).
  • Report all accidents and injuries to instructors or supervisors. Seek medical treatment when needed. For serious injuries, call 911.
  • When questions or concerns arise, ask your instructor or supervisor, or call the appropriate university department for additional assistance.

We want you to be safe and healthy while at WSU. Please contact us if you think we can be of any assistance in making this happen.

Links for Students

Resources

Factsheets

HTML versions are easy-to-read web page versions of the factsheets. PDF versions are ready-to-print documents which will print in landscape, duplexed mode, and will create a 2 or 3-fold pamphlet. Factsheets are available under the categories below.  Click on the category to expand or collapse the list of factsheets.

Agricultural Safety

Chemical Safety

Laboratory Safety

Internet Explorer icon Avian Flu Protection: Guide for Animal Care Staff, Lab Workers, and Field BiologistsInternet Explorer icon Animal Allergens: Nothing to Sneeze At

Internet Explorer icon Bloodborne Pathogens: Preventing Transmission

Internet Explorer icon Centrifuge Safety: High Speed Hazards

Internet Explorer icon Chemical Fume Hoods: Vital Ventilation

Internet Explorer iconCompressed Gas Cylinders: Safety Under Pressure

Internet Explorer icon Electrophoresis Power Supply Safety

Internet Explorer icon Emergency Showers and Eyewash Facilities

Internet Explorer icon Emergency Washington Facilities: Determining Need and Location

Internet Explorer icon Emergency Washing Facilities: Specifications, Responsibilities, and Training

Internet Explorer icon Laboratory Autoclaves: Care and Use

Internet Explorer icon Laboratory Inspections: Safer Processes, Products, and People

Internet Explorer icon Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers

Internet Explorer icon Laboratory Vacuum Pumps: Care and Use

Internet Explorer icon Needlesticks and Other Sharps Injuries: Prevention and Reporting

Internet Explorer icon Peroxidizable Chemicals: Safe Use and Handling

Internet Explorer icon Pipetting: Precision Without Pain

Internet Explorer icon Power Failure: Laboratory Procedures

Internet Explorer icon Ultraviolet Light in Laboratories: Sources and Hazards

Occupational Health & Safety

Public Health

III.B.2

Emergency Showers

  • Emergency showers are needed when there is potential for major portions of an employee’s body to contact corrosives, strong irritants, toxic or skin-absorptive chemicals (See SPPM 5.15 – Eyewashes and Safety Showers).
  • Emergency showers consist of a shower head controlled by a stay-open valve, operated by an approved control valve actuator, and capable of delivering water that cascades over the user’s entire body at no less than 75 liters per minute (20 gallons per minute) for at least fifteen minutes. Emergency showers are tested annually by Facilities Operations to ensure the valve is operating, all debris is removed from the system, and there is sufficient water flow. Unlike emergency eyewashes, laboratory personnel should not activate the emergency shower unless there is a true emergency in which water drenching of the entire body is required. Weekly testing of an emergency shower is NOT required of laboratory personnel. Facilities Operations use special equipment to capture and contain the large volumes of water dispensed from an emergency shower.
  • Where required, it should take no more than ten (10) seconds for laboratory personnel to reach the emergency shower AND the shower must also be present within fifty (50) feet of the potential hazard. *DO NOT BLOCK ACCESS TO THE EMERGENCY SHOWER. Perform routine self-inspections to ensure carts, boxes, and trash/waste are not impeding emergency shower access. Do not store items near emergency showers that would create an additional hazard in an emergency (e.g. chemicals and/or glassware stored around emergency showers can be broken in the course of the employee’s travel to or activation of the shower).
  • Every laboratory worker should be familiar with the location of all safety showers in the area and how to use them.
  • When used, remove contaminated apparel, flush contaminated area of body for fifteen (15) minutes or according to the safety data sheet or other available safety information and obtain medical attention.
  • The presence of an emergency shower does not replace the need for personal protective equipment.
  • For additional information, see Fact Sheets Emergency Washing Facilities-Determining Need & Location and Emergency Washing Facilities-Specifications, Responsibilities, & Training.” See alsoDOSH Directive 13.00 Emergency Washing Facilities.

