Plumbed eyewashes, eye/face washes “...should be activated on a weekly basis long enough to sure flushing fluid is provided” according to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1 5.5.2-- 2004.
Eyewash should meet the following requirements:
- Unit should activate within one second and remain open
- Stream should be cold/tepid water only (<100 degrees F)
- Flushing streams should rise to approximately equal heights and be non-injurious to the user
- Flushing fluid should be clear and visibly free from foreign particles
- Water nozzles should have dust covers that automatically fall off with activation
Some problems which can occur with the eyewash:
- Nozzles are clogged or broken
- Activating valve is inoperable
- Improper water pressure (either too high or low)
- Foreign particles in bowel or basin
- Nozzle dust covers not installed or broken
- Stagnant water in lines can contain microbial hazards
Gravity-Feed Eye Wash Stations (device which contains its own flushing fluid) must be replaced or refilled after use and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. It should contain enough fluid for 15 minutes of continuous flow. Please replenish any fluid lost in the test and replace any fluid which is beyond its expiration date.
Note: Laboratory personnel should only flush their eyewash if it is located within the laboratory and has conveniently located drainage or water containment/clean-up equipment supplies (mop and bucket, wet vacuum cleaner). However, if the laboratory does not have an eyewash station and relies on a station located in a hallway, laboratory personnel should activate the station on a weekly basis.
Before flushing please evaluate your eyewash station for the following:
- Does the eyewash drain into the sink
- Does the eyewash drain into a basin which drains to a sink or floor drain
- Does the eyewash drain into a basin which drains onto the floor without a drain
If there is no drain on the floor then a bucket and mop will be needed. The bucket should be able to contain 30 seconds of flow. Flow rates will vary: 0.4 gal/min for an eyewash and 3.0 gal/min for a facewash.
Actions:
- Activate the eyewash and flow fluid until it runs clear and clean.
- Close the activation valve, wipe and dry the nozzles with a clean cloth and replace the dust caps on the nozzles.
- Record the test on the log.
- If problems occur contact Service2Facilities (292-4357) for assistance
Note: Environmental Health and Safety does not recommend testing safety showers no matter where the shower is located. Facilities, Operation, and Development (FOD) will test the showers annually.