Best Practices When Procuring, Placing and Maintaining Your Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Showers.

What is OSHA guidelines for eyewash & How often does OSHA require eyewash inspection?

2023年4月29日

Precautions for installing eyewash and safety shower

2023年5月9日

Published by runwangdaadmin on 2023年4月29日

Tags

Emergency eyewash and shower stations are critical safety equipment that can help prevent serious eye and skin injuries in the workplace. These stations should be properly procured, placed, and maintained to ensure they are readily available and in proper working condition in case of an emergency. In this article, we will discuss best practices for procuring, placing, and maintaining emergency eyewash and shower stations.

Procuring Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Showers:

When procuring emergency eyewash and shower stations, it is important to consider the following:

Compliance with OSHA and ANSI Standards:
The eyewash and shower stations should comply with the relevant OSHA and ANSI standards, including the location, water temperature, and flow rate requirements. These standards ensure that the equipment is effective and safe to use.
Type of Hazard:
The type of hazard in the workplace should be considered when selecting the appropriate eyewash and shower station. For example, corrosive chemicals require a different type of eyewash and shower station than non-corrosive substances.
Location of the Station:
The location of the station should be carefully considered to ensure it is easily accessible and within close proximity to the hazardous area. The station should be located in a well-lit, unobstructed area that is easily visible to employees.
Quality of the Equipment:
The quality of the equipment should be considered to ensure that it is reliable, durable, and easy to use. It is important to purchase equipment from reputable manufacturers to ensure it meets the necessary standards and requirements.

Placing Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Showers:

After procuring the emergency eyewash and shower stations, it is important to properly place them in the workplace. Consider the following:

Accessibility:
The eyewash and shower stations should be easily accessible to employees in the event of an emergency. They should be located within a 10-second walk of the hazardous area and on the same level as the hazard.
Clear Path of Travel:
There should be a clear path of travel to the eyewash and shower stations, free from any obstructions or obstacles. The path should be well-lit and easily identifiable.
Visibility:
The station should be clearly visible to employees and identified with appropriate signage. The signage should be legible and well-lit.
Proximity to Work Areas:
The eyewash and shower station should be located in close proximity to the hazardous area to reduce the time it takes for employees to reach the station.

Maintaining Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Showers:

Maintaining emergency eyewash and shower stations is critical to ensure they are in proper working condition when needed. Consider the following best practices for maintaining these stations:

Regular Inspection:
The eyewash and shower station should be inspected regularly to ensure it is in proper working condition. Perform weekly testing and flushing of the eyewash station to ensure that the water is clean and free of contaminants and that the equipment is functioning properly. Additionally, the eyewash station should be inspected monthly to ensure that all components, including the nozzles, valves, and drains, are working properly and that the water supply is free of any obstructions.
Maintenance:
Equipment maintenance should be performed as needed to ensure that the eyewash and shower station remains in proper working condition. This may include replacing worn or damaged components, cleaning the station, and ensuring that the water supply is properly connected and functioning.
Employee Training:
All employees should be trained on the location and proper use of the eyewash and shower station. This training should be provided during new employee orientation and refresher training should be provided as needed.
Documentation:
Documentation of all inspections, maintenance, and training should be maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and to identify any potential issues or maintenance needs.

Conclusion:

Emergency eyewash and shower stations are critical safety equipment in the workplace. Proper procurement, placement, and maintenance of these stations can help prevent serious eye and skin injuries. It is important to select equipment that meets the necessary standards and requirements, properly place the stations in the workplace, and regularly inspect and maintain the equipment to ensure it is in proper working condition when needed. By following these best practices, employers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.