III.B.1

Eyewash Stations

  • Emergency eyewash stations are needed when there is potential for an employee’s eye(s) to contact corrosives, strong irritants, toxic or skin-absorptive chemicals in the workplace (See SPPM 5.15 – Eyewashes and Safety Showers).
  • Flush the eyewash stations in your laboratory at least weekly by activating eyewash and dispensing water directly into a nearby drain or by collecting water in a bucket and pouring into a drain. Submit a MyFacilities work request or call Facilities Operations for at 335-9000 for eyewash maintenance. Common eyewash maintenance issues include missing/broken dust covers and clogged dispenser heads due to hard water, which results in increased water spray velocity that could be injurious to the eyes. Eyewash stations should provide a soft stream or spray of water no less than 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gallons per minute) for at least fifteen minutes.
  • Laboratory personnel must be able to reach eyewash stations and/or emergency showers within ten (10) seconds AND they must also be present within fifty (50) feet of the employee’s work station. *DO NOT BLOCK ACCESS TO THE EYEWASH STATION. Perform routine self-inspections to ensure carts, boxes, and trash/waste are not impeding eyewash access. Do not store items near eyewash stations that would create an additional hazard in an emergency (e.g. chemicals and/or glassware stored around eyewash stations can be broken during eyewash activation).
  • Because chemical splashes to the eyes may impair vision, laboratory workers should memorize the location and usage of all eyewash stations in their area. The presence of an emergency eyewash station does not replace the need for personal protective equipment.
  • When using an eyewash station, hold the eye lids open with your fingers and flush eyes for at least fifteen (15) minutes or according to the safety data sheet or available safety information.
  • Eyewash stations should be designed to meet the ANSI Z358.1 Standard. When actuated, the water delivery device should distribute water continuously without the activating trigger/panel having to be held in the “on” position or in the hand. This is to allow the injured person to use both hands to hold open the eyelids. Many laboratories on WSU campuses have drench hoses.  Drench hoses do not meet the ANSI Z358.1 Standard as an eyewash station. If the laboratory has a drench hose, the drench hose can be used as a supplemental washing device in case of an emergency; however, an ANSI Z358.1 approved eyewash should be installed as soon as possible.  Until installed, provisions should be made to always have two or more persons in the laboratory when working with chemicals that could damage the eye. One person can then assist the injured party by holding and directing the drench hose while the injured party is free to hold their eyelids open.
  • For additional information see the following Fact Sheets, Emergency Washing Facilities – Determining Need & Location, and Emergency Washing Facilities – Specifications, Responsibilities, & Training. See also DOSH Directive 13.00 Emergency Washing Facilities.

II.H

Signage And Labeling

Signage and labeling are important devices with which employees may be informed of hazardous conditions. Labels are required on containers of hazardous substances. Signs or placards are required on entrances to areas in which an employee may be subject to hazardous conditions.

1. Labels

  • Hazardous chemical labeling requirements are specified in OSHA and DOSH regulations.
    1. Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals shall be readable and shall not be removed or defaced. If the package or container is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential health or physical hazard, existing labels can be removed.
    2. WSU requires a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. As part of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, the Principal Investigator must develop a system for secondary labeling. The labeling system shall require hazardous chemical containers to be labeled with the following:
      1. Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) using either the chemical or common name, and
      2. Appropriate hazard warnings which give information about the relevant health and physical hazards of the chemical(s). This includes health effects information, such as information about organs most likely to be affected by the chemical(s).
  • Along with these requirements, it is good chemical hygiene practice and recommended that the date the chemical(s) was placed in the secondary container and the person’s name responsible for the container be provided on the label if more than one person will be working in the same laboratory work area and may not be in direct communication with the other laboratory workers and/or the container may include chemicals which will eventually become hazardous chemical waste. An exception is when the chemical will be used by the person who performed the transfer within his/her work shift.
    • If the secondary container is too small for a label, the label can be affixed to the container with a wire or affixed to the tray or shelf that holds the secondary container.
    • Using the form provided in the Chemical Hygiene Plan Guide the Principal Investigator or Supervisor must describe in detail, the secondary chemical labeling system used in their laboratory and the person responsible for ensuring the secondary labeling requirements are met.
    • Principal Investigators or Supervisors must provide information and training to laboratory employees with regards to the labeling system so employees are able to protect themselves from the hazards. Also, principal investigators or supervisors must inform non-laboratory personnel (e.g., maintenance workers, custodial personnel, etc.) entering their laboratory of the potential hazards that may be present. Information can be obtained from the labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). SDS received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals must be readily accessible to laboratory employees / workers while they are in the laboratory.
    • Contents of waste receptacles must be labeled following proper guidelines:
    • Described below are two secondary (or workplace) container labeling methods used on campus and the form to be used by the principal investigator to describe in detail, the secondary container chemical labeling system used in the laboratory and the person responsible for ensuring the secondary container labeling requirements are met:
      • The  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard diamond or the Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS) are commercially available labeling systems that use color coding and numeric ratings. When the NFPA or HMIS systems are used, employees must receive information and training on reading and using the system.
      • A blank label may also be used for secondary container labeling. It is recommended that the identity of the chemical (product identifier), the signal word (Danger for severe, Warning for less severe), the hazard statement(s), and pictogram(s) be placed on the label by consulting the original label or SDS.  In lieu of those four elements, the product identifier may be used along with words, pictures, symbols, or a combination thereof, that provide general information about the hazards and in conjunction with information and training, provide the employee with specific information regarding the  physical and health hazards of the chemical. More information on secondary container labels, including downloadable EH&S developed label templates, can be found on the page for Workplace Labels for Chemicals.
  • Secondary Labeling System description:
    Use the pdf file for Secondary Labeling System: Secondary Labeling System pdf file

2. Signage / Placards

  • A laboratory signage program has been implemented to improve worker protection, emergency response capabilities, and enhance security for laboratories. A sign holder is provided at the entrance to each laboratory requiring signage. Using the Laboratory Signage Program, the Principal Investigator develops a sign with the requested information and displays the completed sign at the entrance to the laboratory. The completed sign provides important information regarding emergency contact (Department Name, Location, Contact Number During Business Hours and Non-Business Hours), Area Hazards and Warnings, and Minimum Personal Protective Equipment Required Before Entry. For detailed information, contact EH&S at 335-3041.
  • Laboratory warning placards typically contain a general indication of the type of hazard associated with the laboratory. Specific regulatory standards require specific placards. If a specific regulatory standard requires a placard (e.g., Radiation Symbol, Laser Warning Sign, Biohazard Symbol, etc.), then the Laboratory Signage Program does not replace these placards

3. Stickers and Equipment Labels

  1. Emergency response telephone numbers (e.g., fire, police, ambulance, etc, – 911) should be posted on each telephone.
  2. Location signs should be posted for safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, exits, and other safety equipment.  Refrigerators and freezers are to be signed as “No Food or Drink” areas.
  3. Laboratory water faucets should be labeled as “non-potable” (not for drinking purposes). Per the Uniform Plumbing Code and the WSU Cross-Connection Control Program, the faucet labels shall state “CAUTION: NON-POTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK”. Laboratory safety showers and eyewash stations must also be labeled as containing non-potable water (Reference SPPM 5.15). Contact EH&S at 335-3041 for more information.
  4. Warning signs should be posted in areas or on equipment where special or unusual hazards exist.

manual-s3bwashing

Emergency Washing Facilities

– Specifications, Responsibilities, & Training (training / factsheets)

Emergency washing facilities (EWF), such as eyewashes and showers, are needed where employees may be exposed to corrosive, strong irritant, toxic, or skin-absorptive chemicals that could injure the eyes or body.

Specifications

EWF are designed to provide copious amounts of water to wash contaminants from the eyes and body and should meet the following specifications.

  • Installation meets manufacturer’s requirements including criteria for water pressure, flow rate, and system testing.
  • An on-off valve is capable of being activated in one second or less, remains open without the use of hands allowing personnel to use both hands to hold eyes open or remove clothing, and is capable of providing a water flow for at least 15 minutes.
  • Water is the appropriate temperature to ensure that user discomfort will not discourage proper use of the equipment.
  • Location is within the vicinity (no more than 50 feet) of the hazard, and it takes no more than 10 seconds to reach the EWF.

EWFs using water not fit for drinking have signs stating the water is “NONPOTABLE WATER”.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors / principal investigators are responsible for ensuring the equipment is in good working order. They should:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding operation, inspection, and maintenance of the EWF;
  • Activate the eye washes and drench hoses weekly to check the proper function of the valves, hardware and availability of water. The eyewash/drench hoses should be activated until the water is clear and any debris is removed.
  • Inspect the eyewash/drench hoses annually, including examination of the plumbing and ensuring water is available at the appropriate temperature, quality, and quantity. The water stream should be adequate to flush the eyes, face or other parts of the body at a velocity low enough to be noninjurious to the user.
  • Facilities Operations conducts annual inspection of emergency showers.
  • If self-contained eyewash equipment or personal eyewash units are used, they must be inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and annually inspected to check for proper operation. Self-contained systems must never hold expired fluids. Sealed personal eyewashes must be replaced after the manufacturer’s expiration date. Most manufacturers recommend replacing fluid in open self-contained eyewashes every six months and sealed containers are typically two years.
  • Keep emergency washing facilities free of obstacles, allowing access in the event of an emergency. It is recommended that highly visible signs be installed at each EWF. The area should have good lighting.
  • Provide personal protective equipment (e.g., chemical goggles, lab coats, long sleeve shirts, etc.) when there is the potential of chemical exposure to the eyes or body. The presence of EWF does not replace the need for personal protective equipment. Contact lenses do not provide protection f rom chemi c a l splashes but can be worn safely in combination with appropriate personal protective eyewear.
  • If electrical outlets are located within six feet of the EWF, ensure the outlets are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
  • Train employees/students in the proper use of the EWF.

Training

In areas where an EWF is available, employees and students must be trained, including:

  • Instructions on the location, proper use, and application of the EWF.
  • Instructions on rinsing the eyes, holding the eyelids open and rolling the eyeballs so flushing fluid flows on all surfaces of the eye and under the eyelid. If there is a drench hose but not an eyewash station, provisions should be made to always have two or more persons in the workplace when using chemicals that could damage the eyes. One person can then assist the injured by holding and directing the drench hose while the injured party is free to hold the eyelid open. Drench hoses provide support for emergency washing facilities; however, they do not replace them.
  • Instructions on reporting accidents and seeking prompt medical attention after flushing the eyes regardless of the severity of the injury.
  • Documentation of the training.

Additional Information

For more information regarding EWFs (plumbed, self-contained, and personal) or PPE, see additional brochures titled “Emergency Washing Facilities-Determining Need & Location?“, the Laboratory Safety Manual , SPPM S5.15 “Eyewashes and Safety Showers”, or SPPM S3.10 “General Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.”

Getting Assistance

If the plumbed EWF does not meet the specifications, contact Facilities Operations. If you need assistance or have questions regarding EWF or PPE, contact EH&S.

manual-s3bWashLocation

Emergency Washing Facilities

– Determining Need & Location (training / factsheets)

Emergency washing facilities

(EWF), such as eyewash, showers, or both, are needed where employees may be exposed to corrosive, strong irritant, toxic, or skin-absorptive chemicals that could injure the eyes or body. These facilities are designed to provide copious amounts of water to wash contaminants from the eyes and body.

Determining Need

Assess the workplaces to identify chemicals that could injure the eyes or get onto the body during the course of work. Observe work practices, interview workers and review sources of information, such as material safety data sheets (MSDS), written standard operating procedures (SOPs), or similar documents that may help determine if personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency washing facility are required.

Conduct assessments whenever new equipment, processes or chemicals are introduced or an injury or illness indicates the need.

Personal Protective Equipment

The availability of an EWF does not replace the need for PPE. Select PPE based on the types of hazards identified during the assessments, level of protection needed, fit and comfort.

Contact lenses do not provide protection from chemical splashes, but can be worn safely in combination with appropriate personal protective eyewear. For additional information, see EH&S fact sheet “Eye and Face Protection – The Eyes Have It” and SPPM S3.10, “General Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.”

EWF Types

Emergency washing facilities are either plumbed, self-contained, or personal units. Plumbed units are preferred where a clean water source is readily available. Self-contained units are effective where a water source is not readily available. Personal units are supplementary.

There are several types of units available. Plumbed unitsinclude:

  • eyewashes (a device to irrigate and flush the eyes),
  • eye/face washes (a device to irrigate and flush both the face and the eyes),
  • safety showers (an assembly of a shower head controlled by a stay-open valve and operated by an approved control valve actuator),
  • hand-held drench hoses (a single-headed emergency washing device connected to flexible hoses used to irrigate and flush the face or other parts of the body). If your workplace is equipped with a drench hose and no eyewash, the drench hose can be used in case of emergency; however, an ANSI approved eyewash should be installed as soon as possible. Until installation, provisions should be made to always have two or more persons in the workplace when using chemicals that could damage the eyes. One person can then assist the injured by holding and directing the drench hose while the injured party is free to hold open the eyelids. Drench hoses provide support for emergency shower and eyewash units, but they do not replace them, and cannot be used as a sole means of protection. However, a drench hose is useful when the spill is small and does not require an emergency shower and can be used with a shower for local rinsing, particularly on the lower extremities.
  • combination units (a combination of eyewash/shower or drench hose designed so all components operate individually).

Several self-contained units are also available:

  • Eyewash/safety showers in which the device contains its own flushing fluid and must be refilled or replaced after use. Self-contained systems must never hold expired fluids.
  • personal eyewash units with solution/ squeeze bottles (supplementary eyewash that supports plumbed units, s e lf – cont ained units, or both by delivering immediate flushing fluid for less than 15 minutes ) . They provide support for plumbed or self-contained eyewash units, but they do not replace them. They cannot be used as a sole means of protection. However, they are useful because they allow for quick flushing of the eyes when plumbed or self-contained units are not immediately available. Upon flushing, personnel should seek a plumbed or self-contained unit and thoroughly flush the eyes according to the MSDS or available information.

If an EWF is used to flush the eyes, prompt medical attention is important, regardless of the severity of the injury.
Getting Assistance
If an EWF is available, but you are not familiar with the specifications, responsibilities, and training, see separate fact sheet “Emergency Washing Facilities-Specifications, Responsibilities, and Training“, the Laboratory Safety Manual, or SPPM S5.15 “Eyewashes and Safety Showers”.

Getting Assistance

If an EWF is required but one is not available, contact your supervisor, departmental safety committee, or Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). EH&S provides EWF assessments and will work with supervisors and safety committees to ensure installation of an ANSI approved EWF.

For additional information, contact EH&S at 5-3041